Thrice – In Exile lyrics

Bkvader,.
I hate to tell you this, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this song is indeed about heaven. There are bible verses that talk about indeed being "foreigners in the land".
Also, 1 Corinthians 13: 12 says "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Sounds a lot like the lines in the first verse.
There are multiple times in the song where he describes a place that sounds a lot like heaven, for example, "...the land... where they'll be no pain or tears anymore" and "the city that endures forever."
This song is not about something bigger than heaven; this song is about heaven, which actually is bigger than pretty much any other subject. Your line at the end of your statement:.
"I say get attached to all that you can in this life because after this there will be no music."
Is very ironic because that is the exact opposite of what the song is about.

Actually thunderchief was closest so far. The song is about the coming of the new Jerusalem and the Christian's walk while we tarry on the earth.
"I am in exile, a sojourner.
A citizen of some other place"
Heb 11: 13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
"All I've seen is just a glimmer in a shadowy mirror.
But I know, one day well see face to face"
1Co 13: 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
"The city that endures when all is made new"
Rev 21: 1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
"Where they'll be no pain or tears anymore"
Rev 21: 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

There's no doubt about it (being about heaven). It remind's me of "wayfarin' stranger".
@Bkvader, There certainly will be no more music after this life, if you don't believe on Jesus as he says you must to have Life. If you do (genuinely), you'll be up there (in the "the city") with Dustin when this life's over, and the "feeling" there is better than any optimistic hope. It's the optimistic hope realized forever.

The meaning of this song should be obvious. It's not about hoping you die or going to heaven.
It's about not fitting in and hoping to find a point in your life where everything comes together or place where you will be accepted amongst your peers.
The "city that endures" is yourself. The hope in your heart ("filled with songs of forever") is the one thing that remains when all around you changes. You are the "city" you take with you as you travel through life.
The "land I've been longing for" is the time of your life when it all comes together. Job, family, home, realtionships. Whatever it is you feel you are missing.

This song is bigger than just saying it's about heaven. It is about that felling that many of us have about this life getting better as we move through it. At least this is my take. Plus who cares what it is aboutif it gives you the feeling that it gives me. It is fuckin' Rock N' Roll.
I say get attached to all that you can in this life because after this there will be no music.
Bk.