Meaning of "Resurrection Blues" by Otis Taylor

"Resurrection Blues" delves into the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and identity. The repetition of the phrase "Some people" highlights the inequality and unjust suffering that exists in the world. The mention of cancer and AIDS as causes of death serves to emphasize the different forms of suffering people endure. The narrator discovers that they are Jesus upon waking from a deep sleep, but they reject this identity. They express a desire to avoid the pain and sacrifice associated with crucifixion and the burdens of being seen as Jesus. The reluctance to take on the role of Jesus reflects a hesitation to bear the responsibilities that come with it, such as providing for others and performing miracles. The repeated statements expressing a lack of desire to be Jesus reinforce the narrator's aversion to this fate and desire to escape the inevitable. The lyrics capture the struggle of accepting a destiny that entails immense suffering and responsibility, ultimately raising questions about the nature of sacrifice and the choices we make in the face of adversity.