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.
We know that we could sell your magazines
If only you would give your life to literature just
Don't read Jane Eyre!
Work on your algebra
And stand out in the rain
And give yourself to simple pleasures but
Never play card games!
Meanwhile, back at home
Not in communist Russia
Well only on my headphones
We plot our march onto the town hall
And if we'd take prisoners
Or simply simper at those fools
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Tonight we're gonna smash this place up
And then we're gonna deck it out with fairy lights till
We are content!
And then we'll maybe drown in Dewey decimals
But leave our shoes off at the door 'cause
That was the point!
Of us at home with the moon
Pouring through the curtains
Working on our attitude
Towards the second hand book shop employees
Reading the inscriptions
That were never meant for their eyes
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
I'm stitching up each one of your pockets
So when we are together you'll maybe look a little less bored
I'm sticking your fingers into sockets
To kick-start your little heart and maybe sleep a tiny bit more
Oh maybe we should read more into the books that we adore
Perhaps we should drink less vitamin c
And now I'm shouting out in capital letters
"I will throw you high fives if you keep your own secrets!!"
If only you would give your life to literature just
Don't read Jane Eyre!
Work on your algebra
And stand out in the rain
And give yourself to simple pleasures but
Never play card games!
Meanwhile, back at home
Not in communist Russia
Well only on my headphones
We plot our march onto the town hall
And if we'd take prisoners
Or simply simper at those fools
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Tonight we're gonna smash this place up
And then we're gonna deck it out with fairy lights till
We are content!
And then we'll maybe drown in Dewey decimals
But leave our shoes off at the door 'cause
That was the point!
Of us at home with the moon
Pouring through the curtains
Working on our attitude
Towards the second hand book shop employees
Reading the inscriptions
That were never meant for their eyes
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
Please don't tell me to do the math
I'm stitching up each one of your pockets
So when we are together you'll maybe look a little less bored
I'm sticking your fingers into sockets
To kick-start your little heart and maybe sleep a tiny bit more
Oh maybe we should read more into the books that we adore
Perhaps we should drink less vitamin c
And now I'm shouting out in capital letters
"I will throw you high fives if you keep your own secrets!!"
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"And then we'll maybe drown in Dewey decimals" Unbelievable line.