Fake Empire

The National's song 'Fake Empire' delves into the surreal and often disorienting experience of living in a modern society that feels both real and artificial. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where people engage in seemingly joyful activities like picking apples and making pies, yet there's an underlying sense of detachment and unreality. The phrase 'half-awake in a fake empire' suggests a state of semi-consciousness, where individuals are aware of the superficiality around them but choose to ignore it, perhaps as a coping mechanism.

The imagery of 'tiptoeing through our shiny city with our diamond slippers on' and 'doing our gay ballet on ice' evokes a sense of whimsical escapism. These lines highlight the contrast between the glittering facade of urban life and the hollow reality beneath it. The mention of 'bluebirds on our shoulders' adds a layer of forced cheerfulness, as if people are trying to convince themselves of their happiness in a world that feels increasingly artificial.

As the song progresses, the lyrics urge a temporary escape from overthinking and the complexities of life. 'Turn the light out, say goodnight, no thinking for a little while' suggests a desire to shut out the overwhelming nature of reality and find solace in ignorance, even if just for a moment. The recurring theme of being 'half-awake' underscores the struggle to fully engage with a world that often feels like a constructed illusion, a 'fake empire' where genuine connection and meaning are hard to come by.