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.
Scold me, that's all you've got to say
Coldly, hurt me and turn away
You say, "I'm not sorry yet" I'm resigned to what is next
I head for the shadow
Hold me taking it back through tears
You've told me, slowly confessed your fears
But I've got myself to protect. It's too soon for me to forget
I'll wait in the shadows
In the shadows
Though I am alone
They help me, see that I'm the only one in your heart
So until I truly believe that your words convey what you mean
I'll wait in the shadows (2x)
I don't mind the shadows.
Coldly, hurt me and turn away
You say, "I'm not sorry yet" I'm resigned to what is next
I head for the shadow
Hold me taking it back through tears
You've told me, slowly confessed your fears
But I've got myself to protect. It's too soon for me to forget
I'll wait in the shadows
In the shadows
Though I am alone
They help me, see that I'm the only one in your heart
So until I truly believe that your words convey what you mean
I'll wait in the shadows (2x)
I don't mind the shadows.
Lyrics submitted by punchyk
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this song to me means she can't take his word, so she just watches from the shadows his actions to see if they match up with his words and while in the shadows she sees that he does love her but still it's not enough because of the previous pain he's put on her. "so until I truly believe, that your words convey what you mean, I'll wait in the shadows."
could be totally wrong, but that's how i relate to it.