Empty

Kiiara's song "Empty" delves into the profound sense of emotional exhaustion and longing that follows a significant relationship's end. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the aftermath of a breakup, where the absence of their partner leaves them feeling drained and hollow. The recurring theme of running on empty symbolizes the depletion of emotional resources, highlighting the struggle to find meaning and energy in the wake of loss.

The song's opening lines set the stage for this emotional journey, with the protagonist's troubles surfacing when they are alone, unshielded by the distractions of daylight. This solitude amplifies their sense of emptiness, as they reflect on the months that have passed and the unfulfilled desire for something to chase, something to give their life purpose again. The repeated question, "Where were you on my darkest day?" underscores the pain of feeling abandoned during their most vulnerable moments.

Kiiara's poignant lyrics also explore the sacrifices made in the relationship, such as holding one's breath so the other can breathe and giving up one's sight so the other can see. These metaphors illustrate the selflessness and emotional investment that ultimately left the protagonist depleted. The song captures the cyclical nature of trying to move on, with the protagonist running but unable to maintain the pace, constantly haunted by memories and the face of their former partner. The repeated refrain of running on empty serves as a powerful reminder of the toll that emotional exhaustion can take on a person, leaving them yearning for the support and connection they once had.