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.
I sail out on my paper ship
The sea is made of fire
I ride my horse of nuts and bolts
We made to never tire
The world is just a simple circle
I've got to keep on turning, yeah
I've got to keep on turning
'Til I fall
Down to the top of a mountain
Inside a hollow stone
I pretend that I'm an iron man, yeah
Instead of flesh and bone
The world is just a simple circle
And it keep on turning, yeah
And it keep on turning
You've got to
Go away
I can't stand to see your face
Cause you've seen the weakest me
And now you know I'm only human
Instead of all the things I'd like to be
The world is just a simple circle
You've got to keep on turning, yeah
You've got to keep on turning
Or down you fall
The sea is made of fire
I ride my horse of nuts and bolts
We made to never tire
The world is just a simple circle
I've got to keep on turning, yeah
I've got to keep on turning
'Til I fall
Down to the top of a mountain
Inside a hollow stone
I pretend that I'm an iron man, yeah
Instead of flesh and bone
The world is just a simple circle
And it keep on turning, yeah
And it keep on turning
You've got to
Go away
I can't stand to see your face
Cause you've seen the weakest me
And now you know I'm only human
Instead of all the things I'd like to be
The world is just a simple circle
You've got to keep on turning, yeah
You've got to keep on turning
Or down you fall
Lyrics submitted by smallwonderrobot
Or Down You Fall Lyrics as written by Gil Scott-heron Brian Jackson
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
I really don't like songs like this that are about a man's needless pride. As long as he hasn't become as horrible and despicable as the ones who hound and judge him, he has nothing to be ashamed of. It's the others who should be ashamed of themselves for putting it all on him.