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 were taught to kneel and bow our heads
Tried simply standing up instead
Heard rumors of transparent legs
And walks for days and days
These days we reach for so much more
We reached the point where we can't go home
Alone we wait here underground
Amidst the others waiting
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
We go our own way
So save us
Who would guess you were the chosen one?
Right place, you were the firstborn son
Once questioned stable state of mind
To spend some time in the gutter
A full collapse, we're caving in
Just wait for faith to kick in
Lost track of time as I stood in line
Amidst the other believers
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
We go our own way
So save us
Over and over and I still cannot believe
We can't save ourselves
Give me a chance up on the cross and watch me bleed
Now ask for help
Having faith in something you can't see
Takes something else
Over and over and I still cannot believe
We can save ourselves
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
Send your prayers our way
To save us
Tried simply standing up instead
Heard rumors of transparent legs
And walks for days and days
These days we reach for so much more
We reached the point where we can't go home
Alone we wait here underground
Amidst the others waiting
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
We go our own way
So save us
Who would guess you were the chosen one?
Right place, you were the firstborn son
Once questioned stable state of mind
To spend some time in the gutter
A full collapse, we're caving in
Just wait for faith to kick in
Lost track of time as I stood in line
Amidst the other believers
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
We go our own way
So save us
Over and over and I still cannot believe
We can't save ourselves
Give me a chance up on the cross and watch me bleed
Now ask for help
Having faith in something you can't see
Takes something else
Over and over and I still cannot believe
We can save ourselves
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
So pray, then, if it makes you feel safe
But all I can is we go our own way
Send your prayers our way
To save us
Lyrics submitted by thegingerfatone
On the Cross Lyrics as written by Robert Mccracken Daniel Whitesides
Lyrics © THE BEST MUSIC COMPANY
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I usually don't listen to remixes because they end up being either boring or annoying or they don't capture the essence of a song, in this case, boy I'm glad I got this Bside. I wouldn't call it a remix, I'd say it's a "remake" of On The Cross, and a damn good one, it only uses the chorus as a base but the beat and feel to it is different (and in my opinion, better)
This remake shows a more subtle side of the original's lyrics, it's showing how Bert (or whoever the protagonist of the song is) wants to believe in a supreme being or force and he's determined to endure awful moments just to get a proof that there's something out there.I see this song as a person who has lost his faith and now it's doubting the chosen path. A personal struggle. On the other side, original On the Cross had a feeling of a believer leaving his faith but respecting other's beliefs.
Anyway, I like this song better, give it a go.
i agree.