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 used to be such a burning example
I used to be so original
I used to care, I was being cared for
Made sure I showed it to those that I love
I used to sleep without a single stir
'Cause I was about my father's work
Well, take me out tonight
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
I used to pray like God was listening
I used to make my parents proud
I was the glue that kept my friends together
Now they don't talk and we don't go out
I used to know the name of every person I'd kissed
Now I've made this bed and I can't fall asleep in it
Well, take me out tonight
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
Well, throw me that lifeline
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
Never hit their brakes
There was no time to see
He just ran out in the street
Anybody know his name?
I think I recognize him
He sure as hell paid for that mistake
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
(I used to be such a burning example) well, take me out tonight
(I used to be so original) this ship of fools I'm on will sink
(I used to care, I was being cared for) I'm my own stone around my neck
(Made sure I showed it to) be my breath
(Those that I love) there's nothing I wouldn't give
(I used to pray like God was listening) well, save my life tonight
(I used to make my parents proud) this ship of fools I'm on will sink
(I was the glue that kept my friends together) I'm my own stone around my neck
(Now they don't talk) be my breath
(And we don't go out) there's nothing I wouldn't give
I used to be so original
I used to care, I was being cared for
Made sure I showed it to those that I love
I used to sleep without a single stir
'Cause I was about my father's work
Well, take me out tonight
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
I used to pray like God was listening
I used to make my parents proud
I was the glue that kept my friends together
Now they don't talk and we don't go out
I used to know the name of every person I'd kissed
Now I've made this bed and I can't fall asleep in it
Well, take me out tonight
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
Well, throw me that lifeline
This ship of fools I'm on will sink
I'm my own stone around my neck
Be my breath, there's nothing I wouldn't give
Never hit their brakes
There was no time to see
He just ran out in the street
Anybody know his name?
I think I recognize him
He sure as hell paid for that mistake
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
(I used to be such a burning example) well, take me out tonight
(I used to be so original) this ship of fools I'm on will sink
(I used to care, I was being cared for) I'm my own stone around my neck
(Made sure I showed it to) be my breath
(Those that I love) there's nothing I wouldn't give
(I used to pray like God was listening) well, save my life tonight
(I used to make my parents proud) this ship of fools I'm on will sink
(I was the glue that kept my friends together) I'm my own stone around my neck
(Now they don't talk) be my breath
(And we don't go out) there's nothing I wouldn't give
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84, edited by mstepanian, ForgingClarity, zach100004, contraddiction
Millstone Lyrics as written by Jesse Lacey
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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Matthew 18:21-23 New International Version (NIV) The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Footnotes: Matthew 18:22 Or seventy times seven