Photo by Jen Hopper

In this episode of BackStory, Sean Van Vleet of Empires tells us the story behind their song “Bang.”

Bang came more naturally than most songs I’ve written. I remember hanging out in a buddy’s garage listening to old rock records from bands I hadn’t heard of at the time. As soon as the needle left the vinyl on one, I just picked up the guitar and the bass line flew out. It was followed by the right chords and “oh I’m dying to touch you.” It was simple.

Lyrically it came at a time I needed to have a big breakthrough. So although the situation in the song was spun romantically, all I really meant to talk about was the struggle it sometimes takes to move forward. Some situations you gotta just bang on through and let the sense of it all catch up later.

‘Bang’ Music Video from empires on Vimeo.

 

LYRICS- “BANG”

I’m sick of banging with your skeleton

You were gorgeous til you gave out all your skin

Now I can never really take it to the heart again

I still got yours blowing up inside my head

 

At least I’m waking up

At least I’m waking up

With you hiding in my bones

At least I’m waking up

I’m waking up

 

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa oh

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa

 

Oh wait, oh wait, before I let you go

There’s a thread or two still left between our souls

But you went messing with the gods and never fell away

You’re still burning off the angel on your face

 

At least I’m waking up

At least I’m waking up

With you hiding in my bones

At least I’m waking up

I’m waking up

 

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa oh

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa

 

Oh, this is love.

 

Bang up my heart to get you

Bang in my heart to feel you

Bang, bang up my heart to get you

Bang in my heart to feel you

Bang, bang up my heart to get you

Bang in my heart

I’m always banging in my heart

I’m always banging up my heart

I’m waking up

 

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa oh

You’re dying a legend, darling

And I’m dying to touch you, baby