After All
Tennant & Lowe Lyrics

The opening lines of the song ‘After All’ by Tennant and Lowe suggest an introspective reflection on the reasons behind war and the human cost of conflict. The lyrics question the motivation behind the actions of those who go to war, and how those actions are justified in their minds. The repetition of the question, “How come we went to war?” highlights the sense of confusion and the realization of the futility of war. The second half of the verse shifts to a broader perspective, examining how people’s memories shape their understanding of reality, and how easy it is to be deceived when we believe what we want to believe. The final line, “Time runs out, we all start dying,” almost acts as a reminder of our mortality and how ultimately the cost of war is paid through human lives.

The chorus of ‘After All’ is hauntingly beautiful and reinforces the song’s melancholic tone. The chorus emphasizes that despite the various reasons people may have for their actions, we are all vulnerable to the ravages of time and death. It suggests that in the end, all we are left with are our memories, and that we should endeavor to ensure that those memories are ones that we are proud of.

The ending of the song is laced with hope, as the lyrics suggest that change is possible, and that ultimately, heaven is within reach. By ending the song in a minor key, however, Tennant and Lowe remind the listener that the road to salvation is never an easy one, and that the cost of our actions is not to be taken lightly.