So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
L.A. lights
Never shine quite as bright as in the movies
Still wanna go?
'Cause something here
In the way, in the way that we're constantly moving
Reminds you of home
So you're taking these pills for to fill up your soul
And you're drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And I'd be inclined to be yours for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that you're making
But me, I'm the catalyst
When you say love, hmm
Is a simple chemical reaction
Can't say I agree
'Cause my chemical, yeah, yeah
Left me a beautiful disaster
Still love's all I see
So I'm taking these pills for to fill up my soul
And I'm drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And you'd be inclined to be mine for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that I'm making
But you, you're the catalyst
And you'll be the vein, you'll be the pain
You'll be the scar
You'll be the road, rolling below
The wheels of a car
And all of my thoughts on
God, don't know if I'm strong enough now
You'll be the vein, you'll be the pain
You'll be the
Catalyst
These L.A. Lights, no no
They don't shine quite as bright as back in Frisco
Do you wanna go?
Still wanna go
Never shine quite as bright as in the movies
Still wanna go?
'Cause something here
In the way, in the way that we're constantly moving
Reminds you of home
So you're taking these pills for to fill up your soul
And you're drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And I'd be inclined to be yours for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that you're making
But me, I'm the catalyst
When you say love, hmm
Is a simple chemical reaction
Can't say I agree
'Cause my chemical, yeah, yeah
Left me a beautiful disaster
Still love's all I see
So I'm taking these pills for to fill up my soul
And I'm drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And you'd be inclined to be mine for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that I'm making
But you, you're the catalyst
And you'll be the vein, you'll be the pain
You'll be the scar
You'll be the road, rolling below
The wheels of a car
And all of my thoughts on
God, don't know if I'm strong enough now
You'll be the vein, you'll be the pain
You'll be the
Catalyst
These L.A. Lights, no no
They don't shine quite as bright as back in Frisco
Do you wanna go?
Still wanna go
Lyrics submitted by thegirlmostlovely, edited by Elluna
Catalyst Lyrics as written by Anna Nalick
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song means so much to me. It's probably my favorite off the album. I think maybe its about two people in a realationship that are very attracted to each other and love each other but bring out the worst sides in one another, maybe because of issues that remind them of home "In the way, in the way that we’re constantly moving Reminds you of home"
its an amazing song.