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.
Well my heart has fallen down
Thought I'd talked myself around
But to be myself completely I've just got to let you down
Well I knew I'd say goodbye
Though it's not my time to cry
And forever and for no one I will let it all go by
And to be myself completely I've just got to say goodbye
Z-list star in a hundred grand garrett
The ladies say 'Hey baby, you've earned it!'
I'm not so sure, I toured the land
You could call it work if you count the band
Still your voice calls out to me
Escort me to the harmony
I'm not sure what I will be
Find me in a bitter sweet hello
Well my heart has fallen down
Thought I'd talked myself around
Though we say goodbye and wonder
What's to know and who's to blame
But to be myself completely I will love you just the same
Thought I'd talked myself around
But to be myself completely I've just got to let you down
Well I knew I'd say goodbye
Though it's not my time to cry
And forever and for no one I will let it all go by
And to be myself completely I've just got to say goodbye
Z-list star in a hundred grand garrett
The ladies say 'Hey baby, you've earned it!'
I'm not so sure, I toured the land
You could call it work if you count the band
Still your voice calls out to me
Escort me to the harmony
I'm not sure what I will be
Find me in a bitter sweet hello
Well my heart has fallen down
Thought I'd talked myself around
Though we say goodbye and wonder
What's to know and who's to blame
But to be myself completely I will love you just the same
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Right. He's a musician, he travels a lot, he cannot commit to a relationship. In order to "be himself" he must say goodbye, let her down, end the relationship.