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.
My lover's arms
Well they beg me to stay
I know the stars
They will sweep me away
My daughter's eyes
They are two tiny seas
Whose water will rise
And they will run down her cheeks
[Chorus:]
Father where do you go?
So far out upon the sea
when are you coming home to me?
Darling, why do you leave?
The north wind begins to blow
Will you be coming home to me?
The boat and the plank
They are all that I know
The sea calls my name
And so I must go
While they still sleep
I slip out the door
How can I leave when my anchor's ashore
[Chorus]
Well they beg me to stay
I know the stars
They will sweep me away
My daughter's eyes
They are two tiny seas
Whose water will rise
And they will run down her cheeks
[Chorus:]
Father where do you go?
So far out upon the sea
when are you coming home to me?
Darling, why do you leave?
The north wind begins to blow
Will you be coming home to me?
The boat and the plank
They are all that I know
The sea calls my name
And so I must go
While they still sleep
I slip out the door
How can I leave when my anchor's ashore
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by WinterKiss
The Whaler Lyrics as written by Edward Carrington Breckenridge Dustin Michael Kensrue
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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its amazing how far music can come.. 24 years after it released and its one of the most heartfelt songs ive heard
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
This is one of the most beautiful songs i have ever heard in my life, if not the most beautiful. and yes, Dustin's daughter's name is definetely Sailor.
I am going to cry. Beautiful song.
This has to be about Dustin personally. I think it is probably about him going off to make music or play shows, all the while leaving his 9 month old daughter and wife at home.
I agree with sabio...this has to be about missing his family while touring. The line "how can I leave with my anchors ashore" is particularly moving.
This is a REALLY moving song. amazing.
The song definitely metaphorically applies to Dustin and his family, but I think it's an expression of a story archetype as well.
The idea of the father leaving his family because of duty, or passion, or even to provide for them, is used in countless stories. Sometimes, the father is drafted into the military; occasionally, he volunteers out of duty to his country; or, it could be more mundane, like being forced to travel for his work, just to be able to provide for his children and his wife.
In fact, it could even apply to my own father's life - when I was a young child, he was regularly forced to make business trips to deal with customers, and would be gone for weeks at a time.
Man, when I listen to this song I keep thinking about that one scene in The Patriot. You know the little girl refuses to talk because her dad (Mel Gibson) keeps leaving to go out and fight. And then one time he is leaving and she bursts out "Daddy, daddy don't leave. I'll say anything." That always gets me choked up haha.
This song remind me of that.
Dustins daughter is named Sailor...
My favorite off the new albumn
this is definitly a metaphor for Dustin's life in the band.
He is The Whaler.
He longs for his family; they are the most important thing to him.
But he is also driven by his passion for music, and that leads him down many other roads in many different places.
incredible song.
this is definitly a metaphor for Dustin's life in the band.
He is The Whaler.
He longs for his family; they are the most important thing to him.
But he is also driven by his passion for music, and that leads him down many other roads in many different places.
incredible song.
Beautiful, beautiful song. I love the ending