Anyway

Genesis' song 'Anyway' delves into the profound themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the existential musings that accompany the end of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person on the brink of death, grappling with the physical and metaphysical aspects of their existence. The opening lines, 'All the pumping's nearly over for my sweet heart / This is the one for me,' suggest a finality, a recognition that life is coming to an end. The mention of 'the chef' and 'running man is out of death' could be metaphors for the Grim Reaper or the inevitability of death catching up with everyone.

The song's imagery is rich with references to the transformation of the body after death, 'Your blood to oil / Your flesh to coal / Enrich the soil.' This transformation is not just a physical process but also a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, where one's existence contributes to the earth's ongoing life. The line 'Not everybody's goal' hints at the different ways people perceive their legacy and what they leave behind.

The chorus introduces a surreal element with 'Anyway, they say she comes on a pale horse / But I'm sure I hear a train.' This juxtaposition of traditional death imagery with modern elements like a train suggests a confusion or blending of old and new perceptions of death. The protagonist's existential questions, 'Does earth plug a hole in heaven / Or heaven plug a hole in earth?' reflect a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence and the afterlife. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, 'Good morning Rael / So sorry you had to wait / It won't be long, yeh! / She's very rarely late,' indicating that death is an inevitable part of life, always on time, and something that one must eventually face.