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.
"What has been put asunder
shall again be whole"
In this neon black gloom I still see her face
She comes to me bringing darkest hour, I am forlorn
The pain is reborn
You are forever in my heart you never died
You are forever I still wonder where you are
I know you're dreaming, I know you're at peace
I'll meet you in the dreamtime
Whenever you call me I'll go under, I'll swim through you
You are forever in my heart you never died
You are forever I still wonder where you are
I know you're dreaming neon black
"As the curtain calls, and the cast recedes,
I am all that ever was and all that ever will be.
In wither and repose this frayed chapter
now does close, and fade into neon black"
shall again be whole"
In this neon black gloom I still see her face
She comes to me bringing darkest hour, I am forlorn
The pain is reborn
You are forever in my heart you never died
You are forever I still wonder where you are
I know you're dreaming, I know you're at peace
I'll meet you in the dreamtime
Whenever you call me I'll go under, I'll swim through you
You are forever in my heart you never died
You are forever I still wonder where you are
I know you're dreaming neon black
"As the curtain calls, and the cast recedes,
I am all that ever was and all that ever will be.
In wither and repose this frayed chapter
now does close, and fade into neon black"
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I've always liked the line "Did they paint your dreams in pale shades" I love it when a metaphor articulates a idea or feeling far better than any non-poetic description ever could... to the point where you experience the metaphor.