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 should think before I speak,
learn to keep my mouth closed
I'm so contradictory that by now you all know
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
And they say can't believe that you want to leave it behind
This time, you know that i don't see it when it's mine
Can't believe that you want to leave it behind
You know that i don't see it when it's mine
I don't want you to see me try
Never to see me try
Try
Try
You make me feel obscene acting so divine
But it isn't how it seems, do you really find
Do you really think you're smarter than me
Do you say it deliberately
Do you really think you're smarter than me
Do you say it deliberately
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
learn to keep my mouth closed
I'm so contradictory that by now you all know
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
And they say can't believe that you want to leave it behind
This time, you know that i don't see it when it's mine
Can't believe that you want to leave it behind
You know that i don't see it when it's mine
I don't want you to see me try
Never to see me try
Try
Try
You make me feel obscene acting so divine
But it isn't how it seems, do you really find
Do you really think you're smarter than me
Do you say it deliberately
Do you really think you're smarter than me
Do you say it deliberately
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
Eighteen years and a comfortable haircut
Really don't mean very much
Lyrics submitted by PortolaGirl
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!