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.
Up 'til four, and it ain't New Year's
Fucked up on Rhapsody and root beer
Got a brain, but I can't use it
Living on just air and music
Well, you don't have to tell me
I know this can't be healthy
But I am not your kind of dope fiend
I have my own kind of protein
I just can't get my mom to believe me
I'm not on drugs
But I probably should be
These days I am in fragments
These days I am a magnet
Seems like when I walk the streets
Everybody wants a piece of me
Hands full and pockets empty
The deck is stacked against me
Right about now I should be scared
It's all coming down, but I still can't care
And I get so stuck when I get in deep
I don't know what to do
But fall asleep
Or stay up 'til four when it ain't New Year's
Fucked up on Rhapsody and root beer
Got a brain, but I can't use it
Living on just air and music
Well, you don't have to tell me
I know this can't be healthy
But I am not your kind of dope fiend
I have my own kind of protein
I just can't get my mom to believe me
I'm not on drugs
But I probably should be
Fucked up on Rhapsody and root beer
Got a brain, but I can't use it
Living on just air and music
Well, you don't have to tell me
I know this can't be healthy
But I am not your kind of dope fiend
I have my own kind of protein
I just can't get my mom to believe me
I'm not on drugs
But I probably should be
These days I am in fragments
These days I am a magnet
Seems like when I walk the streets
Everybody wants a piece of me
Hands full and pockets empty
The deck is stacked against me
Right about now I should be scared
It's all coming down, but I still can't care
And I get so stuck when I get in deep
I don't know what to do
But fall asleep
Or stay up 'til four when it ain't New Year's
Fucked up on Rhapsody and root beer
Got a brain, but I can't use it
Living on just air and music
Well, you don't have to tell me
I know this can't be healthy
But I am not your kind of dope fiend
I have my own kind of protein
I just can't get my mom to believe me
I'm not on drugs
But I probably should be
Lyrics submitted by Eamon
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Glassjaw
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its amazing how far music can come.. 24 years after it released and its one of the most heartfelt songs ive heard
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Doors, The
Doors, The
Like a lot of the other comments are saying, I think this mainly about voyeurism. If the song was about his girlfriend, then why would he use the word spy. If you are a spy it means you shouldn't be caught, that is kind of the whole point, and if you are a voyeur, the whole point of the pleasure you get from it, is the fact that the other people don't know you are watching them. See a bit of a connection there?
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Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
i relate to this except i am a drug addict. but my addiction is because of my bass guitar. i wait every night till my mum goes to bed before i sneak out the back door to suck down a spliff and then spend the following hours playing my bass. i rarely make it to 4 though. normally pass out between 1 and 2