There are about 4300 religions in the world, led by Christianity ( 31%), Islam ( 25%, Hinduism (15%) and .Buddhism 7%. The majority believe in some concept of the afterlife. It could be called heaven, paradise or even re incarnation.
The word heaven comes from many sources, but the old English version comes from the word heofon – meaning the sky or the abode of Gods and Angels.
There seems to be no scientific evidence of the existence of heaven, so it's surprising that so many people believe in its supernatural presence. For what's its worth I don’t believe in heaven.
Near death experiences provide the closest look at heaven, with out of body experiences and a feeling of peace or moving towards a light. Brain chemistry can also lead to similar thoughts. Past life memories and re incarnation are said to prove the existence of heaven, although not accepted by the scientific community.
Generally, its thought to be a spiritual belief, a matter of faith. Almost believing in something we all want to believe in.
This song is about a man going to heaven and how he sees his legacy, what he wants people to remember about him, if anything . I have had similar thoughts and mentioned them in some of my poems. It’s a brutally honest view of his arrival in heaven and what he would actually think in the circumstances.
When it come to a legacy, people usually search for a meaning and purpose to their lives. For me I’m immensely proud of my children and I guess that enough.
Some like to leave a project or a building in their name – like a friend of mine from University. Others like to leave a body or artistic or intellectual work. Watch out Taylor Swift, Brady Kent is coming ! Financial security for the family comes high on the list, as well as experiences, history, and story telling ( I like the last one as anyone will tell you !).
Life lessons to pass on are also key for some people. In the main making a positive impact on other people is perhaps the best you can hope for. To love and be loved. The man in the song wants everyone to ‘sit down, so he can break the news’ ( he’s died)
He died in his sleep, which came as a surprise because he still felt ‘young inside’ He claims to be calm and not panicking but would rather ‘start his life again’ ( I think that’s where I’m at !)
‘Outside looking down, he does want to be in heaven’ but knows ‘there is no way back’ ( the first thing I would look for !) and therefore ‘feels sorry for himself ‘( yep !) as he was ‘happy on earth and loved his kids and his old life’ ( me too !). He also recognises that some of his friends are already dead and they have ‘leapt into the unknows’ ( are they around to have a chat with.
He then passes on some of his life lessons ( don’t let go of yuor4 friends, be cool , everything will work out ‘). Be a good person and ‘amen gives way to applause- in heaven’ ( not sure I’m ready for all this- just saying !)
