When You're Dead

Perkele's song "When You're Dead" delves into the dark and ironic reality of how society often neglects individuals during their lives but suddenly showers them with affection and attention after their death. The narrative follows a boy who grows up feeling isolated and ignored, culminating in his tragic suicide at the age of 24. The stark imagery of his body being discovered months later underscores the extent of his loneliness and the neglect he faced. The song's repetitive chorus, "Everyone loves you when you are dead," serves as a biting critique of this posthumous affection, questioning its sincerity and value.

The lyrics highlight the hypocrisy of people who, after the boy's death, suddenly claim to have been his closest friends. This "competition" to prove who cared the most is depicted as both absurd and disingenuous, given that these same people showed no concern for him while he was alive. The song suggests that this behavior is driven more by a desire to appear compassionate and connected than by genuine grief or remorse. The repeated question, "Do you really care when you're six feet under the ground?" challenges listeners to reflect on the futility of such belated expressions of love and the importance of showing care and empathy while people are still alive.

Perkele, known for their punk rock style, often addresses social issues and personal struggles in their music. "When You're Dead" is a poignant example of their ability to blend raw, emotional storytelling with a critical examination of societal behaviors. The song's powerful message encourages listeners to reconsider how they treat others and to recognize the value of genuine, timely connections over superficial displays of affection after it's too late.