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 fight tsunamis with an umbrella
I deal the left hook like a Mother Theresa
I’m facing down death like a fly on the windscreen
you bring the warheads
I’m bringing ice cream
And I’ve got something more
and I believe.
I’ve seen the Sun come down
I’ve felt its fire burn
And in the dark of night
I hold to its return
I know it’s growing cold
And there’s a lot to learn
I’ve seen the Sun come down
I hold to its return
I’m screaming down into the black abyss
I was born for such a time as this
So hit me with your bad news
bells are ringing
tell me that I’m doomed and I’ll keep singing
The fight won’t end with me
And I believe.
Night falls and the waters rise
Leaders lead with the fear and lies
Savior says don’t be surprised
Everything’s gonna be alright.
I deal the left hook like a Mother Theresa
I’m facing down death like a fly on the windscreen
you bring the warheads
I’m bringing ice cream
And I’ve got something more
and I believe.
I’ve seen the Sun come down
I’ve felt its fire burn
And in the dark of night
I hold to its return
I know it’s growing cold
And there’s a lot to learn
I’ve seen the Sun come down
I hold to its return
I’m screaming down into the black abyss
I was born for such a time as this
So hit me with your bad news
bells are ringing
tell me that I’m doomed and I’ll keep singing
The fight won’t end with me
And I believe.
Night falls and the waters rise
Leaders lead with the fear and lies
Savior says don’t be surprised
Everything’s gonna be alright.
Lyrics submitted by chippurmunkee
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