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.
If you ever torch your bridges
If you're ever past the starlight
If you're ever unassured
Forever you will burn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Now find the shore, it can be found
Can be found
Can be found
If you ever crack your small mind
If you're ever much disturbed
If you ever reach the shore
Forever be your turn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Now find the shore, it can be found
Can be found
Can be found
If you're ever past the starlight
If you're ever unassured
Forever you will burn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Now find the shore, it can be found
Can be found
Can be found
If you ever crack your small mind
If you're ever much disturbed
If you ever reach the shore
Forever be your turn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Now find the shore, it can be found
Can be found
Can be found
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
Jesus Hands Lyrics as written by Jerry Cantrell
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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!
@Negrum He is not religious and has in fact spoken against religion in the past.. plus the dark tone of this song suggests that he's not actually promoting religious ideas