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 said, "Cover me, if there is a fire
'Cause I want you to burn first"
She screamed at me, "I want to be desired"
I said, "Easy girl, I know it hurts
Let's all give thanks that I am a liar
'Cause I got a feeling I just might get worse
Now there's nothing wrong with you, I'm just tired
And I'm in a mood for a brand new curse"
You burn first
You burn first
You burn first
You burn first
"Cover me, if there is a fire
'Cause I want you to burn first"
She screamed at me, "I want to be desired"
"Easy girl, I know it hurts
Let's all give thanks that I am a liar
'Cause I got a feeling I just might get worse
Now there's nothing wrong with you, I've just grown tired
And I'm in a mood for a brand new curse"
'Cause I want you to burn first"
She screamed at me, "I want to be desired"
I said, "Easy girl, I know it hurts
Let's all give thanks that I am a liar
'Cause I got a feeling I just might get worse
Now there's nothing wrong with you, I'm just tired
And I'm in a mood for a brand new curse"
You burn first
You burn first
You burn first
You burn first
"Cover me, if there is a fire
'Cause I want you to burn first"
She screamed at me, "I want to be desired"
"Easy girl, I know it hurts
Let's all give thanks that I am a liar
'Cause I got a feeling I just might get worse
Now there's nothing wrong with you, I've just grown tired
And I'm in a mood for a brand new curse"
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Best thing they've ever done, and I think it's a hint of the more Post-Hardcore/Rock direction they'll take. Rough Hands also hints in that direction as well.
It's much more mature, controlled, precise and well written. The screaming isn't teenage angst ridden cliche, it's a proper scream that sounds like anger instead of mimicing it.
I think I'd have liked to hear Dallas singing on it as well, he's got a great voice, but Gerad has such a cool voice as well.
Looking forward to more like this. Depends if they want to carry on appealing to just the kids or a wider more informed audience.
Saucer of milk! :P