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.
How can you accept social suppression
This weak state of mind in our time
I demand release from hypocrisy
I'd rather die than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
I'm on the threshold of revolution
I'd rather burn than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Locked in chains of the sovereignty
Let me be free 'cause I long to be
Free! Free!
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Set ablaze
Set ablaze
Freedom or fire
This weak state of mind in our time
I demand release from hypocrisy
I'd rather die than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
I'm on the threshold of revolution
I'd rather burn than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Locked in chains of the sovereignty
Let me be free 'cause I long to be
Free! Free!
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Set ablaze
Set ablaze
Freedom or fire
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Reminds me of the phrase that Emiliano Zapata said "I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees".
In other words would rather die fighting for freedom (a cause) than live under oppression. This is pretty much what the song is about, in my opinion. Either sit and do nothing or be willing to set fire to yourself (fight) for your freedom!