The Gaslight Anthem’s music embraces many elements of blues, classic rock, and punk rock. The band has described their sound as “Bruce Springsteen singing for a Cure cover band, with a tinge more aggression.” The group’s fondness for Springsteen, a significant influence on their music, is celebrated by fans and critics alike. Representative of such views, one critic wrote, “The Gaslight Anthem are like something out of speculative fiction: this is what pop music would be if Springsteen hadn’t listened to his producer, let the Ramones record ‘Hungry Heart,’ and launched the C.B.G.B.’ers into megastardom.”
The band released its first LP, Sink or Swim, in 2007 through XOXO Records, and toured with many reputable bands, including Against Me!, The Draft, Dead to Me, and Fake Problems.
The Gaslight Anthem’s second release, a 4-song EP entitled Señor and the Queen, was released on January 29th, 2008 by Sabot Productions.
Their second full-length, The ‘59 Sound, was released on August 19, 2008 on Side One Dummy Records. The album debuted at #70 on the Billboard top 200. It was produced by Ted Hutt, who has produced albums for The Bouncing Souls, Flogging Molly, and MxPx.
On August 6, 2008 they became the first band to ever appear on the cover of Kerrang! magazine without the publication having previously written a single word about them.
In Fall 2008, the band toured with Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, and Thrice.
On December 9, 2008, the Gaslight Anthem made their television debut on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, performing the song the “The ‘59 Sound.” On January 30, 2009, they appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, again playing “The ‘59 Sound.”
Their third full-length, American Slang, was released on June 15, 2010, on Side One Dummy Records. The Bring It On Songfacts reports that it finds the band moving away from the fictional lyrics and '50s-inspired sound of their previous records.
In 2010 they appeared on the main stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK along with Arcade Fire, The Libertines and Modest Mouse.
Their fourth full-length, Handwritten was released on July 23, 2012 in the UK, and on July 24 in the US. The lead single, "45", was aired for the first time worldwide as Zane Lowe's Hottest Record in the World on April 30, 2012 on BBC Radio 1 and was released on iTunes on May 8, 2012. Handwritten was called by The Rolling Stone their "biggest sounding, most straightforward album"
Empires
The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics
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And I've lived off the work of my hands
But I learned there's an evil in the heart of this world
And much more in the heart of a man
And they showed me no mercy
Taught me to weep and how not to get caught
Showed me no mercy
If the winter don't kill me, then it might be the cold
And the money won't keep me warm
From the love that I killed and the dreams that I stole
That add up inside of my bones
And they show me no mercy
Come to remind me of the evil I'd done
No mercy
It all came so easy once I went numb
There's a God up in Heaven with the calendar marked
And he sees in the dark
And he knows when you're sleeping and when you're awake
And he knows where the bodies are laid
And he'll show us no mercy
Though there'll be weeping and gnashing of teeth
No mercy
No mercy for you, no mercy for me
No mercy
For the lives that we took and the wars that we waged
No mercy
No mercy come judgment day
The lyrics of "Empires" by The Gaslight Anthem convey a deep sense of introspection and guilt. The song explores the themes of the corrupt nature of humanity, the consequences of one's actions, and the absence of mercy in the face of judgment.
The first verse sets the tone by describing the singer's arrival in a world filled with violence, materialism, and wealth. They have lived a life sustained by their own labor, but as they have grown and experienced the world, they have come to realize the darkness that resides within people's hearts.
The second verse delves deeper into the internal struggle of the singer. They have been shown no mercy by others, teaching them vulnerability and survival skills. They have become hardened, akin to wolves, learning to fight and protect themselves in this cruel world.
The chorus emphasizes the harsh reality of life. The singer acknowledges that death is a constant threat, both physically and metaphorically. Money cannot provide warmth or solace in the face of the regret, guilt, and emptiness that come from having killed love and stolen dreams. These emotional burdens weigh heavily on their conscience, manifesting as a physical discomfort within their bones.
The third verse introduces a spiritual aspect to the song. The singer acknowledges the existence of a higher power, a God who knows all, even the darkest secrets. There is an understanding that this omniscient force is aware of the sins committed, of the lives taken, and the wars waged. This recognition adds to their sense of impending judgment and punishment.
The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the absence of mercy. Despite the potential for regret and remorse, the singer acknowledges that mercy will not be granted. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, symbolizing the anguish and pain that will accompany the lack of forgiveness. The lyrics compel the listener to reflect on the consequences of their own actions and the ultimate judgment that awaits us all.
In conclusion, "Empires" by The Gaslight Anthem is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of guilt, remorse, and the absence of mercy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world filled with darkness, greed, and violence. The singer reflects on their own participation in these wrongdoings and the weight of the consequences that lie ahead. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the moral choices we make.
Line by Line Meaning
I came to this empire of blood, bone, and pearls
I arrived in a world filled with violence, mortality, and wealth
And I've lived off the work of my hands
I have survived by relying on my own labor
But I learned there's an evil in the heart of this world
I discovered the presence of wickedness within humanity
And much more in the heart of a man
And even deeper within the soul of an individual
And they showed me no mercy
And they treated me without compassion
Taught me to weep and how not to get caught
They instructed me to cry and avoid getting caught
Showed me no mercy
Treated me harshly and without pity
Until I became like the wolves that I fought
Until I transformed into the same ruthless creatures I battled against
If the winter don't kill me, then it might be the cold
If the harsh circumstances don't kill me, then the emotional detachment might
And the money won't keep me warm
And material wealth won't provide emotional warmth
From the love that I killed and the dreams that I stole
From the relationships I ruined and the aspirations I snatched away
That add up inside of my bones
That accumulate sorrow within the very core of my being
And they show me no mercy
And they treat me without compassion
Come to remind me of the evil I'd done
They come to make me remember the wickedness I committed
No mercy
No kindness or forgiveness
It all came so easy once I went numb
It all became effortless once I became emotionally desensitized
There's a God up in Heaven with the calendar marked
There is a divine being in the heavens keeping track of time
And he sees in the dark
And he observes even in the midst of darkness
And he knows when you're sleeping and when you're awake
And he is aware of your actions and state of consciousness
And he knows where the bodies are laid
And he knows where the deceased are buried
And he'll show us no mercy
And he will not treat us with compassion
Though there'll be weeping and gnashing of teeth
Even though there will be sorrow and anguish
No mercy
No kindness or forgiveness
No mercy for you, no mercy for me
No compassion for either you or me
No mercy
No kindness or forgiveness
For the lives that we took and the wars that we waged
For the lives we ended and the conflicts we initiated
No mercy
No kindness or forgiveness
No mercy come judgment day
No compassion will be given on the day of reckoning
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Michael Fallon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind