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.
The world watched as you deemed justice done
Cries of rejoice from a vengeful son
A thousand tears shed, a conscience you dread
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world through tainted glass
I sense there's trouble and it's coming fast
So many lies you sold for your fame
Now you live in a world of eternal shame
How do you sleep in your bed?
Filled with regret
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world, the world
I sense there's trouble, I sense trouble
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Ain't nothing gonna hide your shame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
I can see your eyes filled with doubt
It's all in your mind, just let it out
Now more tears are shed from the lies that you spread
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world, world
I sense there's trouble, I sense trouble
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Ain't nothing gonna hide your shame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Cries of rejoice from a vengeful son
A thousand tears shed, a conscience you dread
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world through tainted glass
I sense there's trouble and it's coming fast
So many lies you sold for your fame
Now you live in a world of eternal shame
How do you sleep in your bed?
Filled with regret
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world, the world
I sense there's trouble, I sense trouble
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Ain't nothing gonna hide your shame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
I can see your eyes filled with doubt
It's all in your mind, just let it out
Now more tears are shed from the lies that you spread
What's going on, going on?
Tell me, what's in your head?
Come on, come on, come on
Tell me now 'cause there's something wrong
Can't see the world, world
I sense there's trouble, I sense trouble
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Ain't nothing gonna hide your shame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You've always got someone to blame
So what's wrong? Tell me, what's the news today?
You watch me as I disintegrate
It's all breaking down and I know it's too late
Lyrics submitted by Tyrefitter
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!