Empty Barrels

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where actions speak louder than words, and even then, those actions are questionable. The repeated "La la la" sections create a disorienting, almost dismissive atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the direct pronouncements about behavior. It's clear the narrator is fed up with empty promises and unreliable presence, highlighting a core disconnect between what's said and what's done. The central tension arises from the narrator's experience of being a second choice, only getting attention when another option is unavailable. The lines "When I call you on the telephone / You ain't ever home" and "The only time you see me / Is when your other man, he ain't free" reveal a pattern of neglect and conditional availability. This suggests a deep frustration with being treated as a backup plan. The most striking element is the recurring refrain: "Empty barrels / Make the most noise." This proverb is applied to the subject of the song, implying that the person who talks the most or makes the biggest show is often the one with the least substance or genuine commitment. The contrast between the nonsensical "La la la" and the pointed proverb underscores the narrator's exasperation with superficiality. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their bluntness and the stark imagery of the "empty barrels." The repetition drives home the narrator's weary observation about a person whose words and actions are consistently hollow. It’s a raw expression of disappointment in someone who is loud but ultimately absent and unreliable.