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.
It seems uncertain
I wish it was forgone
To know the version
That made life go wrong
Wish I had a clue
What rearranged our molecules
Mostly wondering
It seems uncertain
In times of trouble
Everyone joins a team
No one waves a flag
For all human beings
No one's excited
Unless they are divided
Someone's going to have to give in
It seems uncertain
I'd like to be
One of the faithful millions
But what I see
Is an excuse for the killing
Your denomination
Should be a private thing
How about a spirit
For all human beings
How could something well guided
Turn out to be divisive
Mostly wondering
It seems uncertain
I wish it was forgone
To know the version
That made life go wrong
Wish I had a clue
What rearranged our molecules
Mostly wondering
It seems uncertain
In times of trouble
Everyone joins a team
No one waves a flag
For all human beings
No one's excited
Unless they are divided
Someone's going to have to give in
It seems uncertain
I'd like to be
One of the faithful millions
But what I see
Is an excuse for the killing
Your denomination
Should be a private thing
How about a spirit
For all human beings
How could something well guided
Turn out to be divisive
Mostly wondering
It seems uncertain
Lyrics submitted by SoccrFwd13
Seems Uncertain Lyrics as written by Nicholas Hexum
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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He's not sure how and why we are here and he can't understand why there are wars over basically nothing. Why does everybody have to be divided? Why draw lines to divide everybody? Why not fly a flag for all human beings instead of individual countries? He's confused about why people act the way they do. If you really think about it he has a valid point.
Another great track off the amazing new Evolver record. I really enjoy Nick questioning religion, in a low-key yet powerful message: "I’d like to be One of the faithful millions But what I see Is an excuse for the killing" Religion is used to control the masses. Find your spirituality within.
beyondthegreysky i agree, its always refreshing to see artists as prominent as 311 question religion in their songs :P
Its crazy how every country has their own flags, thats their team. It is a great divide. And every nation/country/continent/race, or whatever has their own religion. There is only one God and I agree with Nick about it is just one great spirit. That is what the Native Americans beleived too. They were very spiritual. In the Middle East, I think they do use religion as an excuse for killing. Obviously God would not want anyone to kill anyone else. But when 9/11 happened, those hi-jackers thought they were doing it for their God. They are brain-washed. (How could something well guided, Turn out to be divisive)
Why not just beleive in one great GOOD spirit and always do what you think is right. Thats my religion.
NICK IS A BRILLIANT WRITER...A ROCK POET REALLY.