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.
This is the story of a man
Who took for granted everything he had
And how he let it all just slip away
Never to return again
Now twenty years have come and gone
And still he wonders what he did so wrong
And how that he can win back her heart
And finally step outside of the dark
He buys fresh roses everyday
Her favourite flower so she used to say
And now the memories all that he has left
And I'm afraid he'll drink himself to death
(Chorus)
This is the story of a man
Who took for granted everything he had
And how he let it all just slip away
Never to return again
It's clear she's moved on long ago
But he still clings on to a distant hope
That she'll come back and make a happy home
For now it's him and the bottle all alone
Sometimes you'll see him in the yard
A wounded man with a desperate heart
He keeps the hedges trimmed nice and neat
To keep them the way that they used to be
(Chorus)
A single dress hangs on it's own
The scent of perfume all he has to hold
A wasted life waiting on a dream
Hoping for things the way they used to be
(Outro-Chorus)
This is the story of a man (this is the story of a man)
Who took for granted everything he had (everything he had)
And how he let it all just slip away (he let it slip away)
Never to return again (to return again)
Who took for granted everything he had
And how he let it all just slip away
Never to return again
Now twenty years have come and gone
And still he wonders what he did so wrong
And how that he can win back her heart
And finally step outside of the dark
He buys fresh roses everyday
Her favourite flower so she used to say
And now the memories all that he has left
And I'm afraid he'll drink himself to death
(Chorus)
This is the story of a man
Who took for granted everything he had
And how he let it all just slip away
Never to return again
It's clear she's moved on long ago
But he still clings on to a distant hope
That she'll come back and make a happy home
For now it's him and the bottle all alone
Sometimes you'll see him in the yard
A wounded man with a desperate heart
He keeps the hedges trimmed nice and neat
To keep them the way that they used to be
(Chorus)
A single dress hangs on it's own
The scent of perfume all he has to hold
A wasted life waiting on a dream
Hoping for things the way they used to be
(Outro-Chorus)
This is the story of a man (this is the story of a man)
Who took for granted everything he had (everything he had)
And how he let it all just slip away (he let it slip away)
Never to return again (to return again)
Lyrics submitted by mewsikluva, edited by tbl, akingkeota
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!
More Featured Meanings
Ave Grave
Thee More Shallows
Thee More Shallows
Grand Theft Auto
Insane Ian
Insane Ian
The way this song speaks to me🥺🥺when I sing it I feel like I relate
Techno Ted
Audioslave
Audioslave
Techno Ted may be a person who caused Chris incredible emotional pain & trepidation as well as moments of peace & happiness but now is removed and awaiting his fate. Darling may be a different person who is also free of him and can live her life free of Ted's tyranny. "In between all the laughing, and daydreams ... lies: a desert of truth" Lies are like a desert or the omission of Truth: Where there were Lies then Truth was absent. The song, "Techno Ted", may be a cathartic celebration of the downfall of this person.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
This is so sad :'( 20 years is such a long time to want someone back. It's clearly about every man's worst nightmare. Never take anything for granted.
I believe this song is very straight forward. Regretting ending a relationship and living in regret. Always having that one ounce of hope in the back of their head that maybe...someday this could work again.
Probably the most truthful song I've heard about regret, and how it never worked out.... Not mentioning why it went wrong in the song makes it worse cause now we can put ourselves into the song and see how wicked we are ourselves and imagine ourselves i think i have 12 more years left till i regret everything i did when i left to the marines ...... how i stupid i was to let her go.... It hurts deep seeing out much this song hits me everytime i hear it... i just wanna scream it out with ailment i have in my hand... but then again Most people drink their troubles away... and maybe mines too should be the bottle...