Le Tigre was known for its left-wing politics and feminist lyrics, as well as adding multimedia and performance art to their live shows. As of 2010, Kathleen Hanna now plays in The Julie Ruin.
The The Empty
Le Tigre Lyrics
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And we keep wondering when we're gonna feel something real
Keep waiting for a Santa that will never come
A real party not just people who're faking fun
But everything gets erased before it's even said
And all that glitters isn't gold when inside it's dead
All that glitter is not gold
All that glitter is not gold
All that glitter is not gold
I went to your concert and I didn't feel anything
I went to your concert and I didn't hear anything
I went to your concert and I didn't feel anything
I went to your concert and I didn't see anything
(Oh Baby) Why won't you talk to me?
(Oh Baby) You just want me empty!
(Oh Baby) You don't say anything!
(Oh Baby) Why won't you answer me?
All that glitter is not gold
All that glitter is not gold
All that glitter is not gold
All that glitter is not gold
I sat through your movie but I didn't see anything.
I went to your comedy club and didn't laugh at all.
I went to your movie and I didn't hear anything.
I went to your concert and there was nothing going on.
You don't say
You don't say
You don't say anything.......
In "The Empty," Le Tigre sings about the disappointment that can come from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. The stars are constantly surrounded by luxury, but the singer feels like they're not experiencing anything real. They keep waiting for something genuine, something that will make them feel alive, but it never seems to come. This theme is revealed in the chorus with the repetition of the phrase "All that glitter is not gold"; meaning that not everything that looks good on the surface is actually valuable or fulfilling.
The verses describe the singer's experiences attending concerts, movies, and comedy clubs where they felt nothing but emptiness. Despite the fancy sets, costumes, and jokes, there was no connection to the audience. The refrain "You don't say anything" could represent the lack of authenticity or the disconnect between entertainers and their audiences. The singer is left feeling unsatisfied and wonders why the performers can't be more real and meaningful.
Overall, "The Empty" speaks to the difficulty of finding substance in a heavily commercialized and superficial world. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and meaningful experiences over flashy appearances and empty gestures.
Line by Line Meaning
The stars are getting in and out of automobiles
Celebrity culture and superficial materialism can create a sense of emptiness.
And we keep wondering when we're gonna feel something real
Despite the constant distractions of modern life, we crave genuine emotional experiences.
Keep waiting for a Santa that will never come
Hoping for a magical solution to our problems is futile and ultimately disappointing.
A real party not just people who're faking fun
Empty social events can leave us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from others.
But everything gets erased before it's even said
Communication can be difficult, and our attempts at expressing ourselves can go unnoticed or unheard.
And all that glitters isn't gold when inside it's dead
Appearances can be deceiving, and things that seem attractive or desirable on the surface may lack substance.
I went to your concert and I didn't feel anything
Even attending a live performance by a talented artist may fail to evoke genuine emotions or create a meaningful experience.
I went to your concert and I didn't hear anything
The experience of hearing music can fail to resonate with our emotions or engage our senses.
I went to your concert and I didn't feel anything
Attending an event that one expects will be compelling can still leave one feeling empty or unconnected.
I went to your concert and I didn't see anything
The visual aspects of a performance may fail to impress or create an engaging experience.
(Oh Baby) Why won't you talk to me?
A plea for genuine communication and deeper emotional connection.
(Oh Baby) You just want me empty!
A sense of being used, ignored, or taken for granted in a relationship.
(Oh Baby) You don't say anything!
Feeling ignored or neglected by someone with whom one desires emotional connection.
(Oh Baby) Why won't you answer me?
Seeking clarity or understanding in a relationship where communication is lacking.
You don't say
Silence or lack of communication can be frustrating and leave one feeling isolated or disconnected.
You don't say
Repeating the theme of missed opportunities for genuine communication or emotional connection.
You don't say anything.......
The frustration of being ignored or unheard in a relationship can be isolating and painful.
Contributed by Alyssa N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.