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.
High town - high street connections
With clothes at the top of my list
You could steal things from the jewelry department
But you can't take kind or steal a kiss
As I flit from shop window to window
I'm trying to pick up a friendly bargin
But its not like the adverts all make out
And there's no one to greet you as a friend
I dress myself for the part
I smile but it just don't work
Something about my face - must just be the wrong shape
I better try another brand pretty quick
I'm haunted by the colours and holding a reminder that I must be inadequate
High town - high street connection
With clothes at the top of my list
With clothes at the top of my list
You could steal things from the jewelry department
But you can't take kind or steal a kiss
As I flit from shop window to window
I'm trying to pick up a friendly bargin
But its not like the adverts all make out
And there's no one to greet you as a friend
I dress myself for the part
I smile but it just don't work
Something about my face - must just be the wrong shape
I better try another brand pretty quick
I'm haunted by the colours and holding a reminder that I must be inadequate
High town - high street connection
With clothes at the top of my list
Lyrics submitted by planetearth
Shopping Lyrics as written by Paul John Weller
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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of the 5 songs on the Beat Surrender EP only the title track and the cover of "Move On Up" retained the original power of the Jam. The others - including this - could have been performed by the Style Council! Nice jazz-punk guitar though!