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.
Another one gunned down in cold blood
Over some dumb shit
Some nickel and dime shit
The past looms large
Let other people be deceived
I'm done with those Broad Street Bullies
In a city without color
Nothing is black and white
In a city without air
Beats a heart choked by its own arteries
Looks like it's going to be another hot summer
Red with shame
White with fear
Bodies blue
A city green with envy
Over some dumb shit
Some nickel and dime shit
The past looms large
Let other people be deceived
I'm done with those Broad Street Bullies
In a city without color
Nothing is black and white
In a city without air
Beats a heart choked by its own arteries
Looks like it's going to be another hot summer
Red with shame
White with fear
Bodies blue
A city green with envy
Lyrics submitted by TheCookFromMaine
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