Seems pretty clear that it's about someone searching for meaning in the universe and specifically the afterlife, coming to the conclusion that there is no higher power or continuation after death.
Given what so many like to preach, that Hell awaits those that don't believe, there seems to be a dialogue held with a hypothetical God, if indeed he actually exists and the character was wrong. The singer sings of his hope that if he was wrong, that this God would see better of punishing honest disbelief, and would hold a place away from the fires for him.
The song then repeats both of these ideas in this order. Make amends before you die, make one last stand, then leave with nothing. Then, wonders that if he does breathe again after death, will it be in smoke and fire? He hopes not.
Seems pretty clear that it's about someone searching for meaning in the universe and specifically the afterlife, coming to the conclusion that there is no higher power or continuation after death.
Given what so many like to preach, that Hell awaits those that don't believe, there seems to be a dialogue held with a hypothetical God, if indeed he actually exists and the character was wrong. The singer sings of his hope that if he was wrong, that this God would see better of punishing honest disbelief, and would hold a place away from the fires for him.
The song then repeats both of these ideas in this order. Make amends before you die, make one last stand, then leave with nothing. Then, wonders that if he does breathe again after death, will it be in smoke and fire? He hopes not.