Empiricist

Typhoon's 'Empiricist' is a profound exploration of human existence, identity, and the cyclical nature of life. The song opens with the imagery of an 'empty room,' symbolizing a state of disorientation and the search for familiar anchors in a world that often feels alien. This sets the stage for a journey through the dark, where the protagonist's 'range of motion shrivels,' reflecting the paralyzing effect of fear and uncertainty. The reference to a 'single calf in the hecatomb' evokes a sense of vulnerability and sacrifice, hinting at the existential dread that permeates the song.

The lyrics delve deeper into the human psyche with the line 'Occam shave me down to primal truth—return me to the womb,' suggesting a desire to strip away the complexities of life and return to a state of innocence and simplicity. The mention of a 'magic flask' that offers a painful path to freedom underscores the idea that liberation often comes at a great cost. The repeated phrase 'Asa nisi masa,' a reference to Federico Fellini's film '8½,' adds a layer of mysticism and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.

As the song progresses, it touches on themes of birth, growth, and the inevitable confrontation with one's own identity. The imagery of a 'mother pulled from father’s ribs' and a 'little baby in a crib' highlights the cyclical nature of life and the continuous process of becoming. The protagonist's journey from helplessness to imitation and the eventual realization of their own reflection in the mirror speaks to the universal struggle of self-discovery and acceptance. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the fading of light, symbolizing the end of a cycle and the hope for renewal as one 'blows out past lives like they’re candles on the cake.'