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.
Such an awful, tragic night
Though I've only done what's right
Even with my conscience clear
I can't help this flood of tears
I've got my eye on the finish line
Though I've been striving for their good
I will be misunderstood
Even my own darling dear
Misconstrued what was so clear
Give the time I think she would have understood
That it was for the greater good
Soon I will meet her at our mansion in the sky
Leaving this wicked world behind
It's strange that it should end this way
But martyrs never have a say
Though I've only done what's right
Even with my conscience clear
I can't help this flood of tears
I've got my eye on the finish line
Though I've been striving for their good
I will be misunderstood
Even my own darling dear
Misconstrued what was so clear
Give the time I think she would have understood
That it was for the greater good
Soon I will meet her at our mansion in the sky
Leaving this wicked world behind
It's strange that it should end this way
But martyrs never have a say
Lyrics submitted by ScreamingInfidelity
Eye on the Finish Line Lyrics as written by David Shannon Bazan
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I'm suprised that more people haven't posted for this song, I think it's probably my favorite one on Winners Never Quit.