The band's first release was in 2007 with an EP titled When The Sea Became A Giant. The band released a full-length album, What It Takes To Move Forward, in 2009. The band is signed to Count Your Lucky Stars Records and has released albums on a number of other labels, such as strictly no capital letters (UK), Topshelf Records, Stiff Slack (Japan), and Hobbledehoy Record Co (Australia). The band released their second album You Will Eventually Be Forgotten on August 19, 2014. On February 16, 2016, the band announced their final tour before their breakup on their official Facebook page.[2]
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Labels: count your lucky stars / strictly no capital letters / stiff slack / keep it together / topshelf
You Have to Believe That Life is More Than the Sum of its Parts Kiddo
Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) Lyrics
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and try to be them, for a while
but you know you can't be her answer
she was never after truth
will your mother still blame you if she knew all the words that she said
drove you here
a half a world away
destroying your body
but it won't change the way she is
and it won't change a thing she did
so calm down
sleep now
forget all the things that she said
In the song "You Have to Believe That Life is More Than the Sum of its Parts Kiddo" by Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate), the lyrics speak to the struggle of trying to live up to the expectations of others and the pain that can come from it. The opening line sets the tone, noting that one can try to find reasons to justify the actions of others, but ultimately, they cannot be the answer for someone who was never after the truth.
The lyrics touch on the impact that a mother's words can have on a person, driving them to destruction and pain. The song acknowledges that while it may be tempting to hold onto the pain caused by others, it ultimately won't change them or what they've done. The final lines offer some solace, encouraging the listener to calm down and forget about the hurtful things that were said, to find peace in sleep and let go of the past.
Overall, the song is an exploration of the hurt and pain that can come from trying to live up to others' expectations, particularly those of a parent, and the importance of letting go and finding peace in oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh sure, you can look for reasons
Acknowledging that it's tempting to try and find reasons for someone else's behavior
and try to be them, for a while
But attempting to mimic someone else's behavior is not a sustainable solution
but you know you can't be her answer
Recognizing that you cannot fix someone else's problems or be the solution to their issues
she was never after truth
Realizing that the other person may not have been sincere or honest in their interactions
will your mother still blame you if she knew all the words that she said
Questioning whether revealing the truth about the other person's actions would change the mother's opinion
drove you here
Acknowledging that the mother's actions have caused the singer to be in a negative situation
a half a world away
Emphasizing the distance and disconnection between the singer and their mother
destroying your body
Describing the severe impact of the mother's actions on the artist's physical and emotional health
to get back for every word she said
Suggesting that the mother's behavior is retaliatory and driven by a desire for retribution
but it won't change the way she is
Acknowledging that retaliation or anger won't change the mother's underlying personality or behavior
and it won't change a thing she did
Recognizing that the mother's past actions cannot be undone or forgotten
so calm down
Encouraging the artist to relax and find peace despite the difficult situation
sleep now
Suggesting that rest and relaxation can be a way to cope with stress and pain
forget all the things that she said
Encouraging the singer to let go of the negative influence of the mother's words and actions
Contributed by William N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.