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.
Many roads I’ve wandered in the dark.
I thought of faith as a flashlight for the weak of heart…
that my own light could shine brighter than a flame,
it’s just we’ve all got some demons to tame.
You put it all together, like a puzzle in your mind
…and held it up for everyone so delicate and high…
now you don’t even try, but dry your eyes.
No, don’t you start to cry.
Everything you feel is real,
But five senses won’t suffice to reveal…
The true love that surrounds our lives.
We just need ways to let it all inside.
A decision in a second, can determine your whole fate.
Even the brown haired, blue-eyed boy is slowly turning gray…
and everything will change, but don’t be afraid.
No, don’t you be afraid.
…And like that girl I knew with that tattoo, on her arm of a crane.
Said…everything will change, but don’t be afraid.
No, don’t you be afraid.
I thought of faith as a flashlight for the weak of heart…
that my own light could shine brighter than a flame,
it’s just we’ve all got some demons to tame.
You put it all together, like a puzzle in your mind
…and held it up for everyone so delicate and high…
now you don’t even try, but dry your eyes.
No, don’t you start to cry.
Everything you feel is real,
But five senses won’t suffice to reveal…
The true love that surrounds our lives.
We just need ways to let it all inside.
A decision in a second, can determine your whole fate.
Even the brown haired, blue-eyed boy is slowly turning gray…
and everything will change, but don’t be afraid.
No, don’t you be afraid.
…And like that girl I knew with that tattoo, on her arm of a crane.
Said…everything will change, but don’t be afraid.
No, don’t you be afraid.
Lyrics submitted by DakotaFloyd
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