Lyric discussion by Atombath 

Cover art for King Eternal lyrics by TV on the Radio

It's about patriarchy in society. Men are driven to be emotionally sterile and essentially 'condemned by men' to die, as it is usually the men who ensure other men don't act warm.

Fear is referenced as a basis of patriarchy(thunder, hide your ears)

Forts, silver brides, golden houses... all references to the almost impossible task given most men to be a king among men, with no call to accept failure or growth.

Emotionally, women are given liberty. "If its a girl, let her shine" References to eternal and immortality are both an attack on the pride of masculinity but also the power it has over all of us and the likelihood it will continue.