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.
(I'll keep on holdin' on) oh yes I will
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
I know that you're the kind of guy, you've got too much pride
You're scared to love someone, run and hide
Each and every day, and each and every way
My love is growin' stronger
And I know that you can't hold on much longer
When there's no place left to hide
I'll still be by your side
'Cause I'll be (waiting) oh yes, sure 'nough
(Looking for a chance) a chance to make you mine
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
I know you're braggin' to your friends that you can't be caught
Baby, you don't know, so it's time that you were taught
So love, you'd better plan to make your final stand
No matter where you run now
I'll hold on till my will to resist is gone
Till I get you where I want you
There, love, I'm gonna want you
(Waiting) oh yes, sure 'nough
(Looking for a chance) a chance to make you mine
(I'll keep on holdin' on) No matter where you run, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on) No matter where you hide, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on) Oh you'll never get away, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
I know that you're the kind of guy, you've got too much pride
You're scared to love someone, run and hide
Each and every day, and each and every way
My love is growin' stronger
And I know that you can't hold on much longer
When there's no place left to hide
I'll still be by your side
'Cause I'll be (waiting) oh yes, sure 'nough
(Looking for a chance) a chance to make you mine
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
I know you're braggin' to your friends that you can't be caught
Baby, you don't know, so it's time that you were taught
So love, you'd better plan to make your final stand
No matter where you run now
I'll hold on till my will to resist is gone
Till I get you where I want you
There, love, I'm gonna want you
(Waiting) oh yes, sure 'nough
(Looking for a chance) a chance to make you mine
(I'll keep on holdin' on) No matter where you run, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on) No matter where you hide, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on) Oh you'll never get away, boy
(I'll keep on holdin' on)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
I'll Keep Holding On Lyrics as written by William Stevenson Ivy Jo Hunter
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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