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.
My eyes are dry my hands are tied
There's nothing I can say
If you feel the need to go
I won't stand in your way
Sit and think drown and drink
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
Fate has played his hand is cruel
There ain't nothing I can do
You say you lost your love for me
Me my love for you
Sit and cry say goodbye
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
When you're lying in his arms
Think of me and go
The choice you made ain't free and clear
It cost me a heavy toll
Sit and think drown and drink
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
There's nothing I can say
If you feel the need to go
I won't stand in your way
Sit and think drown and drink
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
Fate has played his hand is cruel
There ain't nothing I can do
You say you lost your love for me
Me my love for you
Sit and cry say goodbye
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
When you're lying in his arms
Think of me and go
The choice you made ain't free and clear
It cost me a heavy toll
Sit and think drown and drink
Sing this sad sad song
You can bring me flowers baby
When I'm dead and gone
Lyrics submitted by cristinaish
You Can Bring Me Flowers Lyrics as written by Ray Lamontagne Ethan Johns
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I never got the civil war vibe. Just a guy bitter and retaliating against the woman who cheated. He's letting her know what it's done and that someday she will regret it. She won't be able to do anything about it until he's dead and gone. Flowers would be a sign of apology but he doesn't want one- it's over for him!
I can't help but tap (at least) when I hear this song, such an awesome beat!