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 am the author, dream up your pain
Drink as did Bacchus, rebel just like Cain
Lord of the city, I shall remain
All pandemonium, I shall reign
Sit in my fortress, up on my hill
Drinking the wine, 'til I've had my fill
Building up high, my castle walls
Oh, to veil my splendid fall
I present you, I present to you,
I present you this crown of worms
Surrounding myself with mysery
Drawn curtains heavy of my history
Exquisite I am, perfect unity
On my left hand is false majesty
I feign affection, refute the true story
Dispute with creation, the lie is my glory
I care for no one, my gospel is death
For me the light's gone, only darkness is left
I present you, I present to you,
I present you this crown of worms
As black in deed, as cold as stone
A commandment of one, as proud as gold
As neglected in spirit, as time is old
As legion is numbers, as legend is told
I am alone, with the agony of truth
My power of will, my judgment and chain
My end is knowledge and conscience of guilt,
My final confusion hidden from me till I'm done
Drink as did Bacchus, rebel just like Cain
Lord of the city, I shall remain
All pandemonium, I shall reign
Sit in my fortress, up on my hill
Drinking the wine, 'til I've had my fill
Building up high, my castle walls
Oh, to veil my splendid fall
I present you, I present to you,
I present you this crown of worms
Surrounding myself with mysery
Drawn curtains heavy of my history
Exquisite I am, perfect unity
On my left hand is false majesty
I feign affection, refute the true story
Dispute with creation, the lie is my glory
I care for no one, my gospel is death
For me the light's gone, only darkness is left
I present you, I present to you,
I present you this crown of worms
As black in deed, as cold as stone
A commandment of one, as proud as gold
As neglected in spirit, as time is old
As legion is numbers, as legend is told
I am alone, with the agony of truth
My power of will, my judgment and chain
My end is knowledge and conscience of guilt,
My final confusion hidden from me till I'm done
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
A Crown of Worms [Bonus Track] Lyrics as written by Sean Harris Dave Mustaine
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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Makes me think of a ruler or nobleman whose decisions can make or brake lesser man. He enjoys the luxury of his abode, enclosed by himself and his servants all of the time, barely seeing the world outside which he rules upon. Despite his high position and power it is a lonely and insane existence.