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'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown
And if the words float up to the surface
I'll keep them down
This is the first time, I know
I don't want the crown
You can take it now
You promised the world and brought me it hanging from a string
Stuck it in my mouth, into my throat
Told me to sing
That was the first time I knew
You can't kill the king
And those who kiss the ring
Tell me how
It's better when the sun goes down
We'll never escape this town
I wasn't scared when he caught me
Look what it taught me
Tell me how
It's better if I make no sound
I will never escape these doubts
I wasn't dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
I'm writing a chapter on what to do after they dig you up
On what to do after you grew to hate what you used to love
That was the first time I knew
They were out for blood
And they would have your guts
Tell me how
It's better when the sun goes down
We'll never escape this town
I wasn't scared when he caught me
Look what it taught me
Tell me how
It's better if I make no sound
I will never escape these doubts
I wasn't dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Pulling me down
Dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Pulling me down
Dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
I'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown
And if the words float up to the surface
I'll keep them down
This is the first time I know
I don't want the crown
You can take it now
You can take it now
Take it now
And if the words float up to the surface
I'll keep them down
This is the first time, I know
I don't want the crown
You can take it now
You promised the world and brought me it hanging from a string
Stuck it in my mouth, into my throat
Told me to sing
That was the first time I knew
You can't kill the king
And those who kiss the ring
Tell me how
It's better when the sun goes down
We'll never escape this town
I wasn't scared when he caught me
Look what it taught me
Tell me how
It's better if I make no sound
I will never escape these doubts
I wasn't dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
I'm writing a chapter on what to do after they dig you up
On what to do after you grew to hate what you used to love
That was the first time I knew
They were out for blood
And they would have your guts
Tell me how
It's better when the sun goes down
We'll never escape this town
I wasn't scared when he caught me
Look what it taught me
Tell me how
It's better if I make no sound
I will never escape these doubts
I wasn't dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Pulling me down
Dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Watch as they pull me down
Pulling me down
Dead when they found me
Watch as they pull me down
I'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown
And if the words float up to the surface
I'll keep them down
This is the first time I know
I don't want the crown
You can take it now
You can take it now
Take it now
Lyrics submitted by EternalTearsOfSorrow
How Not To Drown Lyrics as written by Martin Doherty Robert Smith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song features the iconic 'Robert Smith' of The Cure. Chvrches vocalist 'Lauren Mayberry' says of this track; "These lyrics are about a time when I just wanted to disappear, and the only time I ever thought about quitting the band. I felt like I was in over my head at the deep end and not sure how to get back.
But I did get back. And if you’ve felt like that, I hope you find your way back too. This is the chapter on what to do after they dig you up."