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.
I love the way you tie me down
False words would never be allowed
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
You loved the many faults you found
You cared what was worth keeping around
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
Why you need to know
Before things can move forward (?)
There are reasons why I am this way
(x2)
I have opened my heart so many times
You have a hold of it now
I need you to breathe new life into me
You have a hold of me now
I tried to loosen off your hold
You stayed and nothing made you fall
I knew when you took me over, that you were not like the others
I can be young and reckless, but you stayed
I have opened my heart so many times
You have a hold of it now
I need you to breathe new life into me
You have a hold of me now
Why you need to know
Before things can move forward (?)
There are reasons why I am this way
(x2)
All those times I tried to make you forget me
You stayed, you stayed
All those times I tried to make you forget me
You stayed
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
False words would never be allowed
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
You loved the many faults you found
You cared what was worth keeping around
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
Why you need to know
Before things can move forward (?)
There are reasons why I am this way
(x2)
I have opened my heart so many times
You have a hold of it now
I need you to breathe new life into me
You have a hold of me now
I tried to loosen off your hold
You stayed and nothing made you fall
I knew when you took me over, that you were not like the others
I can be young and reckless, but you stayed
I have opened my heart so many times
You have a hold of it now
I need you to breathe new life into me
You have a hold of me now
Why you need to know
Before things can move forward (?)
There are reasons why I am this way
(x2)
All those times I tried to make you forget me
You stayed, you stayed
All those times I tried to make you forget me
You stayed
When I am yours (and love is ours), when I am yours
When we are home (and love is ours), when we are home
Lyrics submitted by 60_miles_an_hour
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I transcribed these myself so any corrections are appreciated! Thanks!