In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Like walking into a dream, so unlike what you've seen
So unsure but it seems, 'cause we've been waiting for you
Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste
Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway
I see a distant light, but girl this can't be right
Such a surreal place to see so how did this come to be
Arrived too early
And when I think of all the places I just don't belong
I've come to grips with life and realize this is going too far
I don't belong here, we gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
A place of hope and no pain, perfect skies with no rain
Can leave this place but refrain, 'cause we've been waiting for you
Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste
Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway
This peace on earth's not right (with my back against the wall)
No pain or sign of time (I'm much too young to fall)
So out of place don't wanna stay, I feel wrong and that's my sign
I've made up my mind
Give me your hand but realize I just wanna say goodbye
Please understand I have to leave and carry on my own life
I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
Got nothing against you and surely I'll miss you
This place full of peace and light, and I'd hope you might
Take me back inside when the time is right
Loved ones back home all crying 'cause they're already missing me
I pray by the grace of God that there's somebody listening
Give me a chance to be that (I am unbroken)
Person I wanna be (I'm choking on this ecstasy)
Oh, Lord (unbreak me), I'll try so hard (unchain me)
But you gotta let go of me (I need another chance to live)
I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
Got nothing against you and surely I'll miss you
This place full of peace and light, and I'd hope you might
Take me back inside when the time is right
So unsure but it seems, 'cause we've been waiting for you
Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste
Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway
I see a distant light, but girl this can't be right
Such a surreal place to see so how did this come to be
Arrived too early
And when I think of all the places I just don't belong
I've come to grips with life and realize this is going too far
I don't belong here, we gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
A place of hope and no pain, perfect skies with no rain
Can leave this place but refrain, 'cause we've been waiting for you
Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste
Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway
This peace on earth's not right (with my back against the wall)
No pain or sign of time (I'm much too young to fall)
So out of place don't wanna stay, I feel wrong and that's my sign
I've made up my mind
Give me your hand but realize I just wanna say goodbye
Please understand I have to leave and carry on my own life
I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
Got nothing against you and surely I'll miss you
This place full of peace and light, and I'd hope you might
Take me back inside when the time is right
Loved ones back home all crying 'cause they're already missing me
I pray by the grace of God that there's somebody listening
Give me a chance to be that (I am unbroken)
Person I wanna be (I'm choking on this ecstasy)
Oh, Lord (unbreak me), I'll try so hard (unchain me)
But you gotta let go of me (I need another chance to live)
I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here
Got nothing against you and surely I'll miss you
This place full of peace and light, and I'd hope you might
Take me back inside when the time is right
Lyrics submitted by babylegs, edited by CeleryStik
Afterlife Lyrics as written by Jr. Brian Haner
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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No matter what the bands says, music have different meanings for each one, and they know. For me its about love and sacrifice. The "afterlife" represents a passionate and fulfilling love that the person has experienced, but ultimately he decide to leave it behind to fulfill their responsibilities and commitments. It highlights the struggle between pursuing personal desires and fulfilling obligations to loved ones, emphasizing the complexities of decision-making and the sacrifices people may make in their lives.
'Like walking into a dream, so unlike what you've see..... ...Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway" the man describes the feeling of being in love as akin to "walking into a dream" and something unlike anything he's ever experienced. He feels uncertain but drawn to this intense love because he's been waiting for it. It's a taste of an "afterlife," symbolizing a passionate and fulfilling love he never expected to encounter. "I see a distant light, but girl this can't be right... ...I've come to grips with life and realize this is going too far" The man he questions whether this intense love is right for him, as it may conflict with his obligations to his old family. He realizes that he might have entered into this love too soon. The old family could be his ex-wife with a couple of kids, or his parents. Then he realizes it's going "too far" from the life he should be leading.
"This peace on earth's not right (with my back against the wall) ... ...Please understand I have to leave and carry on my own life" He acknowledges that in this love, there is no pain or sense of time, but he also feels that the time is not right to fully embrace this new love. The man asks for understanding and compassion from the person he loves.
"I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife ... ...Take me back inside when the time is right" The chorus reflects the man's inner struggle. He knows he needs to move on from this intense love because he's made a decision to return to his old family. The "afterlife" of love is not where he belongs, and he feels the weight of his responsibility. But he may go back to her in a future , "when the time is right" .
"Loved ones back home all crying 'cause they're already missing me... ...But you gotta let go of me (I need another chance to live) " The bridge introduces the idea of loved ones back home who are already missing him. The man prays for a chance to be the person he wants to be, suggesting that he fight now another struggle inside him. The true love now is so far away. But this is a story for another song !!