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.
You're a student of the world, learning every day
Surrounded by these walls
Tell me, "Man, I've been around the block"
But you haven't seen it all
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
Confrontations every day
Argue, then we go our separate ways
Always over as soon as it begins
Know that you're losing when you can't give in
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
Now you live alone and it's always the same
Talking to yourself when you say that I'm to blame
There's more to life than being right and wrong
There's something in between called getting along
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
Surrounded by these walls
Tell me, "Man, I've been around the block"
But you haven't seen it all
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
Confrontations every day
Argue, then we go our separate ways
Always over as soon as it begins
Know that you're losing when you can't give in
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
Now you live alone and it's always the same
Talking to yourself when you say that I'm to blame
There's more to life than being right and wrong
There's something in between called getting along
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know what you're talking about
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It's a typical "I don't understand you" song more from a parent's point of view than the teenager's. Teens have a tendency to think they know everything they need to know when in fact they do not.