Empty

Album: Strange Little Birds (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the first single from Garbage's sixth studio album, Strange Little Birds. "'Empty' is just exactly what it says it is. A song about emptiness," said vocalist Shirley Manson.
  • Strange Little Birds is a record with a cohesive mood of darkness. "There aren't really any upbeat pop songs," said drummer Butch Vig. "Even 'Empty,' which has a big, anthemic guitar sound, has pretty dark lyrics."

    "I love dark and dismal," Manson added. "I'm aching for some dark and dismal. Because I feel like the musical landscape of late has been incredibly happy and shiny and poppy. Everybody's fronting all the time, dancing as fast as they can, smiling as hard as they can, working on their brand. Nobody ever says, 'Actually, I'm lost and I don't have a f--king clue what I'm doing with the rest of my life and I'm frightened.'"
  • Samuel Bayer, who did the Garbage videos for "Only Happy When It Rains" and "Stupid Girl," returned to direct "Empty."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.