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.
Our lives are entwined, can't escape
But you and I have never met face to face
Still I can't get away
Think that you can just step right in
Push me out and then fuck things all up again
It never seems to end
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
Cling to skeletons, fearing change
Paralyzed thinking what the future will bring
Pure adrenaline, I tear in
Hatred is my fuel
Truth dissects you again
And you've run out of friends
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
And now it's time, the countdown begins
Extracting the truth, what was from what is
And once and for all we lay it to rest
And never look back again
I can't believe all the things done to me
Sight unseen
You don't know one fucking thing but you
Judge me
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
But you and I have never met face to face
Still I can't get away
Think that you can just step right in
Push me out and then fuck things all up again
It never seems to end
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
Cling to skeletons, fearing change
Paralyzed thinking what the future will bring
Pure adrenaline, I tear in
Hatred is my fuel
Truth dissects you again
And you've run out of friends
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
And now it's time, the countdown begins
Extracting the truth, what was from what is
And once and for all we lay it to rest
And never look back again
I can't believe all the things done to me
Sight unseen
You don't know one fucking thing but you
Judge me
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up 'cause you know it's a lie
Do you think that you're better than me
You better wake up
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I'm surprised no one has actually commented on the meaning. It's definitely a great opener, love the solo. To me it's about somebody you see a lot (like a friend), who's jealous of you. Somebody who clings to the shadows in hopes of one day stealing their spotlight or whatever.
@Lateralus518 Was always fairly certain this was a diss a phil