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.
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Just give us your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Fall into line, you will do as you're told
No choice fatigue, your blood is running cold
We lose control, the world will fall apart
Love of your life will mend your broken heart
Life lived in fear, you need protection
You're all alone, too much rejection
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
We just need your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Cover your tracks, we know what's best for you
You've bitten off much more than you can chew
You're running scared, you'll run into our arms
Come join our clique, we'll keep you safe from harm
Our toy soldier, you'll do the dirty work
Stay loyal to us, we'll take away the hurt
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
Just give us your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
(We can save you, can save you)
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Oh, fear is controlling you
It's time to give it up
And give in to us (we can save you, can save you)
Give us your compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Just give us your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Fall into line, you will do as you're told
No choice fatigue, your blood is running cold
We lose control, the world will fall apart
Love of your life will mend your broken heart
Life lived in fear, you need protection
You're all alone, too much rejection
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
We just need your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Cover your tracks, we know what's best for you
You've bitten off much more than you can chew
You're running scared, you'll run into our arms
Come join our clique, we'll keep you safe from harm
Our toy soldier, you'll do the dirty work
Stay loyal to us, we'll take away the hurt
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
Just give us your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
(We can save you, can save you)
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Oh, fear is controlling you
It's time to give it up
And give in to us (we can save you, can save you)
Give us your compliance
Lyrics submitted by DeezNuts69
Compliance Lyrics as written by Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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According to Matt Bellamy, "Compliance is about the promise of safety and reassurance sold to us by powerful entities during times of vulnerability. Gangs, governments, demagogues, social media algorithms & religions seduce us with misleading untruths and comforting fables. They want us to join their narrow worldview in exchange for obedience and turning a blind eye to our own internal voice of reason & compassion. They just need our Compliance."