Sweetness Follows by R.E.M. Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Layers of Grief and Hope
Lyrics
What did you think when you lost another?
I used to wonder why did you bother
Distanced from one, blind to the other?
Listen here, my sister and my brother
What would you care if you lost the other?
I always wonder why did we bother
Distanced from one, deaf to the other
Oh, oh, but sweetness follows
It’s these little things, they can pull you under
Live your life filled with joy and wonder
I always knew this altogether thunder
Was lost in our little lives
Oh, oh, but sweetness follows
Oh, oh, but sweetness follows
It’s these little things, they can pull you under
Live your life filled with joy and thunder
Yeah, yeah, we were altogether
Lost in our little lives
Oh, oh, ah
Oh, oh, sweetness follows
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh sweetness follows
In the lexicon of R.E.M.’s illustrious discography, ‘Sweetness Follows’ emerges as a hauntingly poignant track, a cathartic exploration of grief, sense of loss, and the redemptive arc of acceptance. Off their acclaimed album ‘Automatic for the People,’ this song adheres to the pensive mood that canvases the project while providing a keen introspection into the cycle of human emotion.
The track’s raw introspection paired with its stirring cello lines creates a soundscape that is at once deeply contemplative and tenderly reassuring. As we dissect the lyrics, we uncover a narrative that speaks to the univerality of human experience—reminding us that in the aftermath of sorrow, there indeed is a sweetness that follows.
Echoes of Loss: Reading Between the Lines
The opening lines of ‘Sweetness Follows’ deal with mortality, asking profound questions that resonate with listeners who have encountered loss. The song ponders on the reactions we have when confronting the cyclical nature of life and death. These powerful inquiries speak to the existential grappling that accompanies the death of loved ones—parents, siblings, or otherwise.
R.E.M. doesn’t shy away from these uncomfortable topics; instead, they invite a candid introspection. The distance ‘from one, blind to the other’ could suggest a detachment born from unresolved familial relationships or the inherent isolation felt when mourning. It’s a reminder that loss often comes not only with grief but also with a complex tapestry of emotions.
The Lyrical Journey from Despondence to Revelation
In a narrative arc that moves from despondency to an intimation of hope, ‘Sweetness Follows’ uses contrast to underscore its theme. The juxtaposition of ‘live your life filled with joy and wonder’ against the backdrop of thunder and being ‘lost in our little lives’ serves to highlight the dichotomy within our existence—the inevitable shadow of death that makes life’s joys more precious.
The repetitive nature of the second verse, only slightly altered from the first, suggests a ruminative quality, as if the speaker is processing their grief in real-time. This meditative repetition signifies that the path to healing is neither linear nor swift.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning: Sweetness in the Sorrow
Beneath the solemnity of ‘Sweetness Follows’ lies a hidden meaning—one that beckons listeners to find comfort in the idea that sweetness, or the potential for happiness and healing, follows the bitterness of loss. This message is echoed in the refrain ‘Oh, oh, but sweetness follows,’ serving as the emotional fulcrum upon which the rest of the song balances.
The titular ‘sweetness’ is cryptic yet optimistic, a suggestion that after the storm of grief, there are moments of peace and clarity that emerge. It’s a soul-stirring promise that even in the depths of despair, we are not forsaken to perpetual anguish.
A Tapestry of Sound: The Evocative Use of Instruments
Moving beyond lyrics, ‘Sweetness Follows’ is bolstered by its stirring score. The cello lines provide a somber quality that encapsulates the song’s emotional gravity. This mournful string arrangement speaks a language without words, painting a picture of introspective solitude that complements the narrative thread of coping with loss.
The minimalist arrangement instills a feeling of vast open space, accentuating the song’s thematic exploration of life’s fragility and the introspective voyage through the different stages of mourning. It underscores the value of silence and space in the healing process.
The Memorable Lines That Linger in Collective Memory
‘Live your life filled with joy and wonder’ is a line that holds the essence of ‘Sweetness Follows.’ This memorable maxim encapsulates the song’s ultimate message of seeking the treasure in every moment and embracing life’s unpredictable journey with an open heart.
The poetic refrain, simple yet profound, gently prods listeners to acknowledge the depth present in ‘these little things,’ the day-to-day experiences that define our existence. It’s a gentle nudge to not be pulled under by the weight of grief but to swim back to the surface where sweetness and life’s simple pleasures await.
