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.
Tell me are you free
Tell me are you free
In word or thought or deed
Tell me are you free
While the gallows stand
And bullets lance the bravest lungs
We fold our hands and hold our tongues
Tell me are you free
When the fear falls on you
Tell me are you free
When the fear falls on you
Tell me are you free
Tell me are you free
In word or thought or deed
Tell me are you free
While the gallows stand
And bullets lance the bravest lungs
Will I fold my hands or hold my tongue
Or let the flames lick at my feet
Or breathe in fire and know I'm free
Flames will rise and devour me
Oh, to breathe in fire and know I'm free
Know I'm free
Tell me are you free
In word or thought or deed
Tell me are you free
While the gallows stand
And bullets lance the bravest lungs
We fold our hands and hold our tongues
Tell me are you free
When the fear falls on you
Tell me are you free
When the fear falls on you
Tell me are you free
Tell me are you free
In word or thought or deed
Tell me are you free
While the gallows stand
And bullets lance the bravest lungs
Will I fold my hands or hold my tongue
Or let the flames lick at my feet
Or breathe in fire and know I'm free
Flames will rise and devour me
Oh, to breathe in fire and know I'm free
Know I'm free
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Here's what I have so far. Some little pieces might be wrong, but eh.
Tell me are you free? Tell me are you free? What __ Tell me are you free?
__ the bravest lungs Throw our hands up Hold our tongues
Tell me are you free When the fear falls on you? Tell me are you free When the fear falls on you?
Tell me are you free? Tell me are you free?
Tell me are you free?
_____ the bravest lungs When I throw my hands up Hold my tongue And let the flames lick at my feet And breathe in fire And know I'm free
Flames will rise and devour me To breathe in fire and know I'm free
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh (Know I'm free)
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh