The song "Afterlife" by Jeris Johnson portrays a sense of longing and a desire for closure and connection in the afterlife. The lyrics express the singer's anticipation and readiness to move on from life to the next phase. The opening lines, "Are you gonna take me over? / Are you gonna leave me to the crows? / I can feel it getting colder / I've been waiting for my time to go," suggest a certain resignation and acceptance of the inevitability of death. The singer wonders if they will be guided to the afterlife or left to be forgotten. The following lines, "Go, tell me are the gates really made of gold? / Baby, if it's really over," pose a question about the existence and nature of heaven. The mention of gold signifies the idea of a divine and glorious place. The singer seeks confirmation and assurance of this afterlife, questioning whether it truly awaits them. As the song progresses, the chorus repeats the plea, "I need you to show me the edge of the night / I need you to get me there dead or alive / Meet me in the afterlife, meet me in the afterlife." The singer longs for guidance and assistance in crossing over to the afterlife, expressing a desire to be reunited with a loved one or a higher power on the other side. The verse, "You can say it's all for closure / I can hear a knock on Heaven's door / Do you feel my heart beat slower? / I've been waiting for my time to go," conveys a sense of finality and a search for peace. The mention of closure suggests a need to resolve unfinished matters and find solace in the afterlife. The mention of the heart beating slower could signify the nearing end of life and the anticipation of leaving the mortal world. The bridge, consisting of the lines, "This is the end, I'm on the edge / I'll pay for our sins by dying again," reflects a feeling of the singer being at the precipice of life and ready to face the consequences of their actions. It alludes to the idea of redemption through death, paying for their sins and finding forgiveness. The repetition of "See you on the other side" emphasizes the longing to reunite or connect with someone or something beyond death. The overall atmosphere of the song suggests a bittersweet longing for closure and a belief in an afterlife where the singer hopes to find peace and reunification. Overall, "Afterlife" by Jeris Johnson delves into themes of mortality, longing, and the unknown, exploring the desire for closure and connection in the afterlife.
