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.
It's like I'm a fucking fuse
And you're a fucking hot flame.
And now I'm daring you
To step up into my path.
You're a billboard in my face.
A bullhorn in my ear.
Thanks for the status update.
You've made it crystal clear.
I'm a fucking fuse
And you're a big, dumb flame.
And now I'm daring you
You're a bullhorn in my face.
A billboard in my ear.
Thanks for the status update.
You've made it crystal clear.
And you're a fucking hot flame.
And now I'm daring you
To step up into my path.
You're a billboard in my face.
A bullhorn in my ear.
Thanks for the status update.
You've made it crystal clear.
I'm a fucking fuse
And you're a big, dumb flame.
And now I'm daring you
You're a bullhorn in my face.
A billboard in my ear.
Thanks for the status update.
You've made it crystal clear.
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Todd Kowalski: I’m not really sure if it’s serious or ironic but it’s mostly about not being intimidated by people and trying to hold your ground. It’s said in a tongue-in-cheek way. Chris changed the words to "A bullhorn in my face and a billboard in my ear" and it’s not a tough-guy song, but it is about holding your ground. He thought it was funny and I thought it was funny and away it went.
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