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.
One life, one chance, one time.
One life to see it all.
One shot at tomorrow.
You will never see this time again.
A belief that time is cruelty.
Happiness is just one step away.
This life will never falter.
Determinated that time will never fall.
This way will never fail me.
I will testify.
I swear that I can see the light.
It's born.
It will be forever.
A personal basking thrown.
Life can give us.
Walk the line, break the walls.
See the things you've never known.
Break these walls with life.
One step away.
One life to see it all.
One shot at tomorrow.
You will never see this time again.
A belief that time is cruelty.
Happiness is just one step away.
This life will never falter.
Determinated that time will never fall.
This way will never fail me.
I will testify.
I swear that I can see the light.
It's born.
It will be forever.
A personal basking thrown.
Life can give us.
Walk the line, break the walls.
See the things you've never known.
Break these walls with life.
One step away.
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
Great to see such a positive message in the 'metal' scene. As Joan commented, it is all about making the most of your opportunities and live your life (to your full potential).