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.
Mr. Gray
go away
cause you're always stuck in traffic
and can't kick this nasty habit being late
everyday
Don't delay
Mr. Gray
cause he lost the family business
after what got said last Christmas holiday
What'd he say?
Even Mr. Gray looks to the summer sky
and he wonders what it's all about
quickly turns his head to the ground
and he walks
and he frowns
when he talks
at his shoes and his socks
Mr. Gray
I must say
If you make up all your stories
why do you make them so boring anyay?
Mr. Gray
College days
always seem so far away
and yet they should be
cause they are so far away
It's a shame
And even Mr. Gray one time was interesting
and he had something relevant to say
now he sits alone in his chair
and he waits for his hair to turn gray
and he curses his fate
Hip hooray for Mr. Gray
We're so glad you've gone away
We're all glad the stories over...over
Hip hooray for Mr. Gray
We're so glad he's gone away
He got fired now he's tired, so tired
go away
cause you're always stuck in traffic
and can't kick this nasty habit being late
everyday
Don't delay
Mr. Gray
cause he lost the family business
after what got said last Christmas holiday
What'd he say?
Even Mr. Gray looks to the summer sky
and he wonders what it's all about
quickly turns his head to the ground
and he walks
and he frowns
when he talks
at his shoes and his socks
Mr. Gray
I must say
If you make up all your stories
why do you make them so boring anyay?
Mr. Gray
College days
always seem so far away
and yet they should be
cause they are so far away
It's a shame
And even Mr. Gray one time was interesting
and he had something relevant to say
now he sits alone in his chair
and he waits for his hair to turn gray
and he curses his fate
Hip hooray for Mr. Gray
We're so glad you've gone away
We're all glad the stories over...over
Hip hooray for Mr. Gray
We're so glad he's gone away
He got fired now he's tired, so tired
Lyrics submitted by eva, wake up
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