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 think you'll notice when things become different
The good vibes in our lives won't feel so consistent
And less becomes more 'cause the weight is too heavy
I swim in the water that's breaking your levy
The way that you left me is alright, it's alright
If I argue the point then we yell and we fight
And I won't be home for the rest of the night
You might hate my words but you know that I'm right
You know that I'm right
This is your life, there's no way to run from it
The doubt in your brain or the pain in your stomach
I only have but one complaint at the moment
Don't paint me black when I used to be golden
The way that you left me is alright, it's alright
If I argue the point then we yell and we fight
And I won't be home for the rest of the night
You might hate my words but you know that I'm right
You know that I'm right
Don't paint me black when I used to be golden
The good vibes in our lives won't feel so consistent
And less becomes more 'cause the weight is too heavy
I swim in the water that's breaking your levy
The way that you left me is alright, it's alright
If I argue the point then we yell and we fight
And I won't be home for the rest of the night
You might hate my words but you know that I'm right
You know that I'm right
This is your life, there's no way to run from it
The doubt in your brain or the pain in your stomach
I only have but one complaint at the moment
Don't paint me black when I used to be golden
The way that you left me is alright, it's alright
If I argue the point then we yell and we fight
And I won't be home for the rest of the night
You might hate my words but you know that I'm right
You know that I'm right
Don't paint me black when I used to be golden
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"I think you'll notice when things become different the good vibes in our lives won't feel so consistent" -The relationship is slipping. What used to make both of them happy is not enough anymore
"And less becomes more cause the weight is too heavy I swim in the water that's breaking your levy" -The small things turn into bigger fights. The writer, however, acknowledges that he is a big part of the problem in the relationship (the water representing the issues of the girl).
"The way that you left me is alright it's alright If I argue the point than we yell and we fight And I won't be home for the rest of the night You might hate my words but you know that I'm right You know that I'm right" -The writer is fine (to an extent) with the fact that they broke up because he knows it is better for both of them. If he tries to explain this logic to his ex, they only end up fighting. The writer may run away for the night to escape his problems, or he won't ever be home for the rest of his life. His ex does not understand why they cannot work out the problems in the relationship, but she knows his words have some validity.
"This is your life there's no way to run from it The doubt in your brain or the pain in your stomach" -Pretty straightforward. Neither of them can help their feelings. Life may hurt at times but there is no way to escape it (other than death). There is doubt in the mind of the ex. She (and maybe him) could be having second thoughts about breaking up.
"I only have but one complaint at the moment Don't paint me black when I used to be golden" -Just because I am different now, does not mean the memories have changed. The writer wants them to be on good terms and remember the good times they had.
The rest of the song repeats lyrics that were previously explained.
So, there you have it. This is what the song means to me. You may interpret the song differently, there is no right or wrong answer. My opinion is simply a reflection on what has happened to me in a past relationship.
@atollon182 great interpretation.