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.
The sniper are passed out
In the bushes again
I'm glad I got my suit dry-cleaned
Before the riots started
Cause there's only rehashed faces
On the bread line tonight
Soon you'll be a figment
Of some infamous life
Billionaires smile like weapons
Passing out platinum pensions
They're out of control
No one know how low they'll go
(Hold on)
Take a ride on a broken train
These bra burning deportees
At the service station
They know that beige
Is the color of resignation
We're out of control
No one knows how low we'll go
(Hold on)
Take a ride on a broken train
Shinin' like crystal tiaras
Ghettos and grey Rivieras
This is the real me ladies
You won't find no shelter here
Tell me, what's your zip code baby
Did you ever let a cowboy sit on your lap
In the bushes again
I'm glad I got my suit dry-cleaned
Before the riots started
Cause there's only rehashed faces
On the bread line tonight
Soon you'll be a figment
Of some infamous life
Billionaires smile like weapons
Passing out platinum pensions
They're out of control
No one know how low they'll go
(Hold on)
Take a ride on a broken train
These bra burning deportees
At the service station
They know that beige
Is the color of resignation
We're out of control
No one knows how low we'll go
(Hold on)
Take a ride on a broken train
Shinin' like crystal tiaras
Ghettos and grey Rivieras
This is the real me ladies
You won't find no shelter here
Tell me, what's your zip code baby
Did you ever let a cowboy sit on your lap
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