Empire Ants

Gorillaz's 'Empire Ants' is a track that delves into the cyclical nature of empires, dreams, and the human condition. The song begins with a serene and almost dreamlike quality, inviting the listener into a state of reflection. The lyrics 'Oh, joys are us, the Sun has come again to hold you' suggest a moment of respite and warmth, a break from the 'doldrums of the week.' This could be interpreted as the small joys that provide comfort amidst the monotony of daily life.

As the song progresses, it shifts both musically and lyrically, introducing a sense of urgency and dissonance. The phrase 'the falling of the whole empire is here, to hold you' juxtaposes the collapse of grand structures with a personal touch, perhaps indicating that even in the face of societal or personal upheaval, there is a form of support or solace. The recurring theme of 'little memories' and 'little feet, working the machine' could symbolize the individual's role in the larger system, contributing to the rise and fall of 'empires' whether they be literal or metaphorical constructs.

The song's refrain, 'Soon like a wave, empires will fall,' serves as a reminder of the impermanence of power structures and the inevitability of change. The building of walls 'closing in on my room' might represent the barriers that arise as a result of this change, both physically in the world and psychologically within oneself. 'Empire Ants' ultimately reflects on the transient nature of existence and the continuous cycle of creation and destruction that defines our lives and the world we inhabit.