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.
Rise
You sold them self-esteem
It starts to shape a level fantasy
I believe in it, just believe in me now
A tight but faulty grip
It holds you down till you get over it
And that's the last of the fight you're given
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you how you're gonna live
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you what you're gonna be
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you what you're gonna do now
Tell you what you're gonna do now
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
I know your holy path
This is where you suffer most
But I'm still strongest when you're on my arm
And this life stares you down till you blink twice
And I won't leave until you start to realize
You're praised for effort with bruised intent
You listen better when you're broken and bent
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
I can't see an end for this
That doesn't include your descent
Your plan, their faith are left inverse
What you call triumph I still call a curse
Who becomes whose enemy
Who becomes whose saving grace
Rise up!
Rise up!
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
And I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I'm still myself inside
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
You sold them self-esteem
It starts to shape a level fantasy
I believe in it, just believe in me now
A tight but faulty grip
It holds you down till you get over it
And that's the last of the fight you're given
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you how you're gonna live
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you what you're gonna be
(Hush, hush, hush) They're gonna tell you what you're gonna do now
Tell you what you're gonna do now
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
I know your holy path
This is where you suffer most
But I'm still strongest when you're on my arm
And this life stares you down till you blink twice
And I won't leave until you start to realize
You're praised for effort with bruised intent
You listen better when you're broken and bent
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
I can't see an end for this
That doesn't include your descent
Your plan, their faith are left inverse
What you call triumph I still call a curse
Who becomes whose enemy
Who becomes whose saving grace
Rise up!
Rise up!
And if you don't stand you will fall
They'll rest at the top
And watch us fight for the bottom
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
And I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I've seen enough to make a lifetime
I'm still myself inside
And if we don't escape
You're not my enemy
We'll start this war from the bottom
Lyrics submitted by EternalTearsOfSorrow
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I think this song is becoming a leader who can actually lead. Rising up to challenge to lead others instead of cowering in the background.