Empire
August Burns Red (USA) Lyrics
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Our buildings rival the heavens
Our bridges span the seas
Ingenuity is so cunning
Innovation is not ours
Creativity is a luxury
We build with our hands
What we have in our hearts
Fight the avalanche
You'll be buried every time
We run and run and run
Keep falling behind
Fight the avalanche
You'll be buried every time
We run and run and run
Always last in line
Before lines were lines
Before time was time
The author wrote a story
In the sky and earth below
Little do we know
We have only what we're given
Light up the sky, light up the sky
We're going where no man
Little do we know
We have only what we're given
Light up the sky
We're going where no man's forgotten
All you are is all we want
It burns inside us all
We're finding heart in giving soul
We're walking home into thin air singing
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Many walk away, but we stand firm
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Our decisions affect our descendants
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history
The song "Empire" by August Burns Red is a commentary on modern society's obsession with building, innovation, and progress. The opening lines speak to our pride in our architectural achievements, with skyscrapers and bridges that rival the heavens and span the seas. However, the lyrics quickly pivot to suggest that while we may be skilled at building physical structures, true innovation and creativity are elusive. The song suggests that humanity is constantly racing against an avalanche, driven by a need to constantly move forward, to innovate, to build - but that ultimately, we are always falling behind. The line "We have only what we're given" serves as a reminder that despite our aspirations, we are still limited by the resources and capabilities of our natural world.
The song's central theme of humanity's relentless drive to innovate and create is explored from a variety of angles throughout the song. The second verse references a "story" that was written "before lines were lines" and "before time was time", suggesting that there is something fundamental and ancient about humanity's urge to create and build. The chorus repeats the idea that we are always running and falling behind, but there is a suggestion of hopefulness in the line "We're going where no man's forgotten". The final verse references "justice fighters" with "faces of fire", suggesting that there is a moral imperative to our desire to build and innovate - that we are building an "empire" of progress that will impact future generations. Overall, "Empire" is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the human desire to constantly move forward and build, and the limitations that we face in doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
We are skilled builders who shape the world with our constructions, altering the landscape and leaving our mark
Our buildings rival the heavens
The structures we create are tall and impressive, reaching towards the sky and awe-inspiring in their size and beauty
Our bridges span the seas
Our engineering prowess allows us to connect distant places, overcoming the natural barriers and fostering communication and trade
Ingenuity is so cunning
We possess a cleverness and resourcefulness that enable us to solve complex problems and come up with innovative solutions
Innovation is not ours
Despite our achievements, we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and that progress is a shared effort
Creativity is a luxury
While we appreciate and value artistic expression, our focus is on practical and utilitarian goals, such as building functional structures and infrastructure
We build with our hands
Our work is physical and labor-intensive, requiring skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail
What we have in our hearts
Our motivation for building is not just a desire for profit or fame, but a deep-seated passion and dedication to our craft
Fight the avalanche
We face overwhelming obstacles and challenges that threaten to bury us, but we refuse to give up or back down
You'll be buried every time
Those who don't stand up and resist will be swept away, lost in the landslide of history
We run and run and run
Our pursuit of success is relentless, requiring constant hard work and perseverance
Keep falling behind
Despite our drive and ambition, we are often outpaced by others or the changing circumstances of life
Before lines were lines
Long before we divided the world into categories and boundaries, there existed a larger, more mystical narrative that encompassed all things
Before time was time
Time is a human invention, a way of measuring our lives and existence, but before that, there was a timeless essence that permeated everything
The author wrote a story
There is a grand narrative behind all creation, a story that began before us and will continue long after we're gone
In the sky and earth below
This story is written in the natural world around us, from the stars above to the ground beneath our feet
Little do we know
Despite our technological advances and scientific discoveries, there is still much that we don't understand or comprehend
Light up the sky, light up the sky
We seek to illuminate the mysteries of the universe and shed light on the darkness that surrounds us
We're going where no man
We are explorers and adventurers, pushing the boundaries of what is known and venturing into uncharted territory
All you are is all we want
Our longing for success and achievement is not driven by greed or ambition, but by a desire to fully realize our potential and leave our mark on the world
It burns inside us all
Our passion and drive for excellence is not just a passing fancy, but a deep-seated fire that motivates and propels us forward
We're finding heart in giving soul
Through our work, we seek to not only achieve greatness, but to also contribute to the betterment of society and the world as a whole
We're walking home into thin air singing
Our journey is not just a quest for fame or fortune, but a spiritual and emotional pilgrimage that transforms us and leads us towards a higher purpose
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Our pursuit of excellence is not just a selfish or individualistic endeavor, but one that seeks to promote fairness and justice in the world
Many walk away, but we stand firm
Our commitment to our values and ideals is unwavering, even in the face of adversity or opposition
Our decisions affect our descendants
As builders and creators, we have a responsibility to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and ensure a better future for those who come after us
Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history
Our work is not just a passive or insignificant contribution, but one that has the power to shape the course of history and bring meaning and significance to our lives
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: BRENT RAMBLER, DUSTIN DAVIDSON, JAKE LUHRS, JOHN BRUBAKER, MATT GREINER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mitchell Comrie
Lyrics:
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
Our buildings rival the heavens
Our bridges span the seas
Ingenuity is so cunning
Innovation is not ours
Creativity is a luxury
We build with our hands
What we have in our hearts
Fight the avalanche
You'll be buried every time
We run and run and run
Keep falling behind
Fight the avalanche
You'll be buried every time
We run and run and run
Always last in line
Before lines were lines
Before time was time
The author wrote a story
In the sky and earth below
Little do we know
We have only what we're given
Light up the sky, light up the sky
We're going where no man
Little do we know
We have only what we're given
Light up the sky
We're going where no man's forgotten
All you are is all we want
It burns inside us all
We're finding heart in giving soul
We're walking home into thin air singing
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Many walk away, but we stand firm
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Our decisions affect our descendants
We are justice fighters with faces of fire
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history
Skyscrapers, earth movers, ground breakers
Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history
Maggie P
Think about it.. The level of skill these guys have and their hearts for playing are extremely high. And the lyrics. They aren't just singing "baby baby" over and over again. What they sing about has a message and a meaning. And in my opinion, that's what makes this music truly amazing. Plus they're just awesome.
Louie McClellan
So true! not like the juvenile rap shit that so many people think is hard and thought-provoking. Metal and punk music remains the most balls-out-in-your-face musical composition!
Donxcore
After all those years still one of the best metalcore songs ever .
Metal555Fan
I have a huge amount of respect for these guys, they just have so much talent. I may not listen to Metalcore that much these days but these guys were a huge part of my life and youth back in High-school. Keep up the amazing work ABR, loved the new single from their upcoming album as well!
Leb
Metal555Fan Yeah, I'm mostly in the BDM sections of music, but I do have those days where I have to revisit my old favorite bands from highschool as well. haha.
Metal555Fan
Mr Leb I couldn't agree more man! It actually feels pretty good and "refreshing" in a way, ahah.
Dimitri Josephine
couldnt agree more!
Tessa Marie
agreed agreed it's like taking me back listening to these guys
Geo Individuali
Dimitri Josephine
April Rosa
My forever band. Words cannot describe my love for them!