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.
Oh baby, pretty baby
Oh honey, you let me down honey
I ain't playin' childhood games no more
I said it's time for me
To even the score
So stake your claim
Your claim to fame
But baby call another name
When you feel the fire
And taste the flame
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Makin' love
Cheap heartbreaker, broken backed
Nasty ballbreaker, stay out of my bed, outta my head
If it's lovin' you
I'm better off dead
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Emotions ripped, gone on a binge
Life lipped, I said you're off the hinge
Tellin' lies of such fame and glory
I don't even want to hear your story
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
It's such a pity that you're such a bitch
Back off, back off bitch
It's time to burn, burn the witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch, bitch
Bitch, bitch, bitch
Hey wha'd'ya think he's tryin' to say there, anyway?
I think it's something each person's s'posed to take in their own special way
Fucking bitch
Oh honey, you let me down honey
I ain't playin' childhood games no more
I said it's time for me
To even the score
So stake your claim
Your claim to fame
But baby call another name
When you feel the fire
And taste the flame
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Makin' love
Cheap heartbreaker, broken backed
Nasty ballbreaker, stay out of my bed, outta my head
If it's lovin' you
I'm better off dead
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Emotions ripped, gone on a binge
Life lipped, I said you're off the hinge
Tellin' lies of such fame and glory
I don't even want to hear your story
Back off, back off bitch
Down in the gutter dyin' in the ditch
You better back off, back off bitch
Face of an angel with the love of a witch
Back off, back off bitch
It's such a pity that you're such a bitch
Back off, back off bitch
It's time to burn, burn the witch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch
Back off, back off bitch, bitch
Bitch, bitch, bitch
Hey wha'd'ya think he's tryin' to say there, anyway?
I think it's something each person's s'posed to take in their own special way
Fucking bitch
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this song is about being in love with someone who doesn't care back, and then you tell them "back off bitch! you don't love me so why should I love you?
How was this song written about Stephanit Seymour? The first recorded demo was in 1986 before Axl even met her, and it was released in 1991 when they were dating. It applies to any ex girlfriend who was a bitch, I'm sure Axl's had many.
The first time I heard this record, I thought it was brilliant. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, 'cause she was kept taking me for a ride, and screwing around. I couldn't resist the temptation of sending her a copy,and I haven't heard from her since. It defanatley had the desired effect.
A great song to hand to your ex.
absolutely great revenge, man! Lotta great songs on this album. i bought it a few months ago and play it all the time. i love don't damn me and november rain. its all fuckin sweet!
This song kinda reminds me of my sixth grade english teacher. She had the looks of a porn-star, but was the definition of a bitch. Damn we all hated her! GN'F'R rules!!!
Ahhh the sweet sound of... axl rose screaming his heart out? i dont think so but GnR is my favorite band!
Like, going out with axl but only to get the fame and glory, but ax has a different idea
Great song! One of my favorite from Guns N' Roses, definitely.
good song