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.
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so smart
You try to manipulate me
You try to humiliate with your words
You think you're so chic
You write me beautiful letters
You think you're so much better than me
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so shrewd
You try to bring me low
You try to gain control with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Friends they tried to warn me about you
He has good manners, he's so romantic
But he'll only make you blue
How can I explain to them?
How could they know?
I'm in love with your words
Your words
You think you're so sly
I caught you at your game
You will not bring me shame with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Too much blinding light
Your touch, I've grown tired of your words
Words, words
A linguistic form that can meaningfully be spoken in isolation (words)
Conversation, expression, a promise, a sigh
In short, a lie
A message from heaven, a signal from hell
I give you my word I'll never tell
Language that is used in anger
Personal feelings signalling danger
A brief remark, an utterance, information (I've grown tired of your words)
Don't mince words, don't be evasive
Speak your mind, be persuasive
A pledge, a commitment, communication, words
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so smart
You try to manipulate me
You try to humiliate with your words
You think you're so chic
You write me beautiful letters
You think you're so much better than me
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so shrewd
You try to bring me low
You try to gain control with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Friends they tried to warn me about you
He has good manners, he's so romantic
But he'll only make you blue
How can I explain to them?
How could they know?
I'm in love with your words
Your words
You think you're so sly
I caught you at your game
You will not bring me shame with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Too much blinding light
Your touch, I've grown tired of your words
Words, words
A linguistic form that can meaningfully be spoken in isolation (words)
Conversation, expression, a promise, a sigh
In short, a lie
A message from heaven, a signal from hell
I give you my word I'll never tell
Language that is used in anger
Personal feelings signalling danger
A brief remark, an utterance, information (I've grown tired of your words)
Don't mince words, don't be evasive
Speak your mind, be persuasive
A pledge, a commitment, communication, words
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Words Lyrics as written by Anthony Shimkin Shep Pettibone
Lyrics © Word Collections Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Words is about how Madonna feels about our celebrity tabloid reality pop culture she wants no part of. Madonna's All Still Wet in Tears of Anger and Rage. Words may be a dance groove but Like a Prayer, Vogue and Girl Gone Wild it ain't! Very Sad Madonna Tune!