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 never believed that I would concede and let someone trample on me
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but you were just gaslighting me
I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies, and now it is clearer to me
You are just a user, and an abuser, living vicariously
I never believed that I would concede and get myself blown asunder
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but now you have pushed me under
I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies and now it is clearer to me
You are just a user, and an abuser, and I refuse to take it
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack, I'm playing you at your own game
I'm cutting you out, a shadow of doubt
Is gonna hang over your name
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack
A psychological war
I'm cutting you in, I'm under your skin
Now I'm gonna settle the score
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
Won't stand down
Breaking out
Won't stop now
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
I won't stand down
I won't stand down
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but you were just gaslighting me
I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies, and now it is clearer to me
You are just a user, and an abuser, living vicariously
I never believed that I would concede and get myself blown asunder
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but now you have pushed me under
I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies and now it is clearer to me
You are just a user, and an abuser, and I refuse to take it
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack, I'm playing you at your own game
I'm cutting you out, a shadow of doubt
Is gonna hang over your name
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack
A psychological war
I'm cutting you in, I'm under your skin
Now I'm gonna settle the score
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
Won't stand down
Breaking out
Won't stop now
Won't stand down
I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down
I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down
You've used me for too long, now die alone
I won't stand down
I won't stand down
Lyrics submitted by EternalTearsOfSorrow
Won't Stand Down Lyrics as written by Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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“\'Won’t Stand Down\' is a song about standing your ground against bullies, whether that be on the playground, at work or anywhere,” says singer Matt Bellamy. “Protecting yourself from coercion and sociopathic manipulation and to face adversity with strength, confidence and aggression.”