I heard different interpretations of Misunderstood. One would be that Misunderstood about JP himself, where he's this guitar god we look up to but he's really just another human with flaws. Another would be that Misunderstood is about Jesus, who only wanted to be a good moral teacher but was regarded as the divine Messiah.
I always wondered about the lyrics of some of Awake's songs. They're very cryptic. You can get a blurry picture of what they're about but it's tough to pinpoint exactly what they're about.
I actually personally believe that your first possibility may be what it is about. However, I never really saw it as being about JP himself, but rather anyone who is a "superstar" or who is highly regarded in the public eye.
Also, if it were about JP, I don't necessarily think it would have to be vain. I think it would actually be a pretty humble lyric.
I mean, he has seen all of the Rock Discipline YouTube parody videos (as documented in one of the DVDs...can't recall which), and it's no surprise that he hears people's "God-like" opinions of him constantly....so it is no secret that he "seems superhuman" to people as said in the lyric.
And rather than let this get to his head, he is simply saying that he too is just a mortal human who can feel alone, regardless of the hordes of people surrounding him.
And he has met so many people (fans) throughout the years, but he doesn't really "know" any of them (save his family, DT, and other friends).
Thinking about it some more, it definitely does fit the Jesus thing as well. I just feel like the song would have more direct meaning, and be way more personal to the band if it were about celebs/JP/ or even DT as a whole. I guess we'll never really know!
Just my 2cents...would love to hear some more ideas!