☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a country where people know little about what is happening in the rest of the world and have closed minds.
- It criticizes the fact that critical voices are not welcome and that one is either with the country or against it.
- The country is portrayed as powerful and wealthy, but also tired of war and full of fears.
- It emphasizes that one cannot hide behind a mask or kill innocent people.
- The song encourages to fight against the empire, even if it's just a small blow.
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Evil Empire' by
Joe Jackson are about a country where people know little about what is happening in the rest of the world and their thoughts are closed off. Only a few ask questions and want to know what their leaders discuss behind closed doors. The lyrics question why we need lies if this country is supposed to be perfect.
It is portrayed how critical voices are not well received: 'They don't like that. 'We give you everything and you throw it back. If you don't like it here, you can go to hell. Either you're with us or against us...'
The country is described as big and powerful, with abundance of everything. A warning is given not to try to attack it, as one cannot hide.
It is also pointed out that one cannot hide behind a mask or kill innocent people. But if one is good at that, they might be asked to switch sides.
It is hinted that the country is tired of war and has fears, but is willing to buy weapons to fight in their own backyard.
The lyrics end with the thought that one can fight against the Empire, even if it's just a small blow, but another blow against the evil Empire.
Overall, the song lyrics criticize a closed and manipulative country, but at the same time project a certain power and threat. It encourages to stand up and fight against this oppression.