Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “End of an Empire” by Turisas
“End of an Empire” by Turisas is an anthemic and powerful song, exploring the unavoidable rise and fall of civilizations. The lyrics describe the trials and tribulations of a society faced with its own downfall, and the singer’s intense emotional experience of witnessing it. The song opens with a somber acknowledgement of impending doom for this empire, stating “all glory ends, fate awaits”. This emphasizes the defeatist attitude which can sometimes accompany the end of an era, and how it can be tempting to surrender and accept this fact.
The chorus finds the singer vowing to “never submit, never surrender” to this fate, and to fight on until the end. Here the singer is displaying his unwavering commitment to the memory of his legacy and his people, and how even though the end is imminent, he will never give in. This could be interpreted as both a literal taking up of arms against the empire, or as a symbolic, mental battle against the shadows of the past and the temptation to give in.
The final verses express an optimism for a better future after the end of empire, and a faith that “after all is gone”, a new era can emerge from the ashes. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how with every ending, there is also a beginning, and how something good can come from destruction and chaos.
In conclusion, “End of an Empire” is a song that explores the huge emotional turmoil and internal struggles that accompany the end of a great civilization. It acknowledges the gravity of the situation, while also demonstrating resilience and hope in the face of adversity.