"HELL" - A Jazzy Reminder from the Afterlife

 

Squirrel Nut Zippers performing "Hell" in 1996

In the afterlife

You could be headed for the serious strife

Now you make the scene all day

But tomorrow there'll be Hell to pay

In the afterlife

You could be headed for the serious strife

Now you make the scene all day

But tomorrow there'll be Hell to pay

People listen attentively

I mean about future calamity

I used to think the idea was obsolete

Until I heard the old man stamping his feet

This is a place where eternally

Fire is applied to the body

Teeth are extruded and bones are ground

And baked into cakes which are passed around

In the afterlife

You could be headed for the serious strife

Now you make the scene all day

But tomorrow there'll be Hell to pay

Beauty, talent, fame, money

Refinement, job skill and brain

But all the things you try to hide

Will be revealed on the other side

In the afterlife

You could be headed for the serious strife

Now you make the scene all day (meet the furnace)

But tomorrow there'll be Hell to pay (yes it is it is hot)

Now the D and A and the M and the N and the A

And the T and the I-O-N

Lose your face

Lose your name

Then get fitted for a suit of flames

Now the D and A and the M and the N and the A

And the T and the I-O-N

Lose your face

Lose your name

Then get fitted for a suit of flames

Squirrel Nut Zippers - Hell

While creating a Spotify playlist dedicated to NU 107 rock songs from the '80s and '90s, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a song that didn’t sound like the usual alternative or grunge tracks associated with that era. The song was “Hell” by Squirrel Nut Zippers—jazzy, swing-inspired, playful on the surface, yet dark and serious in its message.

If anyone wants to visit and listen to the playlist. Please log in to your Spotify account and search: "NU107 ReRuns" or simply click the link here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xIjSxUWHcRdV74uFDKZP5?si=6b86ca4a33af4379&pt=e6981c454474c70df750ad8133d17fb9

Released in 1996 as part of their album Hot, “Hell” became one of the band’s most recognizable tracks. Squirrel Nut Zippers are known for blending neo-swing, jazz, big band, and ragtime sounds with modern alternative sensibilities. Think vintage 1930s jazz meeting 90s alternative rock—a sound that feels both nostalgic and unsettling.

The vocals even reminded me of Richard Cheese—tongue-in-cheek, theatrical, and almost comedic—yet the lyrics carried a truth that lingered long after the song ended.

Sa unang pakinig, parang biro lang yung kanta yung tipong vibe ng Radioactive Sago Project na jazzy like, nakakatawang lyrics pero may sapak at patama—masigla ang tugtog, masaya ang himig na para kang nasa show na may pa contest. Pero kapag pinakinggan mo ang lyrics, malinaw ang mensahe: may kabayaran ang lahat ng kasalanag ginagawa natin.

Pinapaalala ng kanta ang mga taong walang pakialam sa epekto ng kanilang mga aksyon—nakakasakit ng kapwa, gumagawa ng kasalanan, at iniisip na walang hahabulin na hustisya. Ngayon, puwede kang sikat o masaya, pero darating ang oras ng paniningil.

I know some people don’t believe in hell—but I do. As a Catholic, my belief is rooted in faith and prayer. In the Apostles’ Creed, we profess that Jesus descended into hell. This doesn’t mean He was sinful or evil. Rather, it signifies that Christ conquered death and hell, freeing souls and opening the path to salvation.

Hell, in this sense, isn’t just fire and punishment—it’s the ultimate separation from God, a consequence of freely choosing sin over love, pride over humility.

Ang impiyerno ay hindi lang apoy—ito ay ang bunga ng ating mga maling pagpili, ang paglayo sa Diyos dahil sa sarili nating kagustuhan.

Ang lakas ng kantang ito ay nasa kontradiksyon nito—masayang tugtog, mabigat na katotohanan. Hindi ito sermon, pero tinatamaan ka nito sa konsensya. Isa itong paalala na mag-isip, magsuri ng sarili, at panagutan ang ating mga ginagawa.

Sometimes, the songs we least expect—especially the weird, jazzy ones—are the ones that speak the loudest. “Hell” isn’t just a novelty track from the 90s; it’s a timeless reminder that choices matter, sin has consequences, and redemption is always offered—but never forced.

I’m not writing this because I think I’m better than anyone else. I’m writing this because I am a sinner too. Like everyone else, I’ve made mistakes, hurt people—sometimes knowingly, sometimes without realizing it. This song didn’t just remind me of judgment in the afterlife; it reminded me of my own accountability.

“Hell” felt like a mirror. Not pointing fingers, but quietly asking: Are you living the way you should? This blog is as much a reminder for myself as it is for anyone reading it—to reflect, to repent, and to choose to be better while there is still time.