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.
We did what we could
To save this house from falling
But it burns because it's wood
And now you'll never call me darling
I coughed your name
I smoked all day
And I slept myself sleepy
I was sleeping it away
Don't let it burn
Don't get confused
Don't let it get to you
We did what we could
To save this car from crashing
Your pretty face is soaked in blood
You know, I still find you dashing
Airbag suffocates
You need a little space
The rain on the windshield
I watched you limp away
Doesn't it have to hurt?
Don't get confused
Don't let it bother you
Don't try to call
You'll lose it all
You get used to her bad news,
It's just bad news
To save this house from falling
But it burns because it's wood
And now you'll never call me darling
I coughed your name
I smoked all day
And I slept myself sleepy
I was sleeping it away
Don't let it burn
Don't get confused
Don't let it get to you
We did what we could
To save this car from crashing
Your pretty face is soaked in blood
You know, I still find you dashing
Airbag suffocates
You need a little space
The rain on the windshield
I watched you limp away
Doesn't it have to hurt?
Don't get confused
Don't let it bother you
Don't try to call
You'll lose it all
You get used to her bad news,
It's just bad news
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Brilliant band, indeed.