Lyric discussion by MicDaddy 

The mark of a great artist and a great song is that it can mean different things to different listeners. Previous posts have correctly pointed out the Biblical references to Jesus' cruxification, where Jesus' last words question and doubt God. A non-Christian could view Jesus as a man that orchestrated his own death (i.e., "self-righteous suicide"). And Jesus' doubting God at the end should make us question whether Jesus' legacy as the Messiah isn't just a fable. (If you're a Christian and your faith tells you otherwise, that's fine, but make sure you're finding those answers for yourself and not just blindly following the guidance of others.)

The song uses Jesus' story as a metaphor for our own lives. So to apply to our own lives... The beginning lyrics speak about those of us that wake up every day and are untrue to our real selves (putting on an artificial surface, creating fables). So this might apply to many previous posted suggestions, such as the abused wife, the drug abuser, the religious zelot, etc. I think the message of the song is don't follow a self-destructive path without deeply questioning what you're doing. In other words, if your life is leading to your own destruction, but somehow you can justify it, then it's nothing but suicide and you have no one to blame but yourself.

I concur. This song is to be taken somewhat metaphorically. This meaning also ties in with previous posts about addiction; which can now make sense in this light.

Your writing is beautiful.

@MicDaddy - Thank you for this! I LOVE how SOAD lyrics encourage real discussions and intelligent dialog...while I can appreciate all of these comments, your post resonates most true to me. I had never even considered a metaphorical interpretation - I've always seen it as a person raised by religious zealots questioning his faith, leading to his ultimate suicide. But your thoughts help me see from a different view!

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