Let the Mystery Be
10000 Maniacs Lyrics
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Everybody's wondering what and where they all came from
Everybody's worrying 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done
Nobody knows for certain, so it's all the same to me
Think I'll just let the mystery be
Some say once gone, you're gone forever
Some say they're gonna come back
if in sinful ways you lack
Some say that they're comin' back in a garden
Bunch of carrots and little sweet peas
Think I'll just let the mystery be
Some say they're going to place called "Glory"
And I ain't sayin' it ain't a fact
But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory
And I don't like the sound of that
I believe in love and I live my life accordingly
But I choose to let the mystery be
The song "Let the Mystery Be" by 10000 Maniacs is a reflection on life, death, and the unknown. The chorus voices the confusion many people feel about the origins and afterlife, but ultimately suggests that it's okay not to know. The lyrics encourage a sense of acceptance and comfort that, in the grand scheme of things, it's all the same. Rather than ponder or worry endlessly, the singer decides to let the mystery be.
In the first verse, the lyrics describe the many different beliefs people have about what happens after we die. Some believe in reincarnation, while others hold that once you're gone, you're gone. These differing beliefs cause worry and doubt, but the chorus reminds listeners that nobody knows for certain, so there's no use in dwelling on these questions.
The second verse continues with more examples of people's different beliefs about the afterlife. The singer notes that some folks believe in a glorious heaven, while others fear an uncertain and possibly difficult fate in purgatory. Despite these conflicting beliefs, the singer decides that they prefer to live their life according to love, rather than obsessing over what lies beyond this life. The message of the song is one of embracing the unknown, acknowledging that we don't have all the answers, and that it's perfectly fine to simply "let the mystery be."
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's wondering what and where they all came from
Everyone is curious about their origin and purpose.
Everybody's worrying 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done
Everyone is anxious about what happens after death.
Nobody knows for certain, so it's all the same to me
Since no one knows what happens after death, it doesn't bother me.
Think I'll just let the mystery be
I've decided to be content with not knowing the answers.
Some say once gone, you're gone forever
Some believe that there's no afterlife.
Some say they're gonna come back
Some believe in reincarnation or resurrection.
Some say you rest in the arms of the Savior, if in sinful ways you lack
Some believe in heaven and that salvation requires a righteous life.
Some say that they're comin' back in a garden, bunch of carrots and little sweet peas
Some believe in a version of heaven as a beautiful garden where you'll be reunited with loved ones and surrounded by nature.
Think I'll just let the mystery be
I've decided not to take a stance on the afterlife because no one knows for sure.
Some say they're going to place called "Glory"
Some believe in a version of heaven as a place of eternal glory.
And I ain't sayin' it ain't a fact
I'm not denying the possibility of heaven.
But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory
Some believe in a temporary state of punishment before entering heaven called purgatory.
And I don't like the sound of that
The idea of being punished before entering heaven doesn't appeal to me.
I believe in love and I live my life accordingly
I focus on living a loving and compassionate life rather than worrying about the afterlife.
But I choose to let the mystery be
I've made a conscious choice to not spend my life fixated on the unknowns of the afterlife.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRIS LUELLA DEMENT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind