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.
Summer came around early this year
And winter swung around soon after
The scent of spring was high with fear
The autumn crows call disaster
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
And the music that now fills the street
Falls to the rhythm of marching feet
I find no comfort here
No not in this or any other year
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
Tell of a future burned with fire
The stranger asked me what do you know
And just where are you going?
I told the truth, I just don't know
If you don't mind, I'll keep on going
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
Tell of a future burned with fire
And winter swung around soon after
The scent of spring was high with fear
The autumn crows call disaster
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
And the music that now fills the street
Falls to the rhythm of marching feet
I find no comfort here
No not in this or any other year
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
Tell of a future burned with fire
The stranger asked me what do you know
And just where are you going?
I told the truth, I just don't know
If you don't mind, I'll keep on going
Because the north wind blows so cold
Chilling the warmth of my desire
And the whispered words we know
Tell of a future burned with fire
Tell of a future burned with fire
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Beautiful song :)