Moby found commercial and critical success with his fifth album Play (1999), which, after receiving little recognition, became an unexpected global hit in 2000 after each track was licensed to films, television shows, and commercials. It remains his highest selling album with 12 million copies sold. Its seventh single, "South Side", featuring Gwen Stefani, remains his only one to appear on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 14. Moby followed Play with albums of varied styles including electronic, dance, rock, and downtempo music, starting with 18 (2002), Hotel (2005), and Last Night (2008). His later albums saw him explore ambient music, including the almost four-hour release Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep. (2016). Moby continues to record and release albums; his twenty-first studio album, Resound NYC, was released in May 2023.
In addition to his music career, Moby is known for his veganism and support for animal rights and humanitarian aid. He was the owner of TeaNY, a vegan cafe in Manhattan, and Little Pine, a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, and organized the vegan music and food festival Circle V. He is the author of four books, including a collection of his photography and two memoirs: Porcelain: A Memoir (2016) and Then It Fell Apart (2019).
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby
Discography
Moby (1992)
Ambient (1993)
Everything Is Wrong (1995)
Animal Rights (1996)
Play (1999)
18 (2002)
Hotel (2005)
Last Night (2008)
Wait for Me (2009)
Destroyed (2011)
Innocents (2013)
Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep. (2016)
These Systems Are Failing (2016)
More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse (2017)
Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt (2018)
Long Ambients 2 (2019)
All Visible Objects (2020)
Live Ambient Improvised Recordings Vol. 1 (2020)
Reprise (2021)
Ambient 23 (2023)
Resound NYC (2023)
Afterlife
Moby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My head got wet in midnight dew
Great God I been down on my bended knees
Talking to a man from Galilee
Michael spoke and he sound so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of angels' feet
He put one hand upon my head
Great God Almighty let me tell you what He said
Go tell that lonesome liar
Go tell that midnight rider
Tell the gamblin', ramblin' backslider
Tell them God Almighty gonna cut 'em down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might throw your rock, hide your head
Work in the dark with your fellow men
Sure as God made you rich and poor
You're gonna reap just what you sow
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
(You might run
What is the real thing ?
Run
What is the real thing ?
Come on)
Some people go to church just to sit in the fire
Trying to make a date with a neighbor's wife
Brother let me tell you just as sure as you're born
You better leave that woman alone
Go tell that lonesome liar
Go tell that midnight rider
Tell the gamblin', ramblin' backslider
Tell them God Almighty gonna cut 'em down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
You might run on for a long time
Run on, ducking and dodging
Run on, children ?, for a long time
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
Moby’s "Afterlife" is a song that employs the Biblical concept of reaping what you sow. It warns the listener of the consequences of their actions, both good and bad, and encourages them to make the right choices. The first verse references Michael, the archangel, who is known for leading God’s army in the war against Satan. The second verse lists various sins that will not go unpunished, such as lying, cheating, and gambling. The chorus repeats the warning that "God Almighty gonna cut you down" if you continue down that path.
The third verse warns against the temptation of infidelity and the consequences that can come with it. The song then repeats the chorus before the final verse, which is a call to action for the listener to make a change in their life before it’s too late. The song’s upbeat tempo creates a feeling of urgency and the use of a choir in the chorus adds a sense of grandeur to the message.
Overall, "Afterlife" is providing a message of hope and redemption through being conscious about one's actions and making changes in life before it’s too late. It uses the religious imagery to communicate this message and show that good deeds lead to good results, while bad deeds lead to bad results. It is a song that seeks to inspire the listener to be mindful of the choices they make and to strive towards living a good life.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord God Almighty let me tell the news
I have something important to share with you about God and his power.
My head got wet in midnight dew
I had a personal experience with God in the dead of night.
Great God I been down on my bended knees
I have humbled myself before God in prayer.
Talking to a man from Galilee
I am in communication with Jesus, who comes from a place called Galilee.
Michael spoke and he sound so sweet
An angel named Michael spoke to me, and his words were filled with sweetness and light.
I thought I heard the shuffle of angels' feet
I sensed the presence of angels around me, perhaps walking on the ground beside me.
He put one hand upon my head
Michael placed his hand on my head as a sign of blessing and comfort.
Great God Almighty let me tell you what He said
God has given me a message to share with you.
Go tell that lonesome liar
Spread the message that dishonest and lonely people need to repent and turn towards God.
Go tell that midnight rider
Spread the message that people who are always on the move and never settle down need to realize that God's judgment is coming for them.
Tell the gamblin', ramblin' backslider
Spread the message that people who have turned away from God to pursue addictions or bad habits need to repent and turn back towards God.
Tell them God Almighty gonna cut 'em down
Warn these people that there will be consequences for their actions, and God will hold them accountable.
You might run on for a long time
You may be able to avoid your problems or the consequences of your actions for some time, but eventually they will catch up with you.
Run on, ducking and dodging
You may try to avoid responsibility or the consequences of your actions, but they will still find you eventually.
Run on, children ?, for a long time
People will continue to live recklessly and ignore God's teachings, but they cannot outrun his judgment forever.
Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down
There will be consequences for your actions, and God will ultimately hold you accountable.
You might throw your rock, hide your head
You may try to hide or ignore your problems, but they will still exist and you will still have to face them eventually.
Work in the dark with your fellow men
You may do things in secret with other people, but that doesn't change the fact that you are still accountable for your actions.
Sure as God made you rich and poor
Regardless of your economic status, you will be held accountable for your actions by God.
You're gonna reap just what you sow
Your actions will have consequences, whether good or bad, and you will have to face them eventually.
Some people go to church just to sit in the fire
Some people go to church just to attract attention or try to look more religious than they actually are.
Trying to make a date with a neighbor's wife
Some people try to use religion to justify their immoral actions, like trying to cheat on their spouse.
Brother let me tell you just as sure as you're born
Let me tell you with absolute certainty that you will be held accountable for your actions by God.
You better leave that woman alone
Stop pursuing immoral or sinful actions, and instead turn your focus towards God and what is right.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM JAMES WILSON, TIMOTHY LEARY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
monotrious
A beautiful song ! Has a Bowie type feeling and sound to it . At least that's what I feel everytime I listen to this !
David Lea
It's an out-take from 'Low" :-)
fokal.struktur
Totally!
theCogentIntrovert
correct lyrics please!!