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.
Those pictures in my head
Of memories I can't forget
So many scars in my chest
They brought me where I'm at
I'd never change that
I felt lost and betrayed
Almost lost my way
Now I see through your mascarade
Once close to me, now you're my enemy
Bittersweet memories
Stuck in my head
I will not forget
Those bittersweet memories
They made me who I am
And I'll never change a thing
The people that I met
The fights that I had
Got knocked down so many times
But now I'm stronger and back up
Cause I don't give a fuck
Stayed always true to myself
Trust me, I don't need your help
And if you come at me again
I'm not the same young man
Expect a different end
Bittersweet memories
Stuck in my head
I will not forget
Those bittersweet memories
They made me who I am
And I'll never change a thing
Bittersweet memories
Embrace 'em when I can
They made me who I am
Bittersweet memories
Forever in my head
And I'll never change that
Of memories I can't forget
So many scars in my chest
They brought me where I'm at
I'd never change that
I felt lost and betrayed
Almost lost my way
Now I see through your mascarade
Once close to me, now you're my enemy
Bittersweet memories
Stuck in my head
I will not forget
Those bittersweet memories
They made me who I am
And I'll never change a thing
The people that I met
The fights that I had
Got knocked down so many times
But now I'm stronger and back up
Cause I don't give a fuck
Stayed always true to myself
Trust me, I don't need your help
And if you come at me again
I'm not the same young man
Expect a different end
Bittersweet memories
Stuck in my head
I will not forget
Those bittersweet memories
They made me who I am
And I'll never change a thing
Bittersweet memories
Embrace 'em when I can
They made me who I am
Bittersweet memories
Forever in my head
And I'll never change that
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i love this song and this band, they are both awesome