Sweetness Follows

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of familial loss and the subsequent existential questioning that arises from it. The opening lines immediately thrust the listener into a scene of profound grief, preparing to bury both parents. This sets up a central, almost weary, inquiry: "why did we bother?" The narrator seems to grapple with the perceived futility of life's efforts when faced with such overwhelming sorrow, noting a prior state of being "distanced from one, blind to the other" within the family unit. This sense of disconnection and the shock of repeated loss fuels the core tension. The narrator directly addresses siblings, posing a hypothetical about losing another, which underscores the fragility of remaining bonds and the potential for further pain. The repeated question, "why did we bother?" isn't just about the past; it's a present struggle with the meaning of continuing when so much has been taken. The phrase "altogether thunder" suggests a looming, overwhelming force that was perhaps ignored or unseen amidst the mundane. The most striking element is the persistent, almost defiant, refrain: "sweetness follows." This simple, repeated phrase acts as a counterpoint to the heavy themes of death and doubt. It's not a denial of pain, but an assertion of hope or perhaps a resigned acceptance that even after the "thunder" and the "little things" that "pull you under," something positive, however elusive, will eventually emerge. The contrast between the bleakness of the verses and the gentle repetition of the chorus creates a complex emotional landscape, suggesting resilience or a belief in eventual peace. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their directness and the stark juxtaposition of profound grief with a quiet, hopeful assertion. The narrator doesn't offer easy answers but instead poses questions that resonate with the experience of loss. The power comes from the raw honesty of the struggle and the subtle, persistent promise that even in the darkest moments, a form of "sweetness" might be found, offering a glimmer of light through the overwhelming darkness.