The song "The Afterlife" by Electric Six explores themes of perception, self-awareness, and the consequences of one's actions in both life and the afterlife. The lyrics suggest a sense of detachment and disconnection from reality, as represented by the imagery of permanent smiles and reptiles eating flies. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for individuals who superficially appear happy but are actually consumed by their own ego or vices. The lines "Turning up dials, like audiophiles hearing with their eyes" can be seen as a commentary on the obsession with material goods and sensory stimulation in contemporary society. It implies a lack of depth in human connections, as people focus on surface-level pleasures rather than meaningful experiences. The repeated phrase "When you lay down with dogs you lay with my dogs" is a warning about the company one keeps. It suggests that associating with certain individuals or engaging in certain behaviors can have negative consequences. Scratching and biting also imply a sense of aggression and volatility in these relationships. The chorus of the song states "There is no exodus in the afterlife, there is no point to this in the afterlife." These lines suggest that in the afterlife, there is no escape from the consequences of one's actions. It conveys the idea that one's choices and behavior in life have an impact beyond death and that there is no way to avoid facing the repercussions of one's actions. The following verses discuss the need for introspection and personal growth by urging listeners to "open up your eyes and fantasize your sailing." This implies that embracing new perspectives and letting go of past failures can lead to personal improvement and a more fulfilling existence. The lines mentioning cleaning and scrubbing emphasize the importance of self-reflection and personal transformation. By acknowledging and addressing one's flaws, one can overcome hubris or excessive pride, represented by "bouncing and clubbing." The song suggests that personal growth and change are necessary to avoid negative consequences in life and the afterlife. Overall, "The Afterlife" brings attention to the idea that our choices and actions have consequences both in life and beyond death. It encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and the avoidance of destructive behaviors in order to lead a more fulfilling existence.
