Empty Chairs Lyrics – Burna Boy

Empty Chairs Lyrics Meaning

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
This part shows someone feeling alone and overwhelmed, like they’re carrying all the pressure while nobody else really understands or cares. People around him can’t be trusted—friends lie, enemies cheat—and he’s just watching life pass by, feeling disconnected and maybe a bit helpless.

[Verse 1: Burna Boy]
Here, Burna’s saying that someone might think they’ve got power or status, but he sees through it—it’s just an illusion, like a fancy chair with no real value. He’s not impressed and gives them a cold look. That spot they took wasn’t earned. It’s unfair, but he’s handling it on his own terms. He’s surrounded by loyal people and doesn’t have room for anyone fake or out of place in his circle.

[Verse 2: Burna Boy]
In this part, Burna talks about staying in the game for the long run. He’s learned to hide his emotions and keep pushing forward like a true leader. Even though he’s strong, he still feels pain but doesn’t always show it. He’s smart now, keeps his moves private, and prefers to surprise his enemies rather than warn them. It’s his way of staying one step ahead and staying in control.

[Verse 3: Burna Boy]
Burna’s calling out someone who thinks they’ve struck gold, but he’s saying it’s all a fantasy. Reality will hit soon. He’s already shown them what real friendship looks like—being there when it’s hard, not just when it’s easy. He’s not the type to always hang around, but when it matters, he shows up. And he reminds them that whatever actions they’ve taken will come back around—they’ll face the results of their choices.

[Verse 4: Burna Boy]
Burna’s describing being in court, feeling isolated with empty chairs around, except for his Uncle T who’s quietly watching. He felt like the system didn’t care, and they were trying to bury him with a long sentence. But in that dark moment, he had a spiritual experience—saw himself through God’s eyes and even saw his late grandma, reminding him to stay true and not lose himself.

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
Again, it’s that same feeling of being trapped and alone while the world keeps moving. No one’s truly listening or being honest—friends lie, enemies deceive—and all he can do is watch things go by, feeling like he’s stuck in a painful loop.

[Verse 5: Burna Boy]
Here, Burna’s saying the world is like a rigged system. If you’re poor, they judge you unfairly. If you’re rich but not a politician, they still find a way to label you. His enemies aren’t in the streets anymore—they’re hiding online or even sitting at his concerts, pretending to support him. They’re watching, waiting for a slip-up, but he knows they’re out there.

[Interlude: Burna Boy, Choir]
This part is a hopeful break. It’s about not giving in just because you’re kind or fair. Instead, it’s a call to keep trying, to break out of limiting roles or expectations and do your best every day, no matter how hard it gets.

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
This time the feeling of loneliness comes with a sense that the people around him are careless or untrustworthy. He’s still sitting in that heavy, uncomfortable position while others aren’t taking anything seriously. He feels betrayed and surrounded by lies as life rushes past.