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.
You've got an open heart
So you share what's inside
Thinking that all is said in confidence
But then you realize
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
The sun is getting heavy
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
The cold is breaking my heart
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
This boat is incredibly unsafe
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
It's falling apart
Now play your part
You're along for the ride
Thinking that all is said in confidence
Yeah you realize
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Now I'm swimming in the sea
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Floundering desperately
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Tryin' to get a grip on my emotions
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
I'm falling apart
Happy to know until the clouds start singing
The wind is high and the waves scary
Oh lord, only you know, I've had enough
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
My momma said don't trust nobody
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Cause they'll stab you in the back and take your money
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
You live and you learn
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
If you wanna live, you better learn so you don't burn
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Yeah
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Better start swimming, brother
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Cause I'm drowning, I'm sinking further
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
You live and you learn
That friendship is a small boat in a storm
So you share what's inside
Thinking that all is said in confidence
But then you realize
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
The sun is getting heavy
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
The cold is breaking my heart
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
This boat is incredibly unsafe
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
It's falling apart
Now play your part
You're along for the ride
Thinking that all is said in confidence
Yeah you realize
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Now I'm swimming in the sea
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Floundering desperately
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Tryin' to get a grip on my emotions
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
I'm falling apart
Happy to know until the clouds start singing
The wind is high and the waves scary
Oh lord, only you know, I've had enough
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
My momma said don't trust nobody
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Cause they'll stab you in the back and take your money
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
You live and you learn
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
If you wanna live, you better learn so you don't burn
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Yeah
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Better start swimming, brother
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
Cause I'm drowning, I'm sinking further
(Friendship is a small boat in a storm)
You live and you learn
That friendship is a small boat in a storm
Lyrics submitted by supoman
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