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.
Here we are, In the place where you grew up.
Where you spent so much time,
Where you plotted out your life.
These next few lines are a series of events,
About my family and friends,
That kept me further from the edge.
So when the day comes,
That they put me into the ground.
All the ones who claimed they loved me will gather around.
They'll throw flowers down,
And tears will come running down their face.
As they say goodbye and say that I've gone to a better place.
This Is where your vision starts,
Where your visions starts to blur.
Have you ever thought of giving up on what you love the most?
Did you forget, about the ones that you would hurt?
Just a few more seconds then the pain will be gone.
Just hold on, Go ahead let go.
It's not your time, Your time is up.
There is so much more, You should end it here.
You've got your whole life In front of you.
You've got nothing to live for, There's a reason to live.
So pick up that knife, You just can't give up.
Put it through your chest.
Please end it, Please end it all.
It's on the tips of our tongues.
Help me, Hear, Leave me, forgive me.
If I fall, I'll be the one left to lie alone In this mess.
And I know, That If you end your life.
I will be joining you shortly.
You say you need a greater purpose.
I say you need to see what's coming.
When you know, That the feeling is gone.
You'll see this through my eyes and feel alive again.
The road to hell Is paved with good intentions.
The road to hell Is paved with good intentions.
Where you spent so much time,
Where you plotted out your life.
These next few lines are a series of events,
About my family and friends,
That kept me further from the edge.
So when the day comes,
That they put me into the ground.
All the ones who claimed they loved me will gather around.
They'll throw flowers down,
And tears will come running down their face.
As they say goodbye and say that I've gone to a better place.
This Is where your vision starts,
Where your visions starts to blur.
Have you ever thought of giving up on what you love the most?
Did you forget, about the ones that you would hurt?
Just a few more seconds then the pain will be gone.
Just hold on, Go ahead let go.
It's not your time, Your time is up.
There is so much more, You should end it here.
You've got your whole life In front of you.
You've got nothing to live for, There's a reason to live.
So pick up that knife, You just can't give up.
Put it through your chest.
Please end it, Please end it all.
It's on the tips of our tongues.
Help me, Hear, Leave me, forgive me.
If I fall, I'll be the one left to lie alone In this mess.
And I know, That If you end your life.
I will be joining you shortly.
You say you need a greater purpose.
I say you need to see what's coming.
When you know, That the feeling is gone.
You'll see this through my eyes and feel alive again.
The road to hell Is paved with good intentions.
The road to hell Is paved with good intentions.
Lyrics submitted by TidalWaves
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
Love the dual vocals in the 3rd verse where it's both sides of the character's conscious talking about whether he should kill himself or not. Great song.