The lyrics of "Empty" by Olivia O'Brien delve into the artist's struggle with stress, mental health, and feelings of emptiness. She expresses her difficulty in handling pressure and the constant need to put herself first. O'Brien reveals her battle with self-doubt and destructive coping mechanisms, such as drinking, smoking, and drowning her sorrows. She conveys her desire to escape her reality and erase her memories to alleviate the emptiness she feels. Ultimately, she admits to feeling trapped and scared to die, even though she does not want to continue living in this state.

Meaning of "Empty" by Olivia O'Brien

"Empty" explores the theme of inner emptiness and the detrimental ways in which individuals may attempt to numb or fill that void. Olivia O'Brien conveys a deep sense of dissatisfaction with her life, highlighting the pressures and stress that weigh her down. The lyrics reveal her desperate attempts to cope with these feelings, using substances like alcohol and drugs to escape and temporarily forget her pain. O'Brien's constant search for distractions and the longing for the absence of tomorrow showcases her struggle to find meaning and purpose. The repetitiveness of her words, "I don't wanna live, but I'm too scared to die," suggests the internal conflict she faces. This conflict stems from a reluctance to continue living with her emotional turmoil, yet being terrified of the unknown and the possibility that death may not resolve her emptiness. Throughout the song, there is a sense of resignation and helplessness, as O'Brien admits that she is unable to fix the mess she has made. The emotional imagery of her body shaking, head aching, and heart breaking emphasizes the intensiveness of her internal struggles. Overall, "Empty" serves as an honest and raw exploration of the complexities of mental health and the desperation that can arise from feeling emotionally hollow.