Boysetsfire released its first demo albums in late 1994 and early 1995. In … Read Full Bio ↴Boysetsfire released its first demo albums in late 1994 and early 1995. In 1996 the band released its first EP, This Crying, This Screaming, My Voice Is Being Born. It has released records through magic bullet, conquer the world, Deathwish Inc,Initial Records, hydrahead, Victory Records, Wind-up Records, and Equal Vision Records/Burning Heart Records. They have released split EPs with Coalesce, Shai Hulud, and Snapcase.

In 2005 the band signed to the independent record labels Burning Heart Records for worldwide distribution and Equal Vision Records for North American distribution. It released The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years in March 2006.

On July 31, 2006, the band informed the fans about its retirement through their official website. [1] There was a farewell European tour in late summer; however, guitarist Josh Latshaw severely injured himself prior to its start. As a result, the band played those shows with roadie Chris "The Reverend" Rakus at the guitar instead, but returned to Europe in May 2007 to give Latshaw the chance to say goodbye to the European fans.

The band's final performance took place on June 9, 2007 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Trocadero Theatre. A DVD is rumored to be released of this show in its entirety as well as parts of the final European tour.[citation needed]

On February 12, 2007, lead vocalist Nathan Gray announced that he was forming a new band by the name of The Casting Out.[1] While the band includes several former members of boysetsfire, Gray informed fans that it would not be another political band.

Nathan Gray - vocals, keyboard
Josh Latshaw - guitar, vocals
Chad Istvan - guitar, vocals, piano, keyboard
Robert Ehrenbrand - bass guitar, vocals
Matt Krupanski - drums

Studio Albums
1997 - The Day the Sun Went Out CD/LP
2000 - After the Eulogy CD/CS/LP
2003 - Tomorrow Come Today CD/DVD
2006 - The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years CD/DVD

Other Releases
1996 - Consider (7")
1996 - This Crying, This Screaming, My Voice Is Being Born (CD/LP released as a split with jazz man's needle)
1998 - In Chrysalis (EP)
1999 - Snapcase vs. Boy Sets Fire (Split EP)
2000 - Crush 'Em All Vol. 1 (Boy Sets Fire / Shai Hulud split 7")
2000 - Coalesce / Boy Sets Fire (split EP)
2001 - Suckerpunch Training (EP/ 7")
2002 - Live for Today (EP/LP)
2005 - Before the Eulogy (B-sides and rarities CD)

Music Videos
2003 - Last Year's Nest
2006 - Requiem
2005 - Dear George

Empire
Boy Sets Fire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here I am with my empire, I'll bring you to your knees
Ebb and flow with my desire, cause its all that you've been taught to be

Yeah I'm the bastard son of what's been overcome, and again we plant the seed
So place your fork to mouth, eat, consume, be proud of what I let you see
'Cause we've made quite sure you can never leave

I speak you throw parades ignore the sense of rage welling up inside

Pay no mind to what we do cause we'll sell it all to you in modern luxuries
And we've made quite sure you believe you're free

From the cradle to the grave we try not to be saved from what we own
For next to nothing spent turn your dollars into cents
Fighting for the right to die alone
(Just believeâ?¦ believe you're free) 'cause you're on your own
It doesn't matter just be sure that this is our empire this is war

Forgotten heroes chessboard roles to make you think you're something more
But you're on your ownâ?¦

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Boy Sets Fire's song Empire are a critique of the modern consumerist society and the constant cycle of control and manipulation that it creates. The first verse takes on the persona of someone in power, claiming their empire and their ability to bring others to their knees. The use of the phrase "ebb and flow" suggests that this power and desire is not constant, but rather something that fluctuates and changes over time. The next line implies that this desire is something that society has been taught to aspire to, reinforcing the idea that the current system is one that is perpetuated.

The second verse shifts to the perspective of the people who are being controlled and manipulated. The lyrics describe a sense of helplessness, with the repetition of "we've made quite sure" emphasizing the idea that there is no escape from this system. The use of food imagery - "place your fork to mouth, eat, consume" - highlights the way in which people are encouraged to consume without thinking critically about what they are consuming or why. The final lines of the verse "pay no mind to what we do cause we'll sell it all to you in modern luxuries/and we've made quite sure you believe you're free" encapsulate the central irony of the song: the idea that people are made to feel free even as they are being controlled and manipulated.

The final verse ties the themes of the song together by emphasizing the idea that this system leaves people feeling isolated and alone. The phrase "fighting for the right to die alone" suggests that this desire for individualism and autonomy is ultimately self-destructive. The repetition of the phrase "you're on your own" emphasizes this sense of isolation and reinforces the idea that people are left to fend for themselves. The final lines of the song "this is our empire, this is war/forgotten heroes, chessboard roles to make you think you're something more" are a call to action, urging people to recognize the system for what it is and to fight back against it.

Line by Line Meaning

Here I am with my empire, I'll bring you to your knees
I am in control of this system and I have the power to bring you to submission.

Ebb and flow with my desire, cause its all that you've been taught to be
You are conditioned to follow and conform to my wishes and expectations.

Yeah I'm the bastard son of what's been overcome, and again we plant the seed
I am a product of the past and I am perpetuating the cycle of oppression and control.

So place your fork to mouth, eat, consume, be proud of what I let you see
You are encouraged to consume and be content with what is presented to you.

'Cause we've made quite sure you can never leave
We have made it so difficult for you to escape this system and become independent.

I speak you throw parades ignore the sense of rage welling up inside
I use my words to distract you from the anger and frustration that is building up within you.

Pay no mind to what we do cause we'll sell it all to you in modern luxuries
You are encouraged to ignore our actions because we offer you material possessions and conveniences.

And we've made quite sure you believe you're free
We have convinced you that you are free when in reality, you are still under our control.

From the cradle to the grave we try not to be saved from what we own
Throughout our entire lives, we are encouraged to focus on accumulating possessions instead of seeking true liberation.

For next to nothing spent turn your dollars into cents
We profit off of your labor and interests while giving you minuscule returns.

Fighting for the right to die alone
We are struggling for our independence even though it may lead to isolation and loneliness.

(Just believeâ?¦ believe you're free) 'cause you're on your own
The idea of freedom is a lie because ultimately, we are left to fend for ourselves.

It doesn't matter just be sure that this is our empire this is war
The system in which we operate is a constant battle for control and dominance.

Forgotten heroes chessboard roles to make you think you're something more
We create false narratives and archetypes to make you feel important and valued, even though you're not.

But you're on your ownâ?¦
At the end of the day, we are left to face the harsh reality of this system on our own.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, THIRD SIDE MUSIC INC., SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JEAN BAPTISTE MARIE DE LAUBIER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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