David Kushner’s “Empty Bench”: A Haunting Christmas Song of Longing and Loss

David Kushner delivers a powerful dose of melancholy with his latest track, “Empty Bench.” 

In a year filled with both joy and heartache, this song stands as a vivid representation of loneliness against the backdrop of the holiday season.

Kushner, known for his deeply emotional storytelling, pours his heart into this release, making it a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt the sting of solitude.

The Meaning Behind David Kushner’s “Empty Bench” Lyrics

The lyrics of “Empty Bench” reveal an aching tale of loss and the struggle to hold onto memories.

It begins with a stark confession: “I just wanna feel you hug me / I just wanna make you smile.” 

The imagery is intimate yet heartbreaking, with Kushner addressing someone he has lost—possibly a loved one now “buried in gold” with only memories left to grasp onto.

As the pre-chorus repeats, “I need to know, I need to know / Which way to go,” the emotional tug becomes palpable.

This isn’t a simple goodbye, but a yearning for closure that never fully comes.

The chorus continues with a hauntingly vivid picture of loneliness: “I’ll sit on this empty bench / And wait ’til we meet again.” 

Kushner captures the lingering presence of someone who’s left a deep imprint, making it painfully relatable for those who have endured significant losses.

The line, “Now you’re buried in gold / With my tears on your stone,” highlights the painful dichotomy between the richness of life and the stark reality of loss.

Kushner brings listeners into his internal world of grief, loneliness, and longing, balancing the heaviness of these themes with moments of fragile hope.

The Music Video: A Cinematic Expression of Heartache

The “Empty Bench” music video takes the song’s raw emotion and amplifies it visually.

Set against the chill of a winter landscape, Kushner sits on a worn-out bench amidst falling snow, embodying the emptiness that pervades the song.

Produced by Rick Nowels (known for his work with artists like Lana Del Rey and Madonna), the video mirrors the haunting stillness of an abandoned winter setting, reflecting on moments of solitude during what should be a festive time of year​.

The video captures fleeting, bittersweet memories—glimpses of shared laughter, hand-holding, and stolen smiles—which fade as quickly as they appear, leaving Kushner alone once again on the titular empty bench.

The video embodies a mix of nostalgia and regret, emphasising how the holidays often bring both memories of love and reminders of those we’ve lost.

David Kushner’s Growth from “The Dichotomy” to “Empty Bench”

Before releasing “Empty Bench,” David Kushner captivated audiences with his debut full-length album, ‘The Dichotomy,’ which explored his spiritual and philosophical journey.

Kushner’s previous release, “Skin and Bones,” was another deeply emotional track that showcased his ability to weave personal pain into universally relatable songs.

But “Empty Bench” takes a different approach—it’s quieter, more introspective, and draws on the poignant juxtaposition of loneliness during a season often associated with warmth and joy​.

Kushner’s work has evolved from broader narratives to deeply personal stories, and “Empty Bench” is his most intimate portrayal yet.

Where ‘The Dichotomy’ told the story of a spiritual odyssey, “Empty Bench” feels like a whispered confession meant for the listener alone.

The production by Rick Nowels adds a rich yet understated backdrop, allowing Kushner’s voice and lyrics to take centre stage.

Reception: Striking a Chord with Listeners

Public reaction to “Empty Bench” has been as divided as it is intense.

Some fans have found solace in Kushner’s honest depiction of the isolation felt during the holidays, calling it a much-needed anthem for those struggling with loss.

The single’s release on December 6, 2024, came just in time for the festive season—a time that can be both joyous and emotionally taxing​.

The track offers a perspective on the holiday season that isn’t often represented in mainstream music.

Unlike the ubiquitous cheer and celebration of most Christmas releases, “Empty Bench” leans into the bittersweet, reminding listeners that not everyone finds comfort in the holiday glow.

Kushner’s haunting melody and lyrical honesty resonate with those who often feel left out of the season’s collective joy.

Why “Empty Bench” Stays With You

David Kushner’s “Empty Bench” isn’t trying to be an uplifting anthem.

It’s here to tell a story—one of love, longing, and the hollowness that often follows loss.

The power of “Empty Bench” lies in its willingness to explore emotions that are difficult, even uncomfortable.

It’s a song for the quiet moments, for when the celebrations die down, and you’re left with your thoughts.

The beauty of “Empty Bench” is that it doesn’t rush to offer a solution—it sits in the emptiness and lets you feel it, making it a rare and resonant holiday track.

Kushner’s raw delivery, coupled with Nowels’ ethereal production, ensures that “Empty Bench” leaves a lasting impression.

For anyone who’s ever felt alone while surrounded by festive cheer, this song is a poignant reminder that it’s okay to feel lost, and it’s okay to wait on that empty bench—until it’s time to move again.

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David Kushner Empty Bench Lyrics

Verse 1
I just wanna feel you hug me
I just wanna make you smile
Now you’re buried in gold
With my tears on your stone
I see you in my dreams, it’s lovely
But it always makes me cry
Now I wake in the cold
With the story never told

Pre-Chorus
I need to know, I need to know
Which way to go
I need to know, I need to know
Which way to go

Chorus
Oh, how I miss you
I miss you in my arms
I stare at the pictures I keep in my car
I’ll sit on this empty bench
And wait ’til we meet again
Oh, how I miss you
I miss you in my arms
I stare at the pictures I keep in my car
I’ll sit on this empty bench
And wait ’til we meet again
Ah ooh, ah ooh

Verse 2
I’ll never forget you love me
I’ll never forget your eyes
Oh, a color of your own
Staring deep in my soul

Pre-Chorus
I need to know, I need to know
Which way to go
I need to know, I need to know
Which way to go

Chorus
Oh, how I miss you
I miss you in my arms
I stare at the pictures I keep in my car
I’ll sit on this empty bench
And wait ’til we meet again
Oh, how I miss you
I miss you in my arms
I stare at the pictures I keep in my car
I’ll sit on this empty bench
And wait ’til we meet again
Ah ooh, ah ooh
I’ll sit on this empty bench
And wait ’till we meet again