The The Empty

Le Tigre's song 'The Empty' delves into the pervasive sense of disillusionment and emptiness that can accompany modern life. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where superficiality reigns supreme, and genuine experiences are increasingly hard to come by. The opening lines, 'The stars are getting in and out of automobiles / And we keep wondering when we're gonna feel something real,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the contrast between the glamorous facade of celebrity culture and the yearning for authentic emotions and connections.

The repeated refrain, 'All that glitters is not gold,' serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving. This metaphor suggests that what seems attractive and valuable on the surface may be hollow and lifeless inside. The song critiques the artificiality of social interactions and entertainment, as evidenced by lines like 'I went to yr concert and I didn't feel anything' and 'I went to yr comedy club and didn't laugh at all.' These experiences are depicted as devoid of substance, leaving the narrator feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.

The chorus, with its plaintive cries of 'Oh baby, why won't you talk to me?' and 'You just want me empty!' underscores the theme of emotional emptiness and the struggle to find meaningful communication. The repetition of 'You don't say anything' further emphasizes the frustration of trying to connect in a world where genuine dialogue is scarce. Le Tigre's 'The Empty' is a poignant commentary on the vacuous nature of contemporary culture and the longing for something real amidst the noise and glitter.