“This is The End” by The Ghost of Paul Revere
Reflection
I’ve thought about my mortality and how I want to die. After a long and happy life, after getting a chance to say my final farewells, after accomplishing all my goals, I would like to die peacefully and painlessly in my sleep. If that’s not possible then I want to die in an epic battle against a supervillain and just when it looks like the battle is lost and the world is doomed, I make a last-ditch heroic act that saves everyone but leads to my death. Either one I’d be fine with.
This song speaks to how many people face their mortality. There is resignation that death is inevitable, so you might as well have one last drink and get it over with. There’s a tough man act that is put on even at the end. But beneath that act there is often fear. I love the last verse in this song. You get hints of regret and questioning throughout the song, but the lyrics mostly express an acceptance of the unavoidable end. Then, out of the blue, you’re hit with “Just don't ask me if I'm doing okay; ‘Cause I'm not okay.” That’s the truth for most of us when we ponder death. We are not ok with it and it’s scary.
I know the “Sunday School” response is that we should have no fear in death because of our faith in God and the promise of eternal life through Jesus’ death on the cross (Romans 6:23). I believe that promise wholeheartedly, but there’s still the unknown and the fear that death stirs within me. What will eternal life look like? Did I do enough or believe enough to inherit eternal life? How much is it going to hurt going through death? Am I really saved? These are the honest questions that I ask myself when thinking about death.
Intellectually, I trust in my salvation through Christ and Christ alone, but fear and doubt creep into my life. I used to think that made me a “bad” Christian. Now I think acknowledging those questions along with my fears and doubts makes me an “honest” Christian. God is big enough to handle any questions I throw at Him and delving into those questions is a great way to deepen my relationship with God. My hope is that when I approach death’s door, my fears will be gone and I will find peace and contentment knowing that it is not the end (contrary to this song’s title). Until then, I will keep asking my questions and digging into my doubts.
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Lyrics
I awoke in my room
Where the heat could kill a man
And I was thinking 'bout you thinking 'bout me
So I called up my doctor, said
"Don't give me a chance
I dug this grave
And I might as well get in"
Cause this ship is sinking, pass the whiskey
Give me my last cigarette
Tell my mother not to worry
Oh my friends, this is the end, this is the end
Well I was never allowed a guilt-free win
And I've always hated all the skin I was in
Well pour yourself a glass
We'll reminisce about the times we had
'Causе in the morning I'll be dead and gonе for good
Cause this ship is sinking, pass the whiskey
Give me my last cigarette
Tell my father it was worth it
Oh my friends, this is the end, this is the end
Oh, I got a gift card for getting cancer
Asked but never given an answer
To whether or not everyone is truly alone
Well this bird has flown, this ship has sunk
Man, tie my hands, leave me dead in the trunk
Just don't ask me if I'm doing okay
’Cause I'm not okay
This ship is sinking, pass the whiskey
Give me my last cigarette
Tell my sister not to wait for me
This is the end, this is the end, this is the end
Cause this ship is sinking, pass the whiskey
Give me my last cigarette
Tell my friends that I love them
Oh my friends, this is the end, this is the end
Further Reflection
Are there questions about God or your faith that you have been too afraid to ask?
Read Ephesians 3:16-19. Reflect on God’s love for us, which is greater than we than we can fathom and far greater than our doubts and fears.
Share a doubt, fear, or question about God with a friend.
Additional music:
“Above the Clouds of Pompeii” by Bear’s Den
“Song for Sid” by Langhorne Slim
“There’s Hope for You” by William Elliott Whitmore