A Viking family bowed together at a long dark table under a single warm lantern, the raven watching from the beam, a storm outside the window

Totally Not A Label · Track 1 · The First Single

Family is the First Empire

Before there was a banner, there was a kitchen light. The war council approves this message. The toddler on the throne has final say, and the toddler has chosen snacks.

Lyrics

Verse 1

Before there was a banner, there was a kitchen light
Mom kept it burning steady through every winter night
Dad taught the oath by living it, never said it loud
Stand by your blood, son, say it and be proud

Verse 2

My sister at my shoulder since the days we were small
First to fight beside me, first to take the call
And now my daughters laughing down the hall
The future of the empire, running past the wall

Chorus

Family is the first empire
And it is forever
Banners fade and kingdoms tire
But blood holds together
Raise a horn to the ones who made me
Mom and Dad, my sister, my babies
Family is the first empire
And it is forever

Bridge

When the drums are done and the beat is gone
The table stays, and the light stays on

Final Chorus

Family is the first empire
And it is forever