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.
You make it beautiful, friend
You make it worth it, to the end
You put a hole in my head
Just like you put a fire in the tree
Ever since dawn
Ever since when
You put the note in my pocket again
And you said you wanted to meet me at three
I was invited for once
Yes I was invited for once
You make it difficult, friend
You make it worth it, to the end
You put a hole in our heads
Just like you put a fire in the tree
Ever since dawn
Ever since three
We made the plans at your party to be
And we tied the ribbon beside your back tree
Yes we tied it upside down
Yes we tied it upside down
You make it worth it, to the end
You put a hole in my head
Just like you put a fire in the tree
Ever since dawn
Ever since when
You put the note in my pocket again
And you said you wanted to meet me at three
I was invited for once
Yes I was invited for once
You make it difficult, friend
You make it worth it, to the end
You put a hole in our heads
Just like you put a fire in the tree
Ever since dawn
Ever since three
We made the plans at your party to be
And we tied the ribbon beside your back tree
Yes we tied it upside down
Yes we tied it upside down
Lyrics submitted by calvins_hobbies
Opie's Funeral Song Lyrics as written by Sufjan Stevens
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think the line "you put a hole in my head" refers to the feeling of loss and shock felt after someone dies. Even if you don't know them well, it's still hard to deal with, you feel terrible and have difficulty thinking straight.
A great song, essential listening for any Sufjan fan. The instrumentals are reminiscent of Casimir Pulaski Day.