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.
So have you been to the valley lately?
Have you noticed that the shepherd is gone?
So walk gently lady
As you walk along
'Cause I once fought for his forces
But that cross bears nothing now
I've seen all but your Crusades succeed
And it's growing sour
Gonna be a long time waitin
Things are always looking little better when you're on the back
Side of them
And then you know all that you think you might need to know
But even then, my little wing, you'll have to grow
You'll have to grow
So have you been to your God lately?
No Jesus Christ, he ain't nowhere to be seen
He is not there matey
He has never been
So have you been to your church lately
No cannot find the key to your home
There is no support for you now my friend
They got problems of their own
Have you noticed that the shepherd is gone?
So walk gently lady
As you walk along
'Cause I once fought for his forces
But that cross bears nothing now
I've seen all but your Crusades succeed
And it's growing sour
Gonna be a long time waitin
Things are always looking little better when you're on the back
Side of them
And then you know all that you think you might need to know
But even then, my little wing, you'll have to grow
You'll have to grow
So have you been to your God lately?
No Jesus Christ, he ain't nowhere to be seen
He is not there matey
He has never been
So have you been to your church lately
No cannot find the key to your home
There is no support for you now my friend
They got problems of their own
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The live version of Valley on Living 2001-2002 is brilliant.
The Live version of Valley I heard at his concert was THE best :D
As for what the song is about? Well the religious undertones are both subtle and blatantly obvious. As my friend things, it would appear John may not have much faith in religion and the church.
Looks like he's pointing out the problems with the Christian church and the issues religion has caused. 'I've seen all but your Crusades succeed' 'They can't help you now coz they got problems of their own'