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 summer's over. This town is closing.
They're waving people out of the ocean.
We have the feeling like we were floating.
We never noticed where time was going.
Do you remember when we first got here?
The days were longer the nights were hot here.
Now, it's September the engine's starting.
You're empty-handed and heavy-hearted.
But just remember on the way home, (oh oh oh)
That you were never meant to feel alone.
It takes a little while, but you'd be fine
Another good time coming down the line.
You'll go back to love that's waiting.
I'll unpack in a rented room.
How's that life you swear you're hating?
Grass is greener that makes two.
But just remember on the way home, (oh oh oh)
That you were never meant to feel alone.
Just look me up get back on the bus.
I'll see you next week if you need my trust.
Life ain't short, but it sure is small.
You get forever but nobody at all.
Life ain't short, but it sure is small.
You get forever but nobody at all.
It don't come often, and it don't stay long.
But just remember on the way home,
You don't ever have to feel alone.
Just stay on the run; get off the grid.
Hide yourself out like you know that I did,
And if you might find that you're running is done,
A little bit of Heaven never hurt no one.
They're waving people out of the ocean.
We have the feeling like we were floating.
We never noticed where time was going.
Do you remember when we first got here?
The days were longer the nights were hot here.
Now, it's September the engine's starting.
You're empty-handed and heavy-hearted.
But just remember on the way home, (oh oh oh)
That you were never meant to feel alone.
It takes a little while, but you'd be fine
Another good time coming down the line.
You'll go back to love that's waiting.
I'll unpack in a rented room.
How's that life you swear you're hating?
Grass is greener that makes two.
But just remember on the way home, (oh oh oh)
That you were never meant to feel alone.
Just look me up get back on the bus.
I'll see you next week if you need my trust.
Life ain't short, but it sure is small.
You get forever but nobody at all.
Life ain't short, but it sure is small.
You get forever but nobody at all.
It don't come often, and it don't stay long.
But just remember on the way home,
You don't ever have to feel alone.
Just stay on the run; get off the grid.
Hide yourself out like you know that I did,
And if you might find that you're running is done,
A little bit of Heaven never hurt no one.
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by grantdj
On the Way Home Lyrics as written by John Clayton Mayer
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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