“But Life Goes On” is a raw, unfiltered examination of death and the afterlife. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of decay and demise, yet there’s an underlying message of resilience and a challenge to conventional views of life after death. It’s a bold statement on the inevitability of death and the mystery of what comes after. The band seems to question the dichotomy of heaven and hell, suggesting a different, more personal interpretation of what it means to “win” in the face of death.
Curious about how a death metal song can delve into such profound themes? Keep reading, and you might just find a new perspective on life, death, and what lies beyond.
“But Life Goes On” Lyrics Meaning
The song “But Life Goes On” by Entombed starts with a stark portrayal of death – “A rotten stench / Surrounds another ended life”. It’s clear from the get-go; this isn’t your average song about life and death. The imagery of maggots and rotten flesh sets a grim tone, but it’s more than just shock value. There’s a deep contemplation of mortality and what it means to be alive.
The line “Is that the way you want to die?” isn’t just rhetorical. It’s a challenge to the listener, a prompt to reflect on their own mortality. Moving on, “Decomposed / Don’t want to live in a decaying shell” speaks to a universal fear of death and decay, yet the following lines, “But why should I go to heaven / And who’s to say I’ll enter hell,” question traditional concepts of the afterlife. It’s a bold statement, suggesting a personal, perhaps even agnostic view of what comes after death.
The chorus “Dead, deceased, but life goes on / I will be the one who won” is particularly intriguing. It juxtaposes the finality of death (“dead, deceased”) with the continuity of life (“but life goes on”). This could be interpreted as a defiance of death’s finality, suggesting that in some form, whether through legacy or memory, one transcends death.
The song then turns philosophical with “Visually a corpse / But what’s inside my head”. It’s a reminder that our physical bodies are just one aspect of our existence. The lines “Don’t consider I once was deceased / So I guess I’ll come back from the dead” could be a metaphor for living on through one’s thoughts, ideas, or impact on the world.
Lastly, “Dying my death / In relentless aggrieve” and “Just can’t be my destiny” express a refusal to accept a mundane or unremarkable end. The song closes with a powerful message, “Continue to seek and you will see / That life is your worst enemy,” suggesting that the quest for understanding life is more challenging than confronting death itself.
The Story Behind “But Life Goes On”
Emerging from the Swedish death metal scene in the early 90s, Entombed was known for their raw, unapologetic approach to music and life. This song, like many others in their repertoire, reflects a fascination with the macabre and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
The lyrics of “But Life Goes On” suggest a period of profound introspection and questioning for the band. It’s as if they were grappling with their own fears and curiosities about death and what comes after. The imagery of decay and the questioning of the afterlife indicate a rebellion against conventional beliefs and a search for a deeper, more personal understanding of mortality.
Moreover, the song’s defiant tone and its exploration of themes beyond mere physical death hint at the band’s state of mind. They weren’t just contemplating the end of life; they were pondering the legacy one leaves behind, the impact of one’s thoughts and actions, and the philosophical concept of what it means to truly ‘live.’
In summary, “But Life Goes On” is more than just a death metal track. It’s a piece of existential art, reflecting the band’s journey through human existence’s dark and often unexplored corridors. Their exploration of death, defiance in the face of mortality, and questioning of conventional afterlife beliefs reveal a deeper, more contemplative side of Entombed, offering listeners a unique perspective on some of life’s most profound questions.