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.
When I was a kid, I used to buy and sell gravity
I knew how to fly, and I would teach you for a fee
Broke every window in my hotel heart
When I was only 5 years old, the 12 years scar
But I'd hear the same voice echo in my mind
See son you got an angel, to chase the devil at night, yeah
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about God, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
I took a little faith, and put it in a parking lot
I drove to a strange town, full of have and have notes
Yeah, and as I walk through that storybook life
I'll be looking for an angel, to chase the devil at night, whoa
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about love, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about life, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
I knew how to fly, and I would teach you for a fee
Broke every window in my hotel heart
When I was only 5 years old, the 12 years scar
But I'd hear the same voice echo in my mind
See son you got an angel, to chase the devil at night, yeah
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about God, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
I took a little faith, and put it in a parking lot
I drove to a strange town, full of have and have notes
Yeah, and as I walk through that storybook life
I'll be looking for an angel, to chase the devil at night, whoa
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about love, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
Wave, put your hands up, and hands down
When I was a kid, my grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about life, yeah he was something like a teacher
He said God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by SilverFX
Preacher Lyrics as written by Brian Willett Brent Michael Kutzle
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song is about dreaming, having the courage to do something with your life that will make you happy, regardless of its monetary value. So often these days, people do not have the courage to pursue what will make them happy. The song is simply trying to say that the real measure of your wealth is in your happiness, not in the amount of money you have.
“When I was a kid, I used to buy and sell gravity I knew how to fly, and I would teach you for a fee….See son you got an angel, to chase the devil at night” — This line represents a child’s courage to dream big and believe that anything is possible. They don’t let fear get in the way.
Later on in the song, once the man is older he says “ I’ll be looking for an angel, to chase the devil at night” —Throughout the years, you learn, grow, and become more realistic, and in some cases give up on your dreams for fear that they are intangible. In this case, the man hast lost (his angel) childhood optimism and looking to regain it.
“He said God only helps those Who learn to help themselves He was a million miles from a million dollars But you can never spend his wealth” This line is simple: Money isn’t happiness. If you’re unhappy, make the necessary changes, even if it requires taking chances. You must make the effort.
Don’t let money get in the way of true happiness. Have the courage to pursue your dreams/purpose.
Also, it seems his grandfather was the one who taught him these words of wisdom. When he was older, he had teh courage to pick up, leave town and try to make his music career a reality in the city of "have and have nots" (my guess people who it or break it.)
@jack11 Thank you!!!