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.
I thought it was funny when you missed the train
When I rang you at home they said you left yesterday
I thought it was strange when your car was found
By the tree in Ennis where we used to hang around
Dear Isobel
I hope you're well and what you've done is right
Oh it's been such hell
I wish you well I hope you're safe tonight
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving you more
And who he would become, all the things he'd have done
Would he have loved you, and not let you down
And would he be stronger than his father
Don't punish yourself, leave it well alone
Dear Isobel
I hope you're well and what you've done is right
Oh it's been such hell
I wish you well I hope you're safe tonight
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving you more
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving, loving you more.
When I rang you at home they said you left yesterday
I thought it was strange when your car was found
By the tree in Ennis where we used to hang around
Dear Isobel
I hope you're well and what you've done is right
Oh it's been such hell
I wish you well I hope you're safe tonight
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving you more
And who he would become, all the things he'd have done
Would he have loved you, and not let you down
And would he be stronger than his father
Don't punish yourself, leave it well alone
Dear Isobel
I hope you're well and what you've done is right
Oh it's been such hell
I wish you well I hope you're safe tonight
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving you more
It's been a long day coming and long will it last
When it's last day leaving, and I'm helping it pass by loving, loving you more.
Lyrics submitted by Radioactive Man, edited by Misio
Isobel Lyrics as written by Rollo Armstrong Dido Armstrong
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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!
I think she killed herself and this is a very very sad one... but still such a bittersweet song....