“I’m On My Way to a Better Place” by Chairmen of the Board

Despite the widespread belief in the afterlife, most people in the Western world respond to the idea of death with nothing short of mind-numbing dread. But not Chairmen of the Board. They get downright groovy to the thought of the hereafter.

Chairmen of the Board, an American soul music group, released “I’m On My Way to a Better Place” in the early 1970s. The song’s melody is a blend of soul, gospel, and R&B, creating an uplifting and soul-stirring energy. The spirited instrumentation and harmonious vocals make it a perfect vehicle for delivering a positive message about the thing that brings out a core fear in nearly everyone: death.

Chairmen of the Board Bring Light to the Darkness

Throughout the song, the lyrics are infused with hope and acceptance. They acknowledge that they are on a path toward an uncertain destination, but they do so with an open heart:

I’m on my way to a better place
I′m packing up my cares and weary mind
I’m on my way to a better place
I’m leaving hate and prejudice behind
I′m on my way to a better place

Destination is Love, come go with me there
It′s all in your mind, we all need to be there
I’m giving Jesus Christ my heart and soul
I′m on my way to a better place

This mirrors the ideal human experience when facing death – an acceptance of the unknown, an acknowledgment of its inevitability, and the resolve to embrace it with grace.

These lyrics, while hopeful, don’t necessarily tie this song to the theme of death. However, the following lines are a clear nod to heaven and the afterlife: “The gates are pearl and the streets are trimmed with gold, I’m on my way to a better place.”

What if we could all embody this enthusiasm for our transition into whatever comes after life (if anything)? How would our lives be different if this dark cloud wasn’t hanging over us? The message of stepping bravely, and even joyously, into the unknown is one that has resonated since time immemorial. Whatever awaits us after death, music that’s this uplifting and soul-stirring makes life a better place while we’re here.