Emptiness Is a Mule
At the Drive-In Lyrics


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Once upon a crime, with the radio on I was trampled underfoot
By the prince far guard broadcasting
To your living room two miles from bangledesh
I will walk your rope without that safety net this member is dismembered
But who still remembers that we're all pretenders

Watch your step because the mule is an empty
Because the mule is free

Fifth time on the mission
Her volcano erupted so respect equal's embarassment testasterone coward
I' m ashamed to be a pig amongst the pork
That fights the war against the wounded
And disabled the life I've encountered

Take the time dont you hold your breath
Cuz as the years pass by we turn blue
You can't be absolute within the obsolete
So don't whisper and murmur like a fool
Pick a card from the shuffling base
But all your kings and queens are gone
So how the hell do you expect to swim in all your filthy cesspool of psalms





Motel coffin deposit, down and out on 6th st. a la japan

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to At the Drive-In's song Emptiness Is a Mule are complex and enigmatic, filled with imagery and metaphors that require a deep understanding to interpret. The song's structure is non-linear, with different verses appearing to describe different scenarios that are somehow connected. The opening lines, "Once upon a crime, with the radio on I was trampled underfoot / By the prince far guard broadcasting / To your living room two miles from Bangladesh," suggest a feeling of disempowerment and overwhelm by forces that are too big to resist. The reference to Bangladesh, a country that frequently suffers from natural disasters and poverty, adds a layer of socio-economic commentary to the lyrics.


The chorus, "Watch your step because the mule is an empty / Because the mule is free," is cryptic but powerful. The mule, a symbol of stubbornness and perseverance, is here portrayed as empty, suggesting that all the effort and struggle may be for nothing. The second part of the chorus, "Because the mule is free," could be interpreted in different ways - is the mule free from its burden, or free to roam aimlessly? Is the singer warning us to be careful and avoid getting trapped in an empty existence or celebrating the freedom that comes with letting go of expectations?


The rest of the lyrics continue to challenge the listener to think critically about the world and their place in it. References to volcanoes, wars, and filth suggest a sense of chaos and despair, but also a recognition that there is always hope for change. The closing lines, "Motel coffin deposit, down and out on 6th st. a la Japan," are particularly intriguing. They could be interpreted as a commentary on consumerism and disposability, with the motel coffin representing a cheap and temporary solution to a bigger problem. The reference to Japan adds an extra layer of meaning, given the country's cultural fascination with death and ritual. Overall, Emptiness Is a Mule is a song that rewards repeated listens and a willingness to engage with its abstract imagery.


Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a crime, with the radio on I was trampled underfoot
As I listened to the news on the radio, I felt crushed by the weight of the world's problems and injustices.


By the prince far guard broadcasting
The voice of the ruling class sends a message that dominates the airwaves and shapes public opinion.


To your living room two miles from bangledesh
Despite the physical distance between us, the media's reach extends into every corner of the world and infiltrates our homes.


I will walk your rope without that safety net this member is dismembered
I am taking risks and pushing boundaries, even if it means putting my own safety and well-being on the line.


But who still remembers that we're all pretenders
Despite our efforts to be authentic and genuine, we are all playing roles and wearing masks to some extent.


Watch your step because the mule is an empty
Be careful and cautious, because the situation is uncertain and unstable.


Because the mule is free
The situation is unpredictable and uncontrollable, with no clear direction or guidance.


Fifth time on the mission
I have attempted this task or goal multiple times before.


Her volcano erupted so respect equal's embarassment testasterone coward
She became upset and angry, and I felt ashamed for not standing up for what is right and just, instead succumbing to societal pressures and norms.


I' m ashamed to be a pig amongst the pork
I feel disgusted and frustrated at being associated with those who perpetuate and benefit from oppression and inequality.


That fights the war against the wounded
Rather than helping those who are struggling or disadvantaged, society often exacerbates their problems through systemic discrimination and violence.


And disabled the life I've encountered
The obstacles and challenges I have faced in life have prevented me from achieving my full potential and living a fulfilling existence.


Take the time dont you hold your breath
Don't rush through life or hold your breath in anticipation of the future - take time to appreciate the present moment.


Cuz as the years pass by we turn blue
As time goes on, we become numb and desensitized to the world around us, losing our passion, purpose, and curiosity.


You can't be absolute within the obsolete
You cannot hold onto outdated, narrow-minded beliefs and expect to remain relevant or effective in a rapidly changing world.


So don't whisper and murmur like a fool
Speak up and take action, rather than passively accepting the status quo or whispering behind closed doors.


Pick a card from the shuffling base
Make a choice and take a chance, even if the outcome is uncertain or risky.


But all your kings and queens are gone
The traditional power structures and societal hierarchies are crumbling, leaving a power vacuum that is waiting to be filled.


So how the hell do you expect to swim in all your filthy cesspool of psalms
How can you navigate and survive in a world that is polluted with greed, corruption, and immorality?


Motel coffin deposit, down and out on 6th st. a la japan
I am stuck in a cheap, run-down motel on 6th street, reminiscent of the similarly bleak surroundings of Japan.




Contributed by Allison I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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