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.
Billy's got a gun, he's on the run
Confusion in his mind, the blind leads the blind
Yeah, Billy's got a gun, he's gonna shoot ya down
He's got evil in his eyes, got a reason to despise
There's danger in the air
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Oh yeah
Oh he was locked inside a room without a door
His innocence he suffered for
In a world of black and white, they were wrong and he was right
Just looking for a clue, it's a nightmare come true
He's going underground to track that danger down
Oh Billy, and why you got that gun?
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Never give him an even break
Gettin' caught is the chance you take
It could be your last mistake
(You could be so helpless)
As a bird with a broken wing
Like a sheep in a lion's den
Gonna fall but you won't know when
It's gonna get you
You hear footsteps in the night, see shadows on the wall
And the ghostly sound of silence, as the mist begins to fall
Then a scream rang out like thunder, but the lightning was too late
As the rain came down on the crimson ground
It was the hand of fate
And a crowd of people gathered 'round, but Billy couldn't wait
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Never give him an even break
Gettin' caught is the chance you take
It could be your last mistake
As a bird with a broken wing
Like a sheep in a lion's den
Gonna fall but you won't know when
It's gonna get you
Confusion in his mind, the blind leads the blind
Yeah, Billy's got a gun, he's gonna shoot ya down
He's got evil in his eyes, got a reason to despise
There's danger in the air
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Oh yeah
Oh he was locked inside a room without a door
His innocence he suffered for
In a world of black and white, they were wrong and he was right
Just looking for a clue, it's a nightmare come true
He's going underground to track that danger down
Oh Billy, and why you got that gun?
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Never give him an even break
Gettin' caught is the chance you take
It could be your last mistake
(You could be so helpless)
As a bird with a broken wing
Like a sheep in a lion's den
Gonna fall but you won't know when
It's gonna get you
You hear footsteps in the night, see shadows on the wall
And the ghostly sound of silence, as the mist begins to fall
Then a scream rang out like thunder, but the lightning was too late
As the rain came down on the crimson ground
It was the hand of fate
And a crowd of people gathered 'round, but Billy couldn't wait
Can you feel it in the air? (There's danger in the air)
Danger (such a strange emotion)
Can you feel it in the air?
Never give him an even break
Gettin' caught is the chance you take
It could be your last mistake
As a bird with a broken wing
Like a sheep in a lion's den
Gonna fall but you won't know when
It's gonna get you
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar, edited by ErikO
Billy's Got a Gun Lyrics as written by Peter Andrew Willis Robert John Lange
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Glassjaw
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its amazing how far music can come.. 24 years after it released and its one of the most heartfelt songs ive heard
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Insane Ian
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The way this song speaks to me🥺🥺when I sing it I feel like I relate
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
good song, goofy ending but i still like it, especially the rest of the song...awesome stuff