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 little bell lies on the ground
Although it tries it cannot sound
It used to ring across the air
Its sweetened tone would linger there
But from a careless hand it rocked
Its shell is only made of crock
Although it lies there split in two
It still tries to ring out to you
Now deep inside my wooden clock
There is a tick but not a tock
Although into the room it chimes
It only tells me half the time
Why do you leave me so confused?
I'll miss my bus, my job I'll lose
Oh, what is wrong, my wooden clock
It breaks my heart to see you stop
Although it tries it cannot sound
It used to ring across the air
Its sweetened tone would linger there
But from a careless hand it rocked
Its shell is only made of crock
Although it lies there split in two
It still tries to ring out to you
Now deep inside my wooden clock
There is a tick but not a tock
Although into the room it chimes
It only tells me half the time
Why do you leave me so confused?
I'll miss my bus, my job I'll lose
Oh, what is wrong, my wooden clock
It breaks my heart to see you stop
Lyrics submitted by Anarchitect
The Little Bell Lyrics as written by Patricia Ann Keenan James Cargill
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I absolutely love the analogies here. Broadcast is amazing and Trisha has the most beautiful voice.