Empire

**Empire** was the second Neoni release of 2019 (that is still available) and the first song released after the band name change to "Neoni". It was released June 21, 2019.

Listen to **Empire**

## Background

* **Empire** was announced June 6, 2019, on Facebook.
* The song was written a year before it was released.
* A short acoustic version of **Empire** was posted June 24, 2019 on Instagram,  and on July 27, 2019 on TikTok.

## Theme

*"“Empire” is an empowering middle-finger anthem. It’s a song about ignoring societal norms, breaking down barriers & building your very own empire. Filled to the brim with angsty, rebellious lyrics and heavy beats, “Empire” was written to question stereotypes and challenge expectations while inspiring people to break the mold and find their own way!"*

"*We had a full week of writing sessions scheduled with David Spencer a week after we moved to Nashville. There was definitely a lot of excitement and nervous energy about living in a new place and trying to find our way in Music City. Empire really came from that headspace. We wrote the song to bolster our confidence and push ourselves to take risks and try new things, so we could build a place for ourselves!"*

"*Empire is a song about defeating the odds. It’s a song about fighting for the life you want. It’s a song about dedication and never giving up no matter what stands in your way. This is a song about breaking barriers, breaking rules and building your very own empire" - Caitlin*

"*For me, Empire is about being the person they never saw coming. In the first verse there’s a line that says, “hand over fist climbing until I can see my very own dynasty rising” when we were writing this song I had the mental picture that “success” was like this castle on a mountain and instead of just following the road that leads to the castle this person is literally climbing the mountain, and having to like rock climb and crap with like, I don’t know, a pick ax. Kind of an odd way to look at a song but it was a picture that made me see the story just as much as hear it. The mental picture represents someone who likes to do things their own way and most people think that their way would never work, but it doesn’t matter because this person would rather die than conform. It’s not only about succeeding, but it’s about doing it on your terms, your way. It’s not everyday a queen comes to power y’all" - Sidney*

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Hesitate ain't in my DNA

I build brick by brick

Hand over fist climbing until

I can see my very own dynasty rising

Won't let go 'til every shadow’s behind me

[Pre-Chorus]

It ain't every day a queen comes to power

It ain't every day a queen comes to power

Better clear the way 'cause I'm taking the tower

[Chorus]

I'm gonna make my own empire

Empire, my own empire

Come hell or high water

I'm gonna make my own empire

Empire, my own empire

Keep building it higher

I'm gonna make my own empire

[Verse 2]

Question me

All of your doubt feeds my desire

Mr. Esteemed, can you not see your time is over?

I'm not going down, never forget me

It’s game over now

I’m taking my throne

I’m taking your seat

[Pre-Chorus]

It ain't every day a queen comes to power

It ain't every day a queen comes to power

Better clear the way 'cause I'm taking the tower

[Chorus]

I'm gonna make my own empire

Empire, my own empire

Come hell or high water

I'm gonna make my own empire

Empire, my own empire

Keep building it higher

I'm gonna make my own empire

[Bridge]

It ain't every day

A queen comes to power

It ain't every day

A queen comes to power

[Chorus]

Empire, my own empire

Come hell or high water

I'm gonna make my own empire

Empire, my own empire

Keep building it higher

I'm gonna make my own empire

## Sources

1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/WeAreNeoni/photos/a.672818506075987/2496884070336079/?type=3
2. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/BzGSr0RDs\_I/?utm\_source=ig\_web\_copy\_link
3. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@weareneoni/video/6718402539219324166?is\_from\_webapp=1&sender\_device=pc&web\_id=7157031650173421061
4. ↑ https://genius.com/17438769
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 https://fiercefabulousrevolution.com/2019/06/12/interview-neoni-its-our-everyday-decisions-that-decide-our-future-and-we-all-have-the-power-to-decide/