Paul Simon, one of the most prolific and innovative songwriters of his generation, has a way of weaving profound storytelling with his signature wit and charm. His 2010 song “Afterlife,” from the album So Beautiful or So What, is no exception.
Combining existential musings with quirky humor, Simon creates a vivid and thought-provoking narrative that explores life, death, and what comes next with an unmistakable human touch.
Let’s dive deep into the meaning of the lyrics, the inspiration behind the song, and its lasting resonance.
The Meaning of “Afterlife” Lyrics
The lyrics of “Afterlife” paint an unconventional picture of the afterworld, full of bureaucracy, mystery, and a touch of comedy. They reflect Simon’s knack for addressing grand themes with intimate and relatable imagery. Here are the lyrics:
After I died and the makeup had dried
I went back to my place
No moon that night, but a heavenly light
Shown on my face
Still I thought it was odd there was no sign of God
Just to usher me in
Then a voice from above sugarcoated with love
Said, “Let us begin”
The opening lines transport us into the afterlife, not as a place of immediate awe or divine revelation, but as something surprisingly mundane. The absence of God’s immediate presence sets a casual, almost bureaucratic tone. Instead of celestial fanfare, Simon introduces a “voice from above” that is gentle and detached, instructing the speaker to “fill out a form first.”
This repeated phrase — “You got to fill out a form first / And then you wait in the line” — underscores the absurdity of a spiritual realm with administrative red tape. The imagery is both humorous and unsettling, likening the afterlife to the DMV.
Simon cleverly juxtaposes this with a school metaphor:
Okay, new kid in school / Got to follow the rule / You got to learn the routine
Here, the afterlife is presented as a place where even the souls of the departed must conform and adapt, reflecting Simon’s commentary on life’s inescapable cycles of regulation and conformity.
The Human Side of Eternity
As the narrator navigates this cosmic waiting room, there’s a humorous yet poignant interaction:
Whoa! There’s a girl over there / With the sunshiny hair like a homecoming queen
I said “Hey, what’cha say, it’s a glorious day / By the way, how long you been dead?”
The casual tone and flirtation feel strikingly human, emphasizing the persistence of earthly desires and social dynamics even in the afterlife. The girl’s ambiguous response — “She just shook her head” — leaves the narrator in a mix of existential curiosity and uncertainty.
Philosophical Insights
In the second half of the song, Simon broadens the scope to touch on spiritual equality and universal truths:
Buddha and Moses and all the noses / From narrow to flat / Had to stand in the line / Just to glimpse the divine
This verse humorously equalizes humanity, suggesting that no matter how revered or enlightened one was in life, the afterlife is an equalizing force. No one skips the line, a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the shared mystery of death.
The climax of the song delves into the ineffable nature of divine experience:
After you climb up the ladder of time / The Lord God is near
Face-to-face in the vastness of space / Your words disappear
Here, Simon poetically captures the sublime and indescribable essence of encountering the divine. The image of words vanishing emphasizes the inadequacy of language to articulate profound spiritual truths.
Finally, the narrator reflects on the persistence of music:
And you feel like you’re swimming in an ocean of love / And the current is strong
But all that remains when you try to explain / Is a fragment of song
The reference to “Be Bop a Lula” and “ooh Papa Doo” links the eternal to the ephemeral, reminding us that music — a universal language — might be humanity’s best attempt at capturing the infinite.
Historical and Cultural Context
“Afterlife” was released in 2010 as part of So Beautiful or So What, an album celebrated for its philosophical depth and masterful fusion of folk, rock, and world music. By this point in his career, Paul Simon was reflecting on aging, mortality, and legacy.
The song’s playful tone mirrors Simon’s earlier works, such as the witty existential musings in “The Boxer” or “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” However, the layered production and spiritual undertones reflect a maturity that comes from decades of introspection.
In interviews, Simon often described So Beautiful or So What as an album deeply inspired by his meditations on life’s purpose. The combination of humor and gravitas in “Afterlife” exemplifies this balance.
Legacy and Societal Impact
“Afterlife” resonates because of its relatable and irreverent approach to the unknowable. While many songs about death lean into solemnity, Simon’s take is both humorous and tender, offering comfort in its ordinariness.
The song’s playful imagery of lines, forms, and casual conversations reminds us of the universal nature of uncertainty. Whether one believes in an afterlife or not, Simon’s portrayal feels accessible, urging listeners to find humor and humanity in life’s biggest questions.
Moreover, the enduring power of music as a theme connects the song to Simon’s broader legacy as an artist who has consistently used his craft to explore profound emotions and ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Afterlife” stands as a testament to Paul Simon’s artistic brilliance and his ability to tackle profound themes through accessible and relatable storytelling. The song encourages listeners to ponder the complexity of existence, the significance of human connections, and the legacy we leave behind.
Simon’s nuanced approach to the subject of life and death continues to resonate, making “The Afterlife” a timeless piece that encourages deep reflection and fosters a sense of shared humanity. Through its powerful lyrics and evocative imagery, the song not only captures the essence of the human experience but also challenges us to live authentically and with purpose.