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.
Would you stay for one night?
If I didn't come home?
The end of a big fight
Doesn't matter anymore
The point in my midlife
Situation stands
But hours pass like years
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Did I open an old wound?
Is there something I should know?
If it's all ending so soon
How could I possibly let go?
Comes to a head, this is high noon
The finale we have planned
But hours pass like years
I wish you were here
Say the words so slow
Say it without fear
You won't turn to go
You won't leave me here
The past is all we know
The memories are clear
I wish you were here
If I told you, were you listening?
Did you know this from the start?
Do the dates match exactly?
Your plan when we would part?
If I won't wait for another year
I guess you'll break my heart
It's true
You already knew
So take this as a souvenir
Remember me, I'm waiting here
Disappointed, hanging on
Stayed behind while you moved on
Wish you were here
If I didn't come home?
The end of a big fight
Doesn't matter anymore
The point in my midlife
Situation stands
But hours pass like years
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Did I open an old wound?
Is there something I should know?
If it's all ending so soon
How could I possibly let go?
Comes to a head, this is high noon
The finale we have planned
But hours pass like years
I wish you were here
Say the words so slow
Say it without fear
You won't turn to go
You won't leave me here
The past is all we know
The memories are clear
I wish you were here
If I told you, were you listening?
Did you know this from the start?
Do the dates match exactly?
Your plan when we would part?
If I won't wait for another year
I guess you'll break my heart
It's true
You already knew
So take this as a souvenir
Remember me, I'm waiting here
Disappointed, hanging on
Stayed behind while you moved on
Wish you were here
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In my opinion, the best GUK song of all, lyrically and especially musically.