Without You

Empire Of The Sun's song "Without You" delves into the profound sense of emptiness and lack of meaning that accompanies the absence of a loved one. The lyrics paint a stark picture of a world devoid of any defining characteristics or emotions. Phrases like "No shapes at all, nothing real or artificial" and "No energy or heat" suggest a complete void, emphasizing the depth of the singer's desolation. This absence extends to all aspects of life, from the physical to the emotional, highlighting how integral the loved one is to the singer's sense of reality and purpose.

The repetition of negations such as "No future there is no past" and "No slow there is no fast" further underscores the theme of a life stripped of meaning and direction. The singer's world is portrayed as static and colorless, lacking the vibrancy and dynamism that the presence of their partner brings. This use of contrasts and opposites serves to amplify the sense of loss and yearning, making it clear that the loved one is the source of all that is meaningful and beautiful in the singer's life.

The chorus, with its heartfelt plea "I get the teaching that I can't be without you," encapsulates the central message of the song. It is a realization and acceptance of the profound impact that the loved one has on the singer's existence. The repeated call to "Take my heart in your hands" is a desperate appeal for reconnection and the restoration of meaning and joy. Empire Of The Sun uses these vivid and evocative lyrics to convey the universal experience of love and loss, making "Without You" a poignant and relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt incomplete without their significant other.