We Are The People

Empire Of The Sun's 'We Are The People' is a song that resonates with themes of nostalgia, unity, and the human experience. The Australian electronic music duo, known for their flamboyant stage presence and unique sound that blends electronic music with pop and rock, often explores grand themes in their music, and this song is no exception. The lyrics evoke memories of a shared past, possibly referencing the carefree days of youth and the strong bonds formed during that time. The mention of 'swimming in December' and 'heading for the city lights in 1975' suggests a looking back to a specific time and place that holds significant emotional weight for the narrator.

The chorus, 'We are the people that rule the world,' speaks to a sense of collective power and the idea that every individual has the potential to influence the world. This could be interpreted as an anthem for empowerment, with the repeated lines 'All rejoicing in the world' reinforcing a message of togetherness and celebration. The song's upbeat tempo and anthemic quality support this interpretation, making it a unifying call to action for listeners to find strength in their shared humanity.

However, there is also a thread of vulnerability woven throughout the song, particularly in the lines 'I can’t do well when I think you’re gonna leave me, but I know I try.' This suggests a fear of abandonment and a struggle to cope with the possibility of separation from someone important. The repetition of these lines throughout the song emphasizes the emotional turmoil and the desire for reassurance. The closing lines, 'I know everything about you, you know everything about me, know everything about us,' serve as a reminder of the deep connection between individuals and the shared knowledge that comes from intimate relationships. Overall, 'We Are The People' is a complex tapestry of past and present, individual and collective, strength and vulnerability, all set to the backdrop of Empire Of The Sun's distinctive sound.