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.
What child is this who lay to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherd's watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherd's guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him love
The babe, the son of Mary
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent word is pleading
Mary's sweet Child [Incomprehensible]
The cross he'll hold for me, for you
Heaven, heaven [Incomprehensible]
The babe, the son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold and mirth
Come peasants king to honor Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving arms enthrone Him
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherd's watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherd's guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him love
The babe, the son of Mary
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent word is pleading
Mary's sweet Child [Incomprehensible]
The cross he'll hold for me, for you
Heaven, heaven [Incomprehensible]
The babe, the son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold and mirth
Come peasants king to honor Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving arms enthrone Him
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
What Child Is This Anyway? Lyrics as written by Sufjan Stevens
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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this is missing my favorite verse of the song
Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, The Cross be borne for me, for you; Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
one of the most beautifulest verses of any Christmas Carol. this song celebrating the birth of Christ and yet offering salvation and beautiful redemption. THIS IS THE EPITOME OF CHRISTMAS AND TRUE CHRISTMAS CAROL, something christmas songs today know nothing about
Thank you so much for adding the missing lyrics. This has always been my favorite Christmas song and one I sang in the adult church choir when I was a child. I don't know why the artist, though, decided to change the song's title. He sort of cheapened it with the word "anyway" (in my opinion).