“Empty Walls” is a powerful anthem of protest and reflection, aimed at the horrors and aftermath of war. The song delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of conflict, questioning the value of pretentious societal norms in the face of such devastation. Tankian urges listeners to look beyond the superficial, symbolized by “empty walls,” to the reality of suffering and loss caused by violence. The driving force behind this composition is a call to awareness and empathy, pushing against the apathy that often accompanies discussions of war. It’s about seeing the human cost, feeling the weight of loss, and questioning the decisions that lead to such outcomes. Tankian wrote this song to respond to the senselessness of conflict, aiming to stir a deeper understanding and questioning in his audience.
“Empty Walls” by Serj Tankian is a compelling exploration into the psyche of a society numbed by the spectacle of war.
“Empty Walls” Lyrics Meaning
The song starts with a reference to “empty walls,” a metaphor for the hollow, superficial fronts society puts up, obscuring the grim realities of conflict and suffering. This motif of pretense versus reality runs deep through the song, challenging listeners to confront the discomforting truths hidden behind the facade of normalcy.
“Don’t waste your time on coffins today,” serve as a stark reminder of the immediacy of death and loss in times of war, urging us to focus on the living and the immediate consequences of violence. This line, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the senselessness of war and the importance of cherishing life.
“Desolate and full of yearning,” captures the desperation and destruction that war leaves in its wake. These lines evoke a sense of urgency and despair, portraying the human cost of conflict – a theme that Tankian revisits throughout his work. This despair is contrasted with the intoxication of war, suggesting that the chaos and violence of conflict can be both destructive and seductively consuming.
Tankian’s call to “be left behind those empty walls” and to “see from behind those empty walls” urges listeners to break free from the confines of indifference and to witness the reality of war’s devastation. This plea is a central message of the song, advocating for a shift in perspective that recognizes and empathizes with the suffering of others.
The closing lines, mentioning love and loss in the family context, bring the song’s message to a poignant, personal level. Tankian highlights the ultimate price of war – the loss of loved ones – grounding the abstract horrors of conflict in the tangible grief of those left behind. This personalization of war’s impact adds a deeply emotional layer to the song’s broader political and social commentary.
The Story Behind “Empty Walls”
Serj Tankian wrote “Empty Walls” as a reflection on the consequences of war, inspired by his own observations and the global political climate of the early 21st century. The song emerges from a place of frustration and disillusionment with how society deals with conflict, often sanitized and hidden behind the metaphorical “empty walls” of media, politics, and public discourse.
Tankian’s state of mind during the creation of this song was deeply influenced by his activism and his experiences as an artist who has consistently addressed political and social issues. His work, both as a solo artist and with System of a Down, frequently touches on themes of injustice, war, and the human condition, reflecting a commitment to raising awareness and inspiring change.
“Empty Walls” is not just a song; it’s a call to action and a plea for empathy. Tankian’s lyrics are a response to the apathy he perceives in the face of global conflicts, challenging listeners to confront the realities of war and to consider the human cost of political decisions. This song, like much of his work, is rooted in a desire to provoke thought, stir emotions, and encourage a more engaged and compassionate approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of the modern world.