Born and raised in Liverpool, Nelson's passion for music was nurtured from an early age within his musically inclined family and through his involvement with the Liverpool Cathedral Choir. His deep-rooted love for music eventually led him to pursue a solo career.
In 2015, Nelson, then known as Raines, released his debut single "Ghosts." Shortly after, he adopted the moniker BANNERS and released his breakout single "Shine a Light" in August 2015. The song quickly gained traction, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Canada Rock chart and number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100.
BANNERS signed with Island Records in 2016 and released his self-titled debut EP, produced by Stephen Kozmeniuk, in January of that year. The EP featured the previously released singles "Shine a Light" and "Start a Riot," along with two new tracks. The EP went on to debut at number 67 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. The singles "Start a Riot" and "Half Light" amassed millions of streams, while "Someone to You" surpassed 1.5 billion streams.
BANNERS has since toured with notable acts such as Milky Chance and POP ETC, performed on national television shows like American Idol and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and had his songs featured in numerous films and TV shows.
In October 2019, BANNERS released his highly anticipated debut studio album, Where the Shadow Ends, which was preceded by the singles "Got It In You" and "Where the Shadow Ends." The album showcased BANNERS' continued growth and versatility as an artist and was supported by a successful North American headline tour.
BANNERS' music has resonated with audiences worldwide, with his songs often described as anthemic, haunting, and inspiring. Nelson's emotive vocals and heartfelt songwriting contribute to the sincere and organic nature of his music. Drawing comparisons to Coldplay's Chris Martin, his music possesses a timeless quality that fosters a sense of community and connection.
Nelson's aspiration is to create music that becomes the soundtrack to moments in people's lives, fostering a deep emotional connection with his listeners. As he continues to evolve as an artist, BANNERS strives to deliver songs that uplift and resonate, offering a respite and inspiration to all who listen.
Empires On Fire
Banners Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're turning buildings into stone
We leave the bodies to the crows
On a funeral of fire
Now we're choking on the fumes
Spread the lie and kill the truth
They're in the ashes of the proof
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire's on fire
Our empire is on fire
Now we're falling through the ice
We made our bed and rolled the dice
Well every gamble has a price
We watched the cracks grow wider
Waves are climbing past your knees
It's just the coming of the seas
It's getting harder now to breathe
We watched the tides rise higher
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire's on fire
Our empire is on fire
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know, whoa oh oh
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
I said I know, whoa oh oh
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire
Is on fire
Our empire's on fire
Our empire is on fire
The song "Empires on Fire" by Banners is a powerful commentary on the current state of our world. It begins with a grim depiction of a city under siege where buildings are turned into stone and corpses are left to the crows. The scene is reminiscent of the destruction and chaos that we often see in war-torn countries. The chorus "Our empire is on fire" is a clear indication that the world is in a state of crisis where everything is falling apart.
The second verse talks about the consequences of our past actions catching up with us. The lines "We made our bed and rolled the dice, well every gamble has a price" suggest that our actions have been reckless and we're now paying the price. The rising waves and coming of the seas symbolize the impending doom that awaits us if we don't act fast. The line "It's getting harder now to breathe" captures the anxiety and sense of urgency that we all feel in the face of an impending disaster.
The repetition of the chorus and the phrase "I said I know you know we feel it in our bones" reinforces the idea that we're all aware of the dire situation we're in. The song ends on a haunting note, leaving the listener with the sense that we're running out of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a city overthrown
Similar to the way a city is conquered, we are experiencing a downfall.
We're turning buildings into stone
Our destruction is causing buildings to become ruins.
We leave the bodies to the crows
Our battles have caused death and destruction, and the remains are left to be consumed by scavengers.
On a funeral of fire
Our destruction is so complete that it resembles a blazing funeral pyre.
Now we're choking on the fumes
The consequences of our actions are suffocating us.
Spread the lie and kill the truth
We are perpetuating deceit while disregarding the truth, causing further damage.
They're in the ashes of the proof
The evidence of our wrongdoings is only identifiable as remnants among the destruction.
We watch the flames rise higher
Despite the destruction, the situation is only escalating and getting worse before our eyes.
Our empire is on fire
Our once powerful empire is now in a state of chaos and destruction.
Now we're falling through the ice
As a result of our actions, we are now in a precarious and dangerous position.
We made our bed and rolled the dice
Our choices led us to this dangerous position, and we must face the consequences.
Well every gamble has a price
All actions and choices have consequences, and we are now paying the price for ours.
We watched the cracks grow wider
The damage that has been caused is spreading and becoming more severe.
Waves are climbing past your knees
The situation is becoming overwhelming and difficult to manage.
It's just the coming of the seas
The situation is a natural result of our actions and behavior.
It's getting harder now to breathe
The situation is becoming increasingly suffocating and challenging to endure.
Our empire is on fire
Our once powerful empire is now in a state of chaos and destruction.
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones
We are all acutely aware of the dire situation we are in.
Our empire is on fire
Our once powerful empire is now in a state of chaos and destruction.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephen Kozmeniuk, Todd Clark, Mike Nelson, Michael Nelson, Stephen Noel Kozmeniuk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
María Alejandra Valero
[Verse 1]
Like a city overthrown,
We're turning buildings into stone,
We leave the bodies to the crows,
On a funeral of fire.
Now we're choking on the fumes,
Spread the lie and kill the truth,
They're in the ashes of the proof,
We watch the flames rise higher.
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
[Verse 2]
Now we're falling through the ice,
We made our bed and rolled the dice,
Well every gamble has a price.
We watched the cracks grow wider.
Waves are climbing past your knees,
It's just the coming of the seas,
It's getting harder now to breathe.
We watched the tides rise higher.
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
[Bridge](x2)
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know, woah oh oh!
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
Isabella Siqueira
i am addicted to this song. i can't listen to it just once, i keep listening in a loop. it's so damn good!! love it
Jel Sama
Existe alguna canción que no sea buena de esta banda? NO HAY, NO EXISTE, TODAS SON EXCELENTES ❤❤❤
UNICORNIO ROSA 1223
Ángel Einshel
Lo que dijiste x2
Joaquin Morales Compagna
Ángel Einshel x3
Naomy Hernandez Montes
×4
arlinn-ne
x5
Javier Gamboa
¿Es una banda? Pensé que era sólo Michel como BANNERS
María Alejandra Valero
[Verse 1]
Like a city overthrown,
We're turning buildings into stone,
We leave the bodies to the crows,
On a funeral of fire.
Now we're choking on the fumes,
Spread the lie and kill the truth,
They're in the ashes of the proof,
We watch the flames rise higher.
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
[Verse 2]
Now we're falling through the ice,
We made our bed and rolled the dice,
Well every gamble has a price.
We watched the cracks grow wider.
Waves are climbing past your knees,
It's just the coming of the seas,
It's getting harder now to breathe.
We watched the tides rise higher.
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
[Bridge](x2)
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know you know we feel it in our bones,
I said I know, woah oh oh!
[Chorus]
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire,
Is on fire.
Our empire's on fire.
Our empire is on fire.
Adeline Melton
LOVE this song
Jesus Christ Salvation
Men, don't lose your sperm, otherwise you will get weakness.
One thing can create human, you know how much energy in it.