Meaning of "Empty Hearts" by As I Lay Dying

The lyrics of "Empty Hearts" by As I Lay Dying delve into the concept of emotional emptiness and the deceptive nature of seeking paradise without experiencing loss. The line "I've watched them build upon these empty hearts" suggests that individuals are constructing a facade of emotional well-being, masking their true emptiness. They seek a perfect world where pain and suffering do not exist, creating false hopes and illusions of a lossless paradise.

The phrase "Gathering together, the dead hearts beat as one" portrays a sense of unity in this collective emptiness. It implies that people with hollow hearts are drawn together, finding solace in their shared lack of genuine emotion. The dead hearts become interconnected, beating in unison, but their connection is based on falsehood and lies, as expressed in the line "Stillborn comfort feeding lies."

The next lines, "Through answers of self-denial, divided between a dissolute self, and the sorrow of sincere devotion," explore the dichotomy between self-deception and genuine dedication to something or someone. People seek comfort and numbing through self-denial, avoiding the true nature of their emotions and the hurts they carry. This division leads to a sense of moral decay and dissoluteness. However, there is also the sorrow that comes with sincere devotion, suggesting a deeper emotional connection as well.

The lyrics then pose the crucial question: "What is it that you find peace in now, where is your hope in this dark night?" Here, the artist challenges the listener to examine the sources of their peace and hope, particularly in times of darkness and despair. It prompts reflection on whether one's peace is derived from denial and escapism or if genuine hope can be found even in the midst of darkness.

Overall, "Empty Hearts" suggests that seeking an idealized paradise without grappling with loss and pain leads to emotional emptiness and a reliance on deception. The lyrics encourage self-reflection and highlight the importance of finding genuine peace and hope in the face of adversity.