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.
What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day
As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
Went off the track
And you're on it
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears
You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me
As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
Went off the track
And you're on it
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears
You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me
Lyrics submitted by Boonechic_21
Mary Jane Lyrics as written by Alanis Nadine Morissette Glen Ballard
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
"Mary Jane" is just your typical woman. She has problems and fears like the rest of us. This song is about a woman trying to overcome her fears and emotional problems to become the woman she wants to be.