The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Sweet Hereafter" by the artist "White Buffalo, The"

The song "Sweet Hereafter" by The White Buffalo tells a story of a man torn apart by guilt and despair. The lyrical hero has left his home and his dying mother, seeking solace in fleeting pleasures.

The opening lines describe the deep regret and coldness he feels, realizing that nothing can replace his mother's love and warmth. The prostitutes, symbolizing empty comforts, couldn't fill the void in his soul.

Further on, the hero turns to religious imagery. He doesn't believe in God's forgiveness, understanding the gravity of his actions. The Devil, on the contrary, is ready to accept him, using temptations and cunning.

The phrase "Holding on, though there's nothing left to hold" conveys the depth of despair. The hero clings to life, perhaps out of fear or hope for redemption, symbolized by "the sweet hereafter."

Memories of childhood, of the "fountain," contrast with the harsh reality. The innocence and carefreeness of the past emphasize the weight of the mistake he made.

The recurring phrase "Holding on for the sweet hereafter" sounds like a mantra, the hero's attempt to convince himself that there is meaning, despite the despair and guilt.