Meaning of "Empire to Ashes" by Sleeping With Sirens

"Empire to Ashes" delves into themes of resistance, frustration, and the desire for freedom. The song begins with references to various conflicts and battles, suggesting a sense of ongoing struggle. The lion and the wolf symbolize power and the old gods and the new represent tradition and change. The line "Trying to break through" emphasizes the singer's determination to overcome obstacles.

The lyrics continually emphasize feeling imprisoned or trapped, comparing the situation to that of caged animals. This imagery conveys a sense of helplessness and frustration, highlighting the desire for liberation and the search for an antidote to break the metaphorical chains. The lyrics imply a disillusionment with the current state of affairs, perhaps reflecting societal pressures or personal struggles.

The repetition of lines like "Feels like we're caged animals" and "Maybe I'm just miserable" underscores the singer's frustration and potentially a sense of isolation. These lines suggest that the struggle and frustration may be internalized, leaving the singer feeling trapped within their own mind and body. The mention of a black hole, no hope, and psycho syndrome further portrays a sense of despair and hopelessness.

However, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of resistance and resilience. The chorus asserts that the singer refuses to give in to the lies and oppression, vowing to fight against the status quo. This determination is symbolized by the call to "burn the old empire into ashes." It represents a willingness to dismantle existing systems and ideologies in order to pave the way for something new and better.

Overall, "Empire to Ashes" conveys a sense of frustration with societal norms and a desire for personal freedom and self-expression. It represents a refusal to conform and a call for change, urging listeners to challenge the status quo and fight for their own liberation.