Vampire Empire

Big Thief's 'Vampire Empire' is a hauntingly intimate portrayal of a relationship that is both consuming and transformative. The lyrics suggest a dynamic where both individuals are deeply intertwined, yet there is a sense of disillusionment and a struggle for control. The song opens with a scene of domestic stagnation, with expired milk and dead leaves symbolizing a relationship that has perhaps passed its prime. The quietness between the two characters indicates a communication breakdown, and the mention of 'receiving what you said' implies a one-sidedness to their interactions.

The chorus of the song introduces the metaphor of a 'vampire empire,' which can be interpreted as a relationship where one person feels drained by the other, as if their energy and vitality are being siphoned away. The repetition of 'Falling, yeah' suggests a surrender to this dynamic, despite the recognition of its toxicity. The imagery of being 'empty till she fills' and 'alive until she kills' further emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the relationship, where fulfillment and destruction are inextricably linked.

The song also touches on themes of identity and desire, with the speaker expressing a wish to be everything for their partner—to be both their woman and their man, to see them naked, to hear them scream. This desire for complete understanding and intimacy is contrasted with the confusion and inconsistency of their partner's actions and desires. The song ends with a sense of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges their inability to leave the cycle of attraction and hurt, symbolized by the futile attempt to start a fire with matches in the snow.