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.
Passed the road to your house
That you never called home
Where they turned out your lights
Though they say you'll never know
I remember running through the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
When they pumped out your guts
And filled you full of those pills
You were never quite right
Deserving all the chills
They say the worst is over
Kicked it over and ran
Then they ask what went wrong
When they turn you on again
They turn you on again
I remember running through the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
Kick them right in the face
Make them wish they weren't born
And if they bring up your name
Well they'll say you won the war
Baby burst in the world
Never given a chance
Then they ask what went wrong
When you never had it right
Well, you never had it right
Oh the letters have dropped off
Though they say you got them all
I finally figured out some things you'll never know
Take back your life
Let me inside
We'll find the door
If you care, if you care to anymore
I remember running through the wet grass
and falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
That you never called home
Where they turned out your lights
Though they say you'll never know
I remember running through the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
When they pumped out your guts
And filled you full of those pills
You were never quite right
Deserving all the chills
They say the worst is over
Kicked it over and ran
Then they ask what went wrong
When they turn you on again
They turn you on again
I remember running through the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
Kick them right in the face
Make them wish they weren't born
And if they bring up your name
Well they'll say you won the war
Baby burst in the world
Never given a chance
Then they ask what went wrong
When you never had it right
Well, you never had it right
Oh the letters have dropped off
Though they say you got them all
I finally figured out some things you'll never know
Take back your life
Let me inside
We'll find the door
If you care, if you care to anymore
I remember running through the wet grass
and falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately wanting
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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haha I just wrote a whole thing agreeing with Diggit, but then I realized I probably shouldn't post a lot of it cause my name gives out where I go to school and everything. But after reading your post and listening to the song again I totally see the relationship Diggit. I'm in a fraternity at my school and so many of these lines make total sense to me when I look at them from a pledging standpoint. Thanks for making that comment, I have a new appreciation for this song.