The lyrics describe a scene where individuals are holding onto hope and faith in the face of pain and suffering, building a shelter for protection, offering prayers and making sacrifices to find relief and comfort, even though they are aware that the pain might not go away easily.

Meaning of "After The Scripture" by Manchester Orchestra

"After The Scripture" delves into themes of faith, perseverance, and sacrifice in the face of adversity. The act of praying and seeking solace in religion is depicted as a way to cope with pain, both physical and emotional. The narrator is surrounded by individuals going through similar struggles, exemplified by the line "Everybody there was trying to hide some great desire." Despite the acknowledgment that the pain may not disappear quickly, there is a sense of communal strength in facing it together. The imagery of building a shelter, offering prayers, and making sacrifices highlights the lengths to which people will go to find comfort and survive in challenging times. The reference to a "sword in my side" and a "candle that burned me" symbolizes the dichotomy of pain and light, further emphasizing the idea of finding hope in the midst of darkness. Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant portrait of resilience, shared suffering, and the power of faith to provide solace in difficult circumstances.