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.
Stranded in this spooky town
Stoplight just swaying and the phone lines are down
Floor is crackling cold
She took my heart, I think she took my soul
With the moon I run
Far from the carnage of the fiery sun
Driven by the strangle of vein
Showing no mercy, I'd do it again
Open up your eyes
You keep on crying
And baby I'll bleed you dry
Skies are blinking at me
I see a storm bubbling up from the sea
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
You, you shimmy-shook my boat
Leaving me stranded all in love on my own
Do you think of me
Where am I now
Oh, baby where do I sleep?
Feels so good but I'm old
Two thousand years of chasing, taking it's toll
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
Stoplight just swaying and the phone lines are down
Floor is crackling cold
She took my heart, I think she took my soul
With the moon I run
Far from the carnage of the fiery sun
Driven by the strangle of vein
Showing no mercy, I'd do it again
Open up your eyes
You keep on crying
And baby I'll bleed you dry
Skies are blinking at me
I see a storm bubbling up from the sea
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
You, you shimmy-shook my boat
Leaving me stranded all in love on my own
Do you think of me
Where am I now
Oh, baby where do I sleep?
Feels so good but I'm old
Two thousand years of chasing, taking it's toll
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
And it's coming closer
Lyrics submitted by secondary spine, edited by ummduh, Fortunatus, Garito
Closer Lyrics as written by Jared Followill Caleb Followill
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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According to the band's own website, this song is about a lovesick vampire.