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.
For those on the Right
you need to build a bridge
For those on the Left
you must build a bridge
For those in Washington
there is only one question
Is Stalin on your shoulder
Stalin on your shoulder
as he was with his composers
Time to wake
Activate our Native Invader
Warriors of the Earth
it's getting late now
Time to face
those who take
more and more
from our Great Mother
the Mother we call home
Is Stalin on your shoulder
you need to build a bridge
For those on the Left
you must build a bridge
For those in Washington
there is only one question
Is Stalin on your shoulder
Stalin on your shoulder
as he was with his composers
Time to wake
Activate our Native Invader
Warriors of the Earth
it's getting late now
Time to face
those who take
more and more
from our Great Mother
the Mother we call home
Is Stalin on your shoulder
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher, edited by tipofyourstar
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To me the song "Russia" by Toris Amos speaks to the political discord and disharmony currently present in today's world national landscape. The old adage keep your friends close and your enemies closer could apply here in spirit. However the song is sending out a warning in regards to that adage (is Stalin on your shoulder), don't have your enemies so close that your blinded by their presence so much so you're no longer aware of their true evil intentions. So besides being a beautiful song, I think it's also an important one.