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.
The core principle of freedom
Is the only notion to obey
The formula of evolution and sin
Leading the way
The rebirth is near completion
As we slowly awaken from slumber
As we slowly awaken from slumber
The malpractice of the spirit ends
Gateways!
When the gift is once again attained
Gateways!
No rules or restraints are longer valid
Gateways!
When the ancient future is reclaimed
Gateways!
No rules or restraints are longer valid
Gateways!
When the ancient future is reclaimed
Gateways!
It's all there for the eye that can see
The blind ones will always suffer in secrecy
For it is the omen
Of what lies submerged
Untouched within us
The core principle of freedom
Is the only notion to obey
The formulae of evolution and sin
Leading the way
The rebirth is near completion
As we slowly awaken from slumber
To receive the light that shines in darkness
The light that shines forevermore
Forevermore!
Be the broken or the breaker
Be the giver or the undertaker
Unlatch and open the doors
Be the healer or the faker
The keys are in your hands
Realize you are your own sole creator
Of your own masterplan
Be the broken or the breaker
Be the giver or the undertaker
Unlatch and open the doors
Be the healer or the faker
The keys are in your hands
Realize you are your own sole creator
Of your own masterplan!
Is the only notion to obey
The formula of evolution and sin
Leading the way
The rebirth is near completion
As we slowly awaken from slumber
As we slowly awaken from slumber
The malpractice of the spirit ends
Gateways!
When the gift is once again attained
Gateways!
No rules or restraints are longer valid
Gateways!
When the ancient future is reclaimed
Gateways!
No rules or restraints are longer valid
Gateways!
When the ancient future is reclaimed
Gateways!
It's all there for the eye that can see
The blind ones will always suffer in secrecy
For it is the omen
Of what lies submerged
Untouched within us
The core principle of freedom
Is the only notion to obey
The formulae of evolution and sin
Leading the way
The rebirth is near completion
As we slowly awaken from slumber
To receive the light that shines in darkness
The light that shines forevermore
Forevermore!
Be the broken or the breaker
Be the giver or the undertaker
Unlatch and open the doors
Be the healer or the faker
The keys are in your hands
Realize you are your own sole creator
Of your own masterplan
Be the broken or the breaker
Be the giver or the undertaker
Unlatch and open the doors
Be the healer or the faker
The keys are in your hands
Realize you are your own sole creator
Of your own masterplan!
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This song deals with the subject of astral planes (a plane of existence postulated by classical, medieval, oriental & esoteric philosophies and mystery religions). The Divine Comedy a book by author/poet Dante Alighieri comes to mind (Dante's heavens & hells symbolized the astral spheres and their associated virtues & vices).