Empire of the Sun

Lyrics

16 ContributorsHalf Mast (Slight Return) LyricsCome on now can we talk about it like we used to talk about
Hotel in the hills with a carousel
Farmhouse in the front a tractor in the lounge
Oh oh oh honey I need you round I know I know

Listen now can we talk in love and walk the town
Be easy now, go hiking through the hills in a summer gown
Raise the kids, peace within and make our sound

Hear me now, I'm down on knees and praying
Though my faith is weak
Without you so please baby please give us a chance
Make amends and I will stand until the end
A million times a trillion more

Oh oh oh honey I need you round I know I know

Smile baby don't cry
I will only fly with you by my side
Baby I'm cornered now
Baby don't push me out
Lately I walk in doubt
Maybe it's crashing down
Baby can you save it now
You might also likeOh oh oh honey I need you round I know I know
Oh oh oh honey I need you round I know I know

Baby I'm cornered now
Baby don't push me out
Lately I walk in doubt
Maybe it's crashing down

Baby I'm cornered now
Baby don't push me out
Lately I walk in doubt
Maybe it's crashing down

Empire of the Sun's Half Mast (Slight Return) is a poignant recounting of the aftermath of a broken relationship. The song is a moving description of the despair and pain felt when two people in love realize that they have grown apart. The singer desperately seeks to hold onto the bond that once existed, but eventually realizes that it's time to let go and mourn the loss. Interestingly, Half Mast is also a nautical term that conveys a sense of mourning. The analogy fits seamlessly into the themes explored in the song.

About Half Mast (Slight Return)

The song begins with a sense of unease and uncertainty. The singer has come to the realization that the relationship is hanging by a thread, and they are powerless to change it. As the song progresses, the desperation grows, and the singer tries to offer solutions to the problems in the relationship. The lyrics are poetic, but the emotions they convey are raw and authentic. The chorus is particularly striking, as it speaks of a "heart that beats for two" that is now struggling to keep the bond alive.

The imagery in Half Mast is powerful, and the use of the nautical term gives the song a unique and haunting quality. The idea of flying a sail at half mast as a way of mourning the passing of a loved one is an apt metaphor for the end of a relationship. The fact that the term is not directly mentioned in the song adds to its allure and reinforces the idea that the song is about more than just a breakup. It is about the loss of something special and the grief that comes with it.

Empire of the Sun's signature style is on full display in Half Mast. The band is known for their dreamy, synth-driven soundscapes, and the song does not disappoint. The music is both haunting and beautiful, perfectly complementing the lyrics. The vocals are tinged with sadness and regret, and the harmonies are lush and complex. The result is a song that is both emotionally wrenching and musically captivating.

Despite its melancholic tone, Half Mast is ultimately a hopeful song. The singer has come to terms with the fact that the relationship is over, but they are still looking ahead to the future. The song's closing lines, "I will find a way to start again with you" offer a glimmer of hope that all is not lost. It's a powerful message that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.

In sum, Half Mast by Empire of the Sun is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant song that explores the pain and grief of a relationship that has run its course. Through poetic lyrics, haunting melodies, and a powerful metaphor that adds depth and complexity, the song offers a moving portrayal of loss and acceptance. For anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak, Half Mast is a song that will undoubtedly strike a chord.

• Release Date: October 3, 2008
• Artist: Empire of the Sun