Beyond This World: Music's Exploration of Life After Death
by Richard Howlett
• Published 11/04/2024
There are few topics that are as fascinating and emotive as the possibility of life after death. This is largely because, in the land of the living, there is no real answer, and there never will be. Sure, some people believe in their idea of the afterlife so incredibly strongly that it feels like a certainty, but the whole nature of the concept means that there can be no tangible proof.
The afterlife itself, as well as one's journey to it, has been the subject of discussion for thousands of years, dating back at least as far as the ancient Egyptians. In modern society, some people base their beliefs purely in scientific fact, while others look to a religious doctrine or a cultural upbringing. It has been discussed by everyone from philosophers to scientists, from priests to artists, and it’s the musical artists that we’re going to pay particular attention to today.
6 Incredible Songs That Talk About The Afterlife
Blake’s View by M. Ward
This is the song that started me down on this road, with its beautiful guitar playing and soulful lyrics from one of my favourite artists. This song talks to a person who has lost a loved one, and reassures them that "death is just a door, you'll be reunited on the other side".
Jesus Christ by Brand New
This song seems to be a one sided conversation in which the songwriter is directly speaking to God. The line that has always stood out to me as being particularly powerful says “Jesus Christ, I'm not scared to die, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after”.
Ocean Breathes Salty by Modest Mouse
“Your body may be gone, I'm gonna carry you in
In my head, in my heart, in my soul
And maybe we'll get lucky and we'll both live again
Well, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, don't think so”
The Afterlife by Paul Simon
This is a lighthearted, satirical look at the afterlife, epitomised by the idea that once you get to the afterlife you have to fill in a form and wait in a queue! Paul Simon always has a way with words, and this song is no different.
Chinese Satellite by Phoebe Bridgers
This song is not as literal as the last, as Phoebe references stars, satellites and tractor beams, all as a big metaphor for faith and the afterlife. She wishes that she could have the comfort that comes with believing in God and Heaven, but knows that she never will.
Glory Hallelujah by Frank Turner
Frank is a folk-punk singer-songwriter, and also a staunch atheist. He brazenly declares that there is “No God, No Heaven and no Hell”, so not a song that you’ll be wanting to sing along to if you are religious, but his message is more positive than it first seems; if we all came to accept that there is no God, no afterlife, and that this life we’re living now is all we’ve got, then maybe people would believe in themselves more and strive harder to achieve greatness?
Lastly, a couple of special mentions for ‘Afterlife’ by Arcade Fire, and ‘I Will Follow You into the Dark’ by Death Cab For Cutie. Both songs contemplate the relationship between love and the afterlife, and feature on a previous article titled ‘Alternative Indie Songs to Play at a Funeral’, which you can find here.
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