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.
Wooden Jesus, where are you from?
Korea or Canada or maybe Taiwan?
Well, I didn't know it was the holy land
But I believed from the minute the check left my hand
And I pray
Can I be saved? I spent all my money
On a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
I'll cut you in
Yeah, Porcelain Mary, her majesties pure
Looking for virgin territory
Coat hanger halos that don't come cheap
From television shepherds with living room sheep
And I pray
Can I be saved?
I spent all my money on a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in
And Wooden Jesus, where are you from?
Korea or Canada or maybe Taiwan?
Well, I didn't know it was the holy land
But I believed from the minute the check left my hand
Well, can I be saved?
I spent all my money on a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
Hey
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
Yeah
Mmm, woo
Korea or Canada or maybe Taiwan?
Well, I didn't know it was the holy land
But I believed from the minute the check left my hand
And I pray
Can I be saved? I spent all my money
On a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
I'll cut you in
Yeah, Porcelain Mary, her majesties pure
Looking for virgin territory
Coat hanger halos that don't come cheap
From television shepherds with living room sheep
And I pray
Can I be saved?
I spent all my money on a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in
And Wooden Jesus, where are you from?
Korea or Canada or maybe Taiwan?
Well, I didn't know it was the holy land
But I believed from the minute the check left my hand
Well, can I be saved?
I spent all my money on a future grave
Wooden Jesus, I'll cut you in
On twenty percent of my future sin
Hey
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
I'll cut you in, I'll cut you in
Yeah
Mmm, woo
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