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.
Don't hold your breath if you should be breathing
Don't hold your tongue if something's worth speaking
Don't fall in love if you know that you're leaving
You can't help the way that you feel
Given the time I know it's my place
But still I see reason conquered by passion
You knew the deal but still had to have it
You can't help the way that you feel
And I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
Timing my dear is not in our favor
Please don't you let that change your behavior
We'll work it out sooner or later
For now you should do what you feel
I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
You came without warning and you took me away
It takes a fool to fight fate
I was unwilling to try, now the thought I embrace
Despite of my usual way
And I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
And I tried to read you
I tried to see through every word from your mouth
And caution falls slowly, soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
Don't hold your breath if you should be breathing
Don't hold your tongue if something's worth speaking
Don't hold your tongue if something's worth speaking
Don't fall in love if you know that you're leaving
You can't help the way that you feel
Given the time I know it's my place
But still I see reason conquered by passion
You knew the deal but still had to have it
You can't help the way that you feel
And I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
Timing my dear is not in our favor
Please don't you let that change your behavior
We'll work it out sooner or later
For now you should do what you feel
I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
You came without warning and you took me away
It takes a fool to fight fate
I was unwilling to try, now the thought I embrace
Despite of my usual way
And I tried to read you
And I tried to see through every word from your mouth
Caution falls slowly, and soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
And I tried to read you
I tried to see through every word from your mouth
And caution falls slowly, soon I'll be lonely
But I'd rather live without doubt
Don't hold your breath if you should be breathing
Don't hold your tongue if something's worth speaking
Lyrics submitted by fedorov1fan
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