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.
You saw me crying in the chapel
The tears I shed were tears of joy
I know the meaning of contentment
I am happy with the Lord
Just a plain and simple chapel
Where all bumble people go to pray
I prayed the Lord that I'll grow stronger
As I live from day to day
I searched (I searched) and I searched (I searched) but I couldn't find
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
Now I'm happy in the chapel
Where people are of one accord (One accord)
Yes, we gather in the chapel
Just to sing and praise the Lord
You'll search and you'll search but you'll never find
No way on earth to find peace of mind
Take your troubles to the chapel
Get down on your knees and pray
Then your burdens will be lighter
And you'll surely find the way (and you'll surely find the way)
The tears I shed were tears of joy
I know the meaning of contentment
I am happy with the Lord
Just a plain and simple chapel
Where all bumble people go to pray
I prayed the Lord that I'll grow stronger
As I live from day to day
I searched (I searched) and I searched (I searched) but I couldn't find
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
Now I'm happy in the chapel
Where people are of one accord (One accord)
Yes, we gather in the chapel
Just to sing and praise the Lord
You'll search and you'll search but you'll never find
No way on earth to find peace of mind
Take your troubles to the chapel
Get down on your knees and pray
Then your burdens will be lighter
And you'll surely find the way (and you'll surely find the way)
Lyrics submitted by Madcappunk
Crying In The Chapel Lyrics as written by Artie Glenn
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I dont know why but I rly love this song. and it always sounds so familiar and makes me feel nostalgic... maybe I heard it sometime when I was little and its taking me back. who knows. oh elvis...
I love this song!
-Just a plain and simple chapel (Chapels do not have to be super decorated and over the top, in fact simplicity is where the spirit of God is most, not where the eye is distracted with the wordly appearance, no offense to any church but I don't find the spirit of God where there is too much fancy) -Where humble people go to pray (humility! I found myself, I only feel the spirit of God when there are humble people in a room/ a church, just saying this by experience). I love how this song describes the real meaning of praising God. You might as well pray in a cave than in a building full of fancy and distraction!
This song means a lot to me, because I have experienced being in chapels that are plain and yet, the feeling so special, where everyone is of one accord and where you feel peace of mind. This is the place where we gain strength, and hope to overcome the things we have to overcome in life, rather than thinking we can overcome on our own or have to be perfect. The light that we receive in church, is like the petrol we need in a car. God's light is our strength, we do not have to struggle or walk on our own. Thank you Artie Glenn for writing this beautiful inspired song! Thank you Elvis for singing so beautifully!