Fake Empire
The National
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Stay out super late tonight Picking apples, making pies Put a little something in our lemonade And take it with us We're half awake in a fake empire We're half awake in a fake empire Tiptoe through our shiny city With our diamond slippers on Do our gay ballet on ice Bluebirds on our shoulders We're half awake in a fake empire We're half awake in a fake empire Turn the light out, say goodnight No thinking for a little while Let's not try to figure out everything at once It's hard to keep track of you falling through the sky We're half awake in a fake empire We're half awake in a fake empire
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Written by: Bryce David Dessner, Matthew Donald Berninger
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Essentials"Fake Empire" is the opening track from the album "Boxer" by American indie rock band The National.
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ReleaseThe song and the album "Boxer" were first released in 2007.
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Policy ImpactIncidentally, the song is said to have political undertones and was used in the campaign for Barack Obama's presidency in 2008, despite it not being officially endorsed by Obama.
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National Debut"Fake Empire" somewhat introduced The National to a broader audience as the song became globally recognized.
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ThemesThe lyrics explore personal and societal disillusionment and apathy, fueled by the political climate of the time, and it is open-ended enough to allow for a variety of interpretations.
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Awards"Fake Empire" won the 'Best Independent Music Video' at the 2008 Q Awards. The video was directed by Scott Cudmore and Michael Leblanc.
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CritiquesDespite having simple, repetitive lyrical phrases, critics acclaimed "Fake Empire" for its poignant message, compelling music, and Matt Berninger’s unique baritone vocals.
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Album PerspectiveAlthough "Fake Empire" was not released as a single, it still received attention and positive reviews. It has come to represent "Boxer" as a whole in popular consciousness.
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MusicalityThe noticeable piano riff of "Fake Empire" is played in a 5/4 time signature (a meter not commonly used in pop and rock music), lending the song an unusual rhythmic feel.
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BackgroundAccording to the band's singer, Matt Berninger, the song was inspired by the feeling of wanting to ignore the outside world and its problems. The song is almost dreamlike or hallucinatory in its structure and sound — perhaps reflecting the "fake empire" of the title.
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InfluenceAfter "Fake Empire," the band saw a significant increase in popularity, going from playing smaller venues to more major concerts and festivals.
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LegacyOver a decade after its release, "Fake Empire" is still one of the most popular and acclaimed songs in The National's discography, proving its enduring relevance and appeal.
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Citation
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"Fake Empire Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10553208/The+National/Fake+Empire>.
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