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 don't want you on our team."
Liz tossed aside blond curls
Hands on hips with all her second grade authority
"Go away, your face looks like it got run over by a truck."
And tears fell down Cat's face to shouts of glee
She ran across the playground, behind the jungle gym
And hid underneath a table for the rest of the hour
She vowed to never cry in public again
I will be strong
I will be strong
Dinner at six, as wonderful could be
But what Dean would remember for years
His mother's comment about his friend as he stepped out the door
"You said she's the same age as you but graduates in a term?
Then my boy, you should be ashamed of yourself
You're two years behind."
Finally in the car, Dean whispered to himself
I will be strong
I will be strong
Her parents had loved Dave, and Steph did too
Even though she's the one that broke things off
Christmastime and she was home for the weekend
But breaking the news had just gone terribly wrong
He wanted a house with a white picket fence
But Steph needed adventure and a partner in that
"You're going to be single your entire life if you don't give up those silly dreams."
I will be strong
I will be strong
And when will the time come when we won't have to hide insecurity
And when will the time come when we can face our vulnerabilities
And where is the one who promises that he will never leave
That knows our inner parts and weaknesses and loves us anyway?
I will be strong
I don't want to be strong
I can't be strong
I can't be strong
Liz tossed aside blond curls
Hands on hips with all her second grade authority
"Go away, your face looks like it got run over by a truck."
And tears fell down Cat's face to shouts of glee
She ran across the playground, behind the jungle gym
And hid underneath a table for the rest of the hour
She vowed to never cry in public again
I will be strong
I will be strong
Dinner at six, as wonderful could be
But what Dean would remember for years
His mother's comment about his friend as he stepped out the door
"You said she's the same age as you but graduates in a term?
Then my boy, you should be ashamed of yourself
You're two years behind."
Finally in the car, Dean whispered to himself
I will be strong
I will be strong
Her parents had loved Dave, and Steph did too
Even though she's the one that broke things off
Christmastime and she was home for the weekend
But breaking the news had just gone terribly wrong
He wanted a house with a white picket fence
But Steph needed adventure and a partner in that
"You're going to be single your entire life if you don't give up those silly dreams."
I will be strong
I will be strong
And when will the time come when we won't have to hide insecurity
And when will the time come when we can face our vulnerabilities
And where is the one who promises that he will never leave
That knows our inner parts and weaknesses and loves us anyway?
I will be strong
I don't want to be strong
I can't be strong
I can't be strong
Lyrics submitted by bananahero
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