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.
Flowers for Charlie, you know
I'm not a good G.I. Joe
Because I always aim low
And I won't fight you
Popularity war
I'd be a clown in the corp
Taking over the store
It's a cop out
I don't want to win
New friends anymore
There's a world within
But I can't call out
Kiss me quickly
I'm in a hurry
And I've got worry enough
Trying to stay around
Brought you a flower
From the other side
It's a free world
You don't have to hide
I'm not a good G.I. Joe
Because I always aim low
And I won't fight you
Popularity war
I'd be a clown in the corp
Taking over the store
It's a cop out
I don't want to win
New friends anymore
There's a world within
But I can't call out
Kiss me quickly
I'm in a hurry
And I've got worry enough
Trying to stay around
Brought you a flower
From the other side
It's a free world
You don't have to hide
Lyrics submitted by dragonflower44
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i found out that was his name, it goes along with the earlier songs he wrote 'no confidence man' and 'some song' in which he mentions charlie. oh and some of the lyrics posted here are incorrect.. the one thats most obvious is: 'this is meaningless' in the live version i have he sings 'its a free world'