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.
The water's edge is where she waits
Lost soul still wandering
Meant to die, but she's stuck not crossing over
The other side is where he waits
His spirit reaching out
Meant to save, but she's too scared to take his hand
Living in a world without you (drowning in the past)
Is living in no world at all
So now I call on you
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over now
Don't turn your back on Paradise
Feeling scared, she's prepared
To give up everything
She can't stand to feel like half of her is fading
He will choose the only way
To rid her of her pain
Take her soul now; the decision has been made
Living in a world without love (burning into my soul)
Is living in a worthless world
So I will call on you
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over
Remember me; you were so young
How could I tell you?
Remember me: I am the one
Who saved your life that night
I was the one who would not
Abandon you
Even in death I was the one who would not leave you
I used my freedom to protect you
And all the while direct you
Do you remember me this time?
Even in death I gave you life
I gave you life
I wanted to deserve a place...
A place beside you
This time when I reach out my hand
It reached all the way to heaven
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over now
Goodbye
It's almost over now
Goodbye
It's time I release you from this life
Don't turn your back on Paradise
Lost soul still wandering
Meant to die, but she's stuck not crossing over
The other side is where he waits
His spirit reaching out
Meant to save, but she's too scared to take his hand
Living in a world without you (drowning in the past)
Is living in no world at all
So now I call on you
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over now
Don't turn your back on Paradise
Feeling scared, she's prepared
To give up everything
She can't stand to feel like half of her is fading
He will choose the only way
To rid her of her pain
Take her soul now; the decision has been made
Living in a world without love (burning into my soul)
Is living in a worthless world
So I will call on you
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over
Remember me; you were so young
How could I tell you?
Remember me: I am the one
Who saved your life that night
I was the one who would not
Abandon you
Even in death I was the one who would not leave you
I used my freedom to protect you
And all the while direct you
Do you remember me this time?
Even in death I gave you life
I gave you life
I wanted to deserve a place...
A place beside you
This time when I reach out my hand
It reached all the way to heaven
Remember me: I gave you life
You would not take it
Your suffering was all in vain
It's almost over now
Goodbye
It's almost over now
Goodbye
It's time I release you from this life
Don't turn your back on Paradise
Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by Octavarium64
The Ministry of Lost Souls Lyrics as written by JOHN MYUNG, JOHN PETRUCCI, JOHN RO MYUNG, JORDAN RUDESS, JORDAN CHARLES RUDESS, KEVIN JAMES LABRIE, KEVIN JAMES LA BRIE, MICHAEL PORTNOY
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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It's about somebody whose life was saved. The savior died in the process, and she couldn't cope with her life being lived at the expense of another. That inability to cope is her "suffering" that is "all in vain". I think she probably committed suicide. This is supported by lines like "she's prepared to give up everything" and "you would not take it"
Your correct. I heard the meaning straight from Mike portnoy.