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.
The storm is coming and I have a choice
To accept nature or lose my voice
Shall I scream and plead for nothing
Or build a roof over my head?
I mourn the days that I wasted
Trying to change what has been set
Fighting against myself
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me
I've labelled enemies who do not hate me
And then claims friends who could care less
All an unnecessary struggle
So now I know what it means to repent
Changing everything
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me (they're part of me)
Instead of fighting against myself
I will open my eyes
To find who needs me
I am awakened
I am awakened
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me (they're part of me)
I am awakened
To accept nature or lose my voice
Shall I scream and plead for nothing
Or build a roof over my head?
I mourn the days that I wasted
Trying to change what has been set
Fighting against myself
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me
I've labelled enemies who do not hate me
And then claims friends who could care less
All an unnecessary struggle
So now I know what it means to repent
Changing everything
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me (they're part of me)
Instead of fighting against myself
I will open my eyes
To find who needs me
I am awakened
I am awakened
Before I tear, tear out my eyes
I'll just admit they're part of me (they're part of me)
I am awakened
Lyrics submitted by Skoobasteve24, edited by SMUSER17421948
Tear Out My Eyes Lyrics as written by Josh Gilbert Jordan D Mancino
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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sigh It disturbs me how quickly people commenting on As I Lay Dying refer to religion... Their songs are amazing because they can be applied to anyone, not just a book and belief. I think the song is about how people can be so quick to judge and the struggle with one self afterwards and the consequences. It is human nature to judge, and though its a bad thing, though its unhealthy, we must forgive and understand that it happens. To move on and understand that it's part of life, not dwell on the past, but prevent in the future.