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.
I see you by the water
Your toes dipped in the sand
I thought that it was over
I thought you'd understand
But the feeling is returning
Though time has made us change
And I understand if you don't
Wanna talk to me about it
Tonight
Oh, tonight
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
Time was overtaking me
And I guess I was confused
They were all inviting me
But I wish I had refused
'cause I'd been there before
And I've seen it all
And I believe in you
And if you never had my heart
I would've never called you back
At the start that night
And I want you to know
That I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of what you're turning into
Blue-eyed sun shines on me
In the morning
Can't help but feel a little cold
Thinking of you
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of what you're turning into
No, don't be afraid
Don't be afraid
'cause I see the light
'cause I see the light
'cause I see the light surrounding you
Your toes dipped in the sand
I thought that it was over
I thought you'd understand
But the feeling is returning
Though time has made us change
And I understand if you don't
Wanna talk to me about it
Tonight
Oh, tonight
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
Time was overtaking me
And I guess I was confused
They were all inviting me
But I wish I had refused
'cause I'd been there before
And I've seen it all
And I believe in you
And if you never had my heart
I would've never called you back
At the start that night
And I want you to know
That I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of what you're turning into
Blue-eyed sun shines on me
In the morning
Can't help but feel a little cold
Thinking of you
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of something new
'cause I see the light surrounding you
So don't be afraid of what you're turning into
No, don't be afraid
Don't be afraid
'cause I see the light
'cause I see the light
'cause I see the light surrounding you
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Well I dont exactly agree with the pregnant interpratation of the song. From my view I think it is about a relationship. It is about a guy who has broken up with the girl because he doesnt feel that way anymore and she hasnt taken it well. And now that the time has passed he feels for her again, she has moved on aswell and now he as come back into her life again and she is confused about what to do. Dont be afraid of something new. Which is saying like "I have changed and lets start over new again" And this song he has written for her is to try and convince her to come back to him. And I also saw in the February issue of Girlfriend magazine which was love themed for V day, the song Lights Surrounding you was put in the list of the top 10 love songs ever which gives the impression that it is a love song. But I dont know haha. Thats just my opinion. x