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.
In a world that is full of greed and pain
Where the politicians have free reign
To wear you down
This is what I've found
They will never lay a hand on us
They will never understand in what we trust
Is so much stronger, oh
I don't know if I'll make it
I don't know if I'll make it through
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
I'm reaching out to you
I have no doubt that you'll pull through
So take your place
This is a game we play
They will never lay a hand on us
They will never understand in what we trust
Is so much stronger, oh
I don't know if I'll make it
I don't know if I'll make it through
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Where the politicians have free reign
To wear you down
This is what I've found
They will never lay a hand on us
They will never understand in what we trust
Is so much stronger, oh
I don't know if I'll make it
I don't know if I'll make it through
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
I'm reaching out to you
I have no doubt that you'll pull through
So take your place
This is a game we play
They will never lay a hand on us
They will never understand in what we trust
Is so much stronger, oh
I don't know if I'll make it
I don't know if I'll make it through
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Sing with me
Sing, sing with me
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Is it all in my head, all in my head?
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
All in my head, all in my head
These memories gone bad
Don't turn away from your past
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Am I the enemy
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Am I the Enemy? Lyrics as written by Ronnie Winter John Feldmann
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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First off, I cannot believe no one has commented on this song yet! It is so awesome to listen to and I love the meaning, or at least my interpretation anyway. I believe this song is about being with the one you love. He gives an avid description of what is going on in the world, all the corruption, hate, and bullying. Then, he describes 'no matter what is happening out there, it's their problem. The can wage wars, but the will never touch us!.' In a way, he is challenging anyone to oppose him. To say he is a bad person with male intent for rebelling and following his heart. "I don't agree, now am I the enemy?" He is offering his hand to the one he loves so they can run away from it all together, even if it is for just one night. Together, they could find a hideaway where they can comfort each other from their nightmares society caused and hide from everyone who means harm. "I am happy. I ran away with her/him and we are in love and safe from you. Now am I your enemy?"