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.
[Chorus:]
Just like a prisoner,
He don't know right from wrong.
Just like a baby,
He sings a pleading song
And that's why
So many tears must fall.
Yes, that's why
So many tears must fall.
Just like a sailor,
He steers away from home.
He feels a tidal wave
In his heart, but he ain't alone
[Chorus]
I'm like that prisoner,
I don't know right from wrong.
Just like that baby,
I sing a pleading song
And that's why
You'll never know how I feel.
Yes, that's why
You'll never know how I feel.
Just like a prisoner,
He don't know right from wrong.
Just like a baby,
He sings a pleading song
And that's why
So many tears must fall.
Yes, that's why
So many tears must fall.
Just like a sailor,
He steers away from home.
He feels a tidal wave
In his heart, but he ain't alone
[Chorus]
I'm like that prisoner,
I don't know right from wrong.
Just like that baby,
I sing a pleading song
And that's why
You'll never know how I feel.
Yes, that's why
You'll never know how I feel.
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 wish there were some interesting comments here! This song is haunting to me. It just popped into my head now and I was wondering what takes people might have on it.
For me, I am a prisoner to feelings that won't be requited. Not like a prisoner who doesn't have a moral compass. However, I feel like the song is not necessarily trying to say that (if anything is being "tried" anyway, since music is clearly for interpretation by the listener). I think the connection I have is my heart just doesn't know any better. It doesn't know it's making the wrong choice. So, the feelings will always be there. On the other hand, is not that normal? If you love someone for who they are, do you love them less for not liking you?