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.
Smell your skin
Feel your breath
You on my side
I couldn't resist
I hope I'll understand some day
What's the meaning of this crazy game
It is real and pure
T.N.T. for the brain
If there's no pain
Rules are still the same
I'm with you, just lead me
I'm ready to play
T.N.T. for the brain
Don't be scared and have no fear
I will show you what it means
If there's no pain
Rules are still the same
I'm with you, just lead me
I'm ready to play
T.N.T. for the brain
What you feel is insane
It is love and not a game
T.N.T. for the brain
Feel your breath
You on my side
I couldn't resist
I hope I'll understand some day
What's the meaning of this crazy game
It is real and pure
T.N.T. for the brain
If there's no pain
Rules are still the same
I'm with you, just lead me
I'm ready to play
T.N.T. for the brain
Don't be scared and have no fear
I will show you what it means
If there's no pain
Rules are still the same
I'm with you, just lead me
I'm ready to play
T.N.T. for the brain
What you feel is insane
It is love and not a game
T.N.T. for the brain
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Love as a drug; can be both toxic and addictive & this makes for the heady and provocative experience of this track’s genius.