What is the meaning behind “House so empty, need a centerpiece”? Starboy by The Weeknd (Ft. Daft Punk)
- by imrk
- April 13, 2023
Abel is never home; on “Kiss Land,” he mentions he’s seen his house twice all year because he’s off working on music or touring. Despite this, he still wants something to make his house feel less empty. This line talks about his emotional loneliness. In the middle of this obsessive quest for wealth and fame, he’s realizing that he doesn’t really have many people around him. But he simply looks to solve this with another purchase, a centerpiece for the empty house. This could also be a deeper take on spiritual wealth vs. material wealth. There are a number of religious references peppered throughout the song. Although Abel has material wealth, he yearns for spiritual wealth which is missing in his life, evidenced by the fact he prays for cars instead of love. This line exemplifies the internal struggle he’s having. Perhaps Abel is suggesting the house represents himself as empty and in need of a centerpiece—perhaps God or some more existential peace. Though he has all the riches and success he’s still resoundingly void and lonely. In the song’s music video , he uses a glowing red cross to destroy his musical accolades, suggesting their frivolity. He’s now a Starboy, but “what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”