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.
When I hear that wind blow
All across the Wicklow mountains
Is it you, I hear a calling?
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
When I look to the west
All across the river Shannon
I can still see you smiling
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
When the leaves have turned to brown
And winter is due
As I watch the sun go down
I'll think of you
When I hear that wind blow
All across the Wicklow mountains
Sure it's you, I'll hear a calling
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
All across the Wicklow mountains
Is it you, I hear a calling?
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
When I look to the west
All across the river Shannon
I can still see you smiling
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
When the leaves have turned to brown
And winter is due
As I watch the sun go down
I'll think of you
When I hear that wind blow
All across the Wicklow mountains
Sure it's you, I'll hear a calling
Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy
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This song is obviously about a friend that's been lost....
@Rabs <br /> Very late response to this but you're right<br /> <br /> It's about Phil Lynott, Gary's long term friend from Thin Lizzy. The album was dedicated to him and "Johnny" was an alias Phil used in some of his songs