Empty Souls
Encyclopedia
"Empty Souls" is a song by Manic Street Preachers
, and was the second (and last) single taken from their album Lifeblood
.
The single edit features a lyric that was changed from the album version. The chorus line on the album version runs 'collapsing like the twin towers
', but for the single it was changed to 'collapsing like dying flowers'. Interestingly, the backing vocals can still be heard to sing the original line, although this was most likely kept in by mistake.
The single reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart
, missing out on becoming the 1,000th number 1 in UK chart history to the latest in a series of Elvis number 1 single re-issues making the top of the charts at the time. It is said to be the political response from the band in relation to the September 11 attacks
. The music video sees the band separated throughout, only to meet up at the end after treks through various parts of Berlin. This is probably linked to the idea of where the "empty souls" mentioned in the song actually go.
The DVD version of the single features two new songs which are both sung entirely by the band's bassist, Nicky Wire
. The music for "Dying Breeds" is also entirely written by him, and the music for "Failure Bound" is the track "No Jubilees" played backwards. The video for "Dying Breeds" was directed by Wire's brother Patrick Jones
, who made similar short videos for album tracks such as "1985".
Manic Street Preachers
Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh alternative rock band, formed in 1986. They are James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and Sean Moore. The band are part of the Cardiff music scene, and were at their most prominent during the 1990s...
, and was the second (and last) single taken from their album Lifeblood
Lifeblood
- Personnel :Manic Street Preachers*James Dean Bradfield – lead vocals, guitar*Sean Moore – drums, drum programming*Nicky Wire – bassAdditional personnel*Patrick Jones - additional lyrics on "Fragments"*Nick Nasmyth - keyboards*Jeremy Shaw - keyboards...
.
The single edit features a lyric that was changed from the album version. The chorus line on the album version runs 'collapsing like the twin towers
World Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
', but for the single it was changed to 'collapsing like dying flowers'. Interestingly, the backing vocals can still be heard to sing the original line, although this was most likely kept in by mistake.
The single reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, missing out on becoming the 1,000th number 1 in UK chart history to the latest in a series of Elvis number 1 single re-issues making the top of the charts at the time. It is said to be the political response from the band in relation to the September 11 attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
. The music video sees the band separated throughout, only to meet up at the end after treks through various parts of Berlin. This is probably linked to the idea of where the "empty souls" mentioned in the song actually go.
The DVD version of the single features two new songs which are both sung entirely by the band's bassist, Nicky Wire
Nicky Wire
Nicholas Allen Jones, known as Nicky Wire, is the lyricist, bassist and occasional vocalist with the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers.-Early life:...
. The music for "Dying Breeds" is also entirely written by him, and the music for "Failure Bound" is the track "No Jubilees" played backwards. The video for "Dying Breeds" was directed by Wire's brother Patrick Jones
Patrick Jones
Patrick Jones is a Welsh poet, playwright and filmmaker. His work is often in collaboration with the rock band Manic Street Preachers; his brother, Nicky Wire, is their bassist.-Biography:...
, who made similar short videos for album tracks such as "1985".
CD2
- "Empty Souls (album version)" - 4:09
- "No Jubilees" - 3:42
- "Litany" - 3:29
- "Empty Souls" (video)
DVD
- "Empty Souls (video)"
- "Dying Breeds (short film)" - 3:59
- "Failure Bound" - 2:53