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.
You were almost kind,
You were almost true,
Don't let me see
That other side of you
You have learned in time
That you must be cruel,
I'll have to wait
To get the best of you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
You were almost kind,
You were almost true,
But give away that other side of you
Happens every time
So it must be true
Step on a kid
He'll grow up hating you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
Were you ever kind?
Were you always cruel?
Who's ever seen
That other side of you?
Happened every time,
So it must be true
Where did you learn
It's either him or you
You were almost kind,
You were almost true,
Don't let me see
That other side of you
You have learned in time
That you must be cruel,
I'll have to wait
To get the best of you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
You were almost true,
Don't let me see
That other side of you
You have learned in time
That you must be cruel,
I'll have to wait
To get the best of you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
You were almost kind,
You were almost true,
But give away that other side of you
Happens every time
So it must be true
Step on a kid
He'll grow up hating you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
Were you ever kind?
Were you always cruel?
Who's ever seen
That other side of you?
Happened every time,
So it must be true
Where did you learn
It's either him or you
You were almost kind,
You were almost true,
Don't let me see
That other side of you
You have learned in time
That you must be cruel,
I'll have to wait
To get the best of you
Poison in everything you say
Don't you, don't you
Wonder what difference does it make
Either way
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I totally agree with you ultimate. to me its more just telling someone who has been a total asshole/bitch to you. and you've always just been super nice to them like their mean to you and you just kinda take it in stride b/c ur a stronger person and finally your just like were you ever kind were you always cruel? almost saying like hey people arent out to get you, lighten up a little. Great Song.