The band has performed at many national festivals including Coachella, Stagecoach, Summerfest, Bumbershoot, and Pickathon. In 2011, they performed at several large folk festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Newport Folk Festival and 2011 ROMP roots and branches. They are scheduled to play the Sasquatch Festival, Bonnaroo, All Good Music Festival, Newport Folk Festival, and Lollapalooza in 2012.
2014 saw the release of Trampled by Turtles's seventh studio album, Wild Animals, on July 15th. The band tapped Alan Sparhawk, from the band Low, to produce Wild Animals. Sparhawk's influence is evident in the band's seemingly more alternative, high lonesome sound. The night of Wild Animals' release, TBT made their second appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. On August 16th, Trampled by Turtles headlined a sold out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO.
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Empire
Trampled by Turtles Lyrics
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And it took all I had not to call you on the phone
Know that I was made for you
There is nothing I can do about it
I ran outside the bar
Ringing in my ears
And I don't understand
You know the world will fall apart
If you broke another heart
Coats are 'round in hiding
And up against the wall
Your guns were made of iron
And he came and saved us all
Pick it up and take it out
In a world of hell and doubt
Listen to the liars
As they run the world
Holiest empires
But nothing lasts for sure
Can you help me turn it off
Well it's all I could ever want
The lyrics to Trampled by Turtles' song "Empire" convey the pain and longing of someone who is alone and sober, trying not to call the person they were meant to be with. The singer knows that they were made for this person, but cannot do anything about it. The ringing in their ears as they leave the bar is a tangible representation of the confusion and chaos they feel. The world may fall apart if this person breaks another heart, yet the singer is unable to resist the pull towards them. The reference to guns made of iron and someone saving them all adds a layer of complexity and a sense of danger to the narrative.
The lyrics also touch on themes of deception and impermanence. The world is run by liars who are in charge of the holiest empires, but nothing lasts for sure. The singer is asking for help to turn it off, perhaps referring to the pain and turmoil of these conflicting emotions. Overall, the lyrics of "Empire" paint a vivid image of someone grappling with their desire for someone they cannot have, set against a backdrop of a world in chaos and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all that I remember a sober night alone
The only memory I have of being sober and alone is of you.
And it took all I had not to call you on the phone
I wanted to call you so badly, but I managed to resist.
Know that I was made for you
I am certain that we are meant to be together.
There is nothing I can do about it
I am powerless to change how I feel about you.
I ran outside the bar
I left the bar quickly.
Ringing in my ears
My ears were still ringing from the noise inside the bar.
And I don't understand
I am confused and uncertain.
It's been that way for years
I have been feeling this way for a long time.
You know the world will fall apart
The world will crumble and collapse if you break my heart.
If you broke another heart
If you hurt me by breaking my heart.
Coats are 'round in hiding
People are hiding and trying to protect themselves.
And up against the wall
Feeling trapped or cornered.
Your guns were made of iron
Your power and strength were unshakable.
And he came and saved us all
Someone came to rescue and protect us.
Pick it up and take it out
Get rid of the negativity and move on.
In a world of hell and doubt
A world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
Listen to the liars
Pay attention to those who are not telling the truth.
As they run the world
As they wield their power and influence over the world.
Holiest empires
The most revered and powerful empires.
But nothing lasts for sure
Nothing is permanent or guaranteed to last.
Can you help me turn it off
Can you help me stop feeling this way?
Well it's all I could ever want
All I want is to be with you.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DAVID CARROLL, DAVID PAUL SIMONETT, ERIK BERRY, RYAN DAVID YOUNG, TIMOTHY SAXHAUG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind