Aleksandar Tarabunov – Prazen Grad ( Lyrics Translation )
The Emotional Depth of “Empty City”
“Empty City” captures the profound emptiness that pervades the spirit in the aftermath of a love that has dissipated into the ether. The narrator walks alone amidst the echoes of a once vibrant love, seeking the familiar traces of a shared past, only to be confronted by his own solitude. His journey is a poignant reflection of the universal human quest for connection and the desolation that ensues when those bonds are severed.
In the opening verses, the “loud silence” of the empty city symbolizes the overwhelming void left in the wake of departure, where even the cacophony of life cannot mask the deafening silence of absence. The “strange dream” and “fog in the light” metaphorically encapsulate the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion in the realms of love and loss.
Александар Тарабунов – Празен Град (Macedonian)
Празен град, гласна тишина.
Чуден сон, магла во светлина.
Чекорам сам, барам познат траг,
Немам сила, фали дел од нас.
Полу-буден, твојот глас патува,
Како ехо, звук во празнина.
Не можам пак, а толку сакам јас,
Да се вратам, да се разбудам.
Не ја галам таа црна коса јас,
Не ја палам таа искра пак во нас.
Оди ти, каде гледаш ли?
Друг да гориш со длабок поглед твој.
Не ја галам таа црна коса јас,
Не ја палам таа искра пак во нас.
Оди ти, рушиш мостови,
Лажна надеж, души да се спојат пак.
Aleksandar Tarabunov – Empty City (English Translation)
Empty city, loud silence.
A strange dream, fog in the light.
I walk alone, seeking a familiar trace,
I have no strength, a part of us is missing.
Half-awake, your voice travels,
Like an echo, sound in emptiness.
I can’t again, as much as I want to,
To return, to awaken.
I won’t caress that black hair,
I won’t reignite that spark in us.
Go away, who are you looking at?
Burn someone else with your deep gaze.
I won’t caress that black hair,
I won’t reignite that spark in us.
Go away, you’re breaking bridges,
False hope, for our souls to reconnect again.
The Conflict Unveiled
The accompanying music video, also directed by Stojanovski, enhances the narrative by artistically portraying the conflict between two lovers, visually manifesting the internal turmoil of the characters. He is guided by his angels, emblematic of purity and hope, while she is steered by the dark spiritual forces, reflecting turmoil and despair. This striking dichotomy reinforces the theme of separation, as the lovers are ensnared in contrasting spiritual paths, creating an insurmountable chasm between their worlds.
A Journey through Despair and Hope
Amidst the plaintive tones of the song, the protagonist’s voice embarks on a voyage through the emptiness, echoing the universal yearning for reunification with the lost lover. His desperate desire to return and awaken from the nightmare of separation mirrors the human longing for closure and renewal.
Yet, despite the pervasive despair, “Empty City” subtly alludes to the transformative power of release. As the narrator resolves not to reignite the spark and lets go of the false hope of soul reconnection, the song underscores the imperative of emotional liberation from the shackles of the past, fostering healing and renewal.
In the final analysis, “Empty City” emerges as a poignant ode to love, loss, and the ensuing journey through the landscapes of despair and hope. It resonates with the collective human experience, reverberating across the empty cityscapes of the soul, offering a melodic balm for wounded hearts navigating the paths of separation and healing.