Fake Empire

by The National

Fake Empire cover art
  • Type: Single
  • Released: 23 June 2008
  • Label: Beggars Banquet
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 10:45
  • Community rating: 4.16/5 from 4 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Built on a subtle, complex polyrhythm pitting a 4/4 piano line against a 3/4 vocal melody, the song steadily builds into a sweeping horn fanfare. Its lyrics critique political apathy and escapism in Bush-era America, and the track was notably utilized by Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. It stands as the quintessential, majestic opener to the acclaimed 'Boxer'.

Genres

Descriptors: conscious, alienation, male-vocals, orchestral, narrative

Tracklist

  1. Fake Empire (3:26)
  2. Without Permission (3:37)
  3. Fake Empire (Live) (3:42)

Credits

  • The National - primary artist, written-by
  • Caroline Martin - written-by

More from The National: full discography