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'll sew these eyes. You'll peel them back.
We'll frame these words. Oh dear I just need some time.
You've earned the right.
You've earned the right to know
Why I need this time away.
And you need to feel right.
Fool yourself, surprise your friends.
Raise a toast to everything we once had.
I'm still afraid to be alone.
You found me out.
I need this time to breathe.
Give me space, I'll give you me.
In time we'll sort this out.
I'll keep this secret safe with me.
I know you've earned the right.
Kill yourself, surprise your friends.
Raise a toast to everything we once had.
We'll frame these words. Oh dear I just need some time.
You've earned the right.
You've earned the right to know
Why I need this time away.
And you need to feel right.
Fool yourself, surprise your friends.
Raise a toast to everything we once had.
I'm still afraid to be alone.
You found me out.
I need this time to breathe.
Give me space, I'll give you me.
In time we'll sort this out.
I'll keep this secret safe with me.
I know you've earned the right.
Kill yourself, surprise your friends.
Raise a toast to everything we once had.
Lyrics submitted by Inoue versus Date
The Song I Swore to Never Sing Lyrics as written by Erik Hughes Chris Hughes
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
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This song is apparently the only love song that "slipped onto the record", according to Kenny when I saw them live. He said he intended for the cd to have no love songs but this one got on it. Not sure exactly what its about.