The National - "Don't Swallow the Cap"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- From the album Trouble Will Find Me, out now: bit.ly/10NQPA1
Illustration and video by Azar Kazimir / Michelberger Hotel
www.americanmar...
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Purchase Trouble Will Find Me from Amazon: bit.ly/16IRhoo
Purchase Trouble Will Find Me from 4AD: bit.ly/1504PO1
Purchase Trouble Will Find Me Deluxe Vinyl Box Set: bit.ly/10I7OoA
This song is a work of art.
"I have only two emotions,
Careful fear and dead devotion.
I can't get the balance right"
It gives people solace.
I will definitely check it out. Thanks a bunch for the suggestion!
thanks for the tip... its a fucking awesome album..thanks
Darragh O' Loughlin do you know tame impala ? that music is also fucking great
WestBreezer every song is art, your style or not
this song has helped me through some of the darkest points of my life. when i felt like i couldn’t do this anymore, i turned this song on and let the words wash over me. truly a beautiful song from an amazing band
Lyrics from album sleeve:
Gold light breaks behind the houses,
I don't see what's strange about this.
Tiny bubbles hang above me.
It's a sign that someone loves me.
I can hardly stand up right.
I hit my head upon the light.
I have faith but don't believe it.
It's not there enough to leave it.
Everything I love is on the table.
Everything I love is out to sea.
I have only two emotions,
careful fear and dead devotion.
I can't get the balance right,
with all my marbles in the fight.
I see all the ones I went for,
all the things I had it in for.
I won't cry until I hear,
because I was not supposed to be here.
Everything I love is on the table.
Everything I love is out to sea.
I'm not alone.
I'll never be.
And to the bone,
I'm evergreen.
I'm tired. I'm freezing. I'm dumb.
When it gets so late I forget everyone.
I need somewhere to stay.
I don't think anybody I know is awake.
Calm down, it's alright,
keep my arms the rest of the night.
When they ask what do I see,
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me.
I'm not alone.
I'll never be.
And to the bone,
I'm evergreen.
And if you want (dead seriously)
to see me cry (don't swallow the cap),
play Let It Be (pat yourself on the back)
or Nevermind (dead seriously).
Is it time to leave? Is it time to think about
what I want to say to the girls at the door?
I need somewhere to be,
but I can't get around the river in front of me.
Calm down, it's all right,
leave my arms the rest of the night.
When they ask what do I see,
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me.
I'm not alone (dead seriously).
I'll never be (don't swallow the cap).
And to the bone (pat yourself on the back),
I'm evergreen (dead seriously).
And if you want (dead seriously)
to see me cry (don't swallow the cap),
play Let It Be (pat yourself on the back)
or Nevermind (dead seriously)
🖤🖤💫
@@mariamtetradze1688 აქ ქართველებს არ ველოდი :~
Thank you for the lyrics. Saw them in st Augustine and hope to again. I never tire...
I discovered The National back in 2013. The strange yet wonderful thing about this band is that I almost have a relationship with them and their music. They are not just easy for me to listen to, they give me an experience. Very haunting songs that cut right to the core for me. Their songs are abstract yet so relatable. This is absolutely my favorite band. Never has any musical artist or group affected me as much as the National
Brag: I've been ultra lucky enough to have beers etc with them on two occasions and both times they were absolutely the fucking nicest, coolest, humblest, most engaged-with-the-world, excellent people. All of them. I'm sorry but I had to say that. They deserve every bit of credit for just being good. Check: EL VY - Paul Is Alive (Lyric Video)
can I just add, because I forgot to say, is that I was moved to write that exactly because of your relationship observation. Feel the same way.
Magnificent
Aaron Madden i always say it's my soundtrack. A part of my soundtrack in life anyway, that's why you appreciate it more
You described exactly how I feel about Blue October.
The fact that the title of the song is said almost subliminally really adds to the feel it was going for. I feel empty and completely tranquil at the same time.
after recently getting into this album, i feel like that's what really draws me to it. i feel like matt doesn't really like to put handles on his lyrics and meanings and it opens up a lot of doors for interpretation. for me that always makes for great songwriting
I truly understood the national when I was in a depression. Their music captures the beauty of the music with haunting lyrics that show how temporary everything is. Everything we love we will lose in either life or death.
yeah but there is something beautiful about how everything in life is intrinsically temporary
I doubt any one will read this in the ocean of the internet,
My stepdad used to listen to this station, Sirius XM U. These were the songs of childhood, hated then, loved now. Just like everything. Like him, the past will always be greater then this.
Lyrics
Gold light breaks behind the houses
I don't see what's strange about this
Tiny bubbles hang above me
It's a sign that someone loves me
I can hardly stand upright
Hit my head upon the light
I have faith but don't believe it
It's not there enough to leave it
Everything I love is on the table
Everything I love is out to sea
I have only two emotions
Careful fear and dead devotion
I can't get the balance right
With all my marbles in the fight
I see all the ones I went for
All the things I had it in for
I won't cry until I hear
'Cause I was not supposed to be here
Everything I love is on the table
Everything I love is out to sea
I'm not alone
I'll never be
And to the bone
I'm evergreen
I'm tired, I'm freezing, I'm dumb
When it gets so late I forget everyone
I need somewhere to stay
Don't think anybody I know is awake
Calm down, it's alright
Keep my arms the rest of the night
When they ask, what do I see?
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me
Ah
Ah-ah-ah
I'm not alone
I'll never be
And to the bone
I'm evergreen
And if you want (too seriously)
To see me cry (don't swallow the cap)
Play "Let It Be" (pat yourself on the back)
Or "Nevermind" (too seriously)
There's a time to leave, there's a time to think about
What I wanna say to the girls at the door
I need somewhere to be
But I can't get around the river in front of me
Calm down, it's alright
Lead my arms the rest of the night
When they ask, what do I see?
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me
Ah
Ah-ah-ah
I'm not alone (too seriously)
I'll never be (don't swallow the cap)
and to the bone (pat yourself on the back)
I''m evergreen (too seriously)
And if you want (too seriously)
To see me cry (don't swallow the cap)
Play "Let It Be" (pat yourself on the back)
Or "Nevermind" (too seriously)
🖤
The deep lagged out mumbling of lyrics in the background is the best! Every time I listen to this song, I catch something new. Mmm..
I must have listened to this song 200 times and never really noticed it. Wild now I can't unhear it
Why dont u read the lyrics
Just wrote something similar and found this comment. The baritone version of the lyrics I've heard on a few songs, becomes so clear with some good headphones, and it's incredible. And all very Matt.
Yew
@@steveym90 Yes! Once I noticed it in this song, I began noticing it in a lot of them. It's entrancing, and just another thing to love about their music! (:
This song and this whole album is a very important part of my life right now
I truly love how many people still enjoy music like this amazing one!
I can not stop listening this song. Hypnotic, warm and beautiful music. My favorite band.
I'm crying on the bus bro, this song hit me so hard.. every time.
It's all about the goosebumps. That is the litmus test when it comes to great music. I get it with these guys.
"Don't Swallow the Cap" was my introduction to The National. Love this band's sound.
trash band
Mine too❤
I knew this band because of Foo Fighters. It was a Foo Fighters concert for the first time in Mexico, The National was the opening band and it was f#*%Ing awesome!! and this song was the first in the concert. it's almost two years ago but I still remember my chest vibrating the whole concert because of the bass drum and because my site was one of the front ones. I hope one day can go to another great concert like that again.
i was in there too, Foro Sol
+brunogrolton I envy you :)
Can you tell when was it?
+brunogrolton si yo tambien los conoci ahi y mas que el cantante se bajo y dio toda la vuelta para pasar entre el publico y volverse a subir al escenario
late response but I was there too!!! and that's how I met the national...it was amazing! and foo fighters were amazing as well :3 greetings from chihuahua ;)
me too
I have only two emotions: being hopelessly in love with the National and being hopelessly in love with the National.
Nice
"I have only two emotions careful fear and dead devotion"- This line speaks to me like braille to the blind.
"I have only two emotions,Careful fear and dead devotion."
The National's lyrics are some of the best
ha they suck
Fantastic piece of music. A tune that seeps deeply into my mind and soul. Can connect well with its chilling yet silky lyrical rhythm. Must seek out their album...or query their concert schedule.
+dave barr I love this. It is like you wrote a note in your filofax to query when they are playing next!
You have to see them live. I just saw them in Vegas. They are incredible live!
god i love this song so much, especially the verse that starts ‘i’m tired i’m freezing i’m dumb’ :) it’s literally 3am and i’d do anything to hear this song for the first time again
Im 55, I wish I heard this band when i was 18. New order ,Echo and the Bunnymen, even early simple minds, I love being morose,great stuff.
I think this is one of the most powerful, intelligent but beautifully simple and most importantly HONEST albums I've ever heard. They've been a totally organic and independent band for 14 years, and this album is the peak of showing that. In an interview Matt said that they've just stopped giving a shit what people think about them, and about what kind of band they are or want to be. They just go embrace what they are and great music comes out of that. You're not alone :)
“When they ask what do i see, i say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me.” man, i just about tear up every time i hear that line
Bro I got to your comment just as this part played
This just might be my favourite The National song. Incredible. I love the lyric "I'm not alone / I'll never be / and to the bone / I'm evergreen" in particular.
I found these guys watching Saturday night live years ago & fell instantly in love. Their songs are like the soundtrack of my mind.
Listened to this song on repeat for three hours now while laying in my room alone... I don't know if I'm really sad and lonely or just a super dedicated and adoring fan... or both... haha
I did same babe I'm not alone I'll never be let it be x
With a good set of headphones you can hear Matt has recorded the vocals twice (and does in many of the songs I've found, but it's especially prevalent here), and that quiet, rich baritone during the versus is so, so bloody good.
That's fairly common in a lot of songs. It takes a special ear to hear it sometimes, though. And dontcha just love deeper voices? I certainly do.
I LOVE DM!!! BEEN A FAN FOR 20+YRS!!! NATIONAL ROCKS!!! GREAT MUSIC IS TIMELESS!!!
i want this song to be played at my funeral , the very first time i discovered this masterpiece . i cant explain but i just know that my soul found comfort for once .
"When they ask me what do I see, I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me" I think this might be my favorite line in any song ever.
I don’t know why but whenever I hear that I feel like crying
Jman2454 AMAZING LYRIC
Calm down it's alright , leave my arms the rest of the night.😭
Amazing sold out show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last night! They played this; it sounded even better live!!! ❤️💕❤️
Listened to this song in rehab 10 years ago and was so moved by the “when they ask me what I see, I see a bright white beautifully heaven hanging over me.” I wrote it on a note.
Just read it all these years later.
As I listened to the song for the first time since, staring up at the night sky that was kept from me while I was there, I wept.
Sorrow then joy in equal measure.
I just want to say, that this song really helped me through a tough time. It really speaks to the depths of my being, emotional, moving, but also so true. i
+Tom Shaw i could have said that for most of their songs.like some says "i know what you fell, bro". it reminds me the first time i saw them live, a bunch of dudes who dont know each other, crying a little, well we wer connected each other. T
If it isn't too personal, can you tell me which parts really spoke to you and helped you?
The National will be remembered as the band to re-introduce music to its soul............amazing albums, depressive, uplifting, everything!!!!!!!!!
It's unbelievable how beautiful this song is.
This song blew me away, its go so many elements within it, you pick up a new sound, harmony, or chant every time you listen to it.
I love how this song layers his high and low voice.
Wow I did not notice that until you pointed it out 😂
A very well engineered song for sure
Wow JUST discovered the National today........Superb, sublime.......What a sound.......Looking forward to getting all their albums ...I imagine this is how Ian Curtis would sound if he was with us today...
My life was made better by the fact that this band is making new music. :-) I'm so happy. If you're happy and you know it, thumbs up.
I feel as if I was born to love these guys and Matt's writing.
The National doesn't "seek" exclusion. They are not excluded by any means. Anybody that appreciates music can appreciate The National. You have this mindset that each artist is confined to a particular audience, which isn't completely true.
I didn't believe that I could be more in love than I was for The National. I was totally wrong, probably one of the best song I've ever heard!
Okay... didn't expect to cry while listening to this song today. GAH lifeeee!
This one is a total soulcrusher. Never before have a The National song made me feel so emotional. Great work. Can't wait for the rest of the album.
"I have only two emotions,
Careful fear and dead devotion."
best line ever
+Burson Sprague
Indeed- words of wisdom.
+Vicki Zubritski Good stuff
+Exit Wounds I cant get the balance right
I can't get the balance right
This is actually the first song I heard from them and I fell in love with it.
you know when your heartbroken but dont wanna feel down so you listen to the national bc their songs are somewhat upbeat, but the lyrica hit you hard so youre dancing like there is no tomorrow but also crying your eyes out? Bc same
Gold light breaks behind the houses
I don't see what's strange about this
Tiny bubbles hang above me
It's a sign that someone loves me
I can hardly stand upright
Hit my head upon the light
I have faith but don't believe it
It's not there enough to leave it
Everything I love is on the table
Everything I love is out to sea
I have only two emotions
Careful fear and dead devotion
I can't get the balance right
With all my marbles in the fight
I see all the ones I went for
All the things I had it in for
I won't cry until I hear
'Cause I was not supposed to be here
Everything I love is on the table
Everything I love is out to sea
I'm not alone
I'll never be
And to the bone
I'm evergreen
I'm tired, I'm freezing, I'm dumb
When it gets so late I forget everyone
I need somewhere to stay
Don't think anybody I know is awake
Calm down, it's alright
Keep my arms the rest of the night
When they ask, what do I see?
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me
Ah
Ah-ah-ah
I'm not alone
I'll never be
And to the bone
I'm evergreen
And if you want (too seriously)
To see me cry (don't swallow the cap)
Play "Let It Be" (pat yourself on the back)
Or "Nevermind" (too seriously)
There's a time to leave, there's a time to think about
What I wanna say to the girls at the door
I need somewhere to be
But I can't get around the river in front of me
Calm down, it's alright
Lead my arms the rest of the night
When they ask, what do I see?
I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me
Ah
Ah-ah-ah
I'm not alone (too seriously)
I'll never be (don't swallow the cap)
and to the bone (pat yourself on the back)
I''m evergreen (too seriously)
And if you want (too seriously)
To see me cry (don't swallow the cap)
Play "Let It Be" (pat yourself on the back)
Scott D was a childhood friend and a friend to this day. He and his brother have always had geatness in their mind and soul.
I love Matt's vocals in the background, gives it that deeper feel.
You are not alone! I am with you. The National has been a fave for a few years now..just one of many bands that are amazing these days.
I don't usually listen to The National but jesus christ, I didn't want this song to ever end.
I can't stop coming back to hit replay. So good.
And if you want to see me cry, play "Don't Swallow the Cap"
Let’s become friends from the comments’ section of this song
@@anandjoseph710 I'm in my friend. Had a spiritual experience today with this song and it was the light at the end of this long tunnel
@@alanrobb9934 great brother! dont miss the national on tiny desk series
Hahaja
@@marcoeguia315 more friends can come
This is wonderful.
this gave me goosebumps it’s a really beautiful song
i have such a visceral reaction every time i hear this track, the tune is so happy and the lyrics are so tragic. this would definitely be on the soundtrack of my life
I need somewhere to be but I can't get around the river in front of me
When they ask what do I see, I see a bright white beautiful heaven hangin' over me
He gave me a lot of great things while we were together, including this band. Wherever he is now, I just hope he is doing fine and as glad as I am for what we had.
this song makes my heart beat so fast, i love this song in a way i cant explain, i want to cry and histerically laugh at the same time. this song has so many dimensions and even though i don't know much about art, this is a masterpiece for me.
YES!!!
Brazil love you! Amazing song ♥ Can't wait to see the new album.
I often feel like I was not supposed to be here after my deployment. So many other mothers received those letters. How did i survive it? War survivability is about luck. I was lucky to have not been put on that mission. There is a reason why I am alive. There is a reason why I have such a lovely wife and such a beautiful child. God creates happiness and sadness at the same time in this world.
Honestly one of my all time favourite songs..love this band ✨🥰✨
...this was 5 years ago
This song brings something out me I can't explain love it so much.....thank you x
This song has brought me to hysteria after listening to it the second time.
Masterpiece.
Everything I love is out to see.
I think it's "out to sea"
I thought so too but it makes less sense.
I think it's a play on words.. it can go either way.
interesting... I thought it was out to Sea... but i think you are right.
It's called a "double entendre", look it up....
I loved this song when I first heard it but I didn't know what it was called until this guy I like told me. This song is easy to listen to, though you don't get the meaning until you listen to it a few times, so this message is to all those out there who don't get the song or just don't like it.-"JUST GIVE IT A CHANCE!" (slams hand on keyboard) "It's a cool song! If you don't like the message, listen again because ALL SONGS HAVE MORE THAN ONE MEANING!!!"
This song is the theme song to my failed relationship. 8 years later and it still hurts to hear this song.
I love this song... has something sad and something hopefull...
I want to cry and dance at the same time
I absolutely love this track. It's like The best of The Smiths meets the best of Joy Division and then, they had a baby. Just real music, music for the soul...
Love this song... my young son's school in Spain is now using this as part of the English homework. -Saludos desde España
I love this photo, especially how her eye is still looking at you.
classy porno man. lul
everything i love is on the table ..... it does not get any better then this ... LIVE
'So Matt, what do yo see?'
'I see a bright white beautiful heaven hangin' over me'
'Oh.....Okaaaaaaaaay'
LOVE this song
Listening to this in 2018, only found it this year. Best song I've ever listened to.
Crazy how that happens!
I'm tired, I'm freezing, I'm dumb,when it gets so late I forget everyone.
love this.
Fell in love with them when they fell upon their feet in graceless
Matt Berninger has the most soothing voice in rock music
2013.There was magic in the air.🧑🎨🙏🗝️❤️⭐️
His voice is so calming almost like a dream
My dad and I went to see their concert at the national (irony at it's finest) They played this song, along with a bunch from boxer and high violet. One of the greatest concerts I went to.
"When they ask "what do I see?" I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me." I love it!
I couldn't sleep and I had just had like 3 words of the lyrics to this song so I've been googling (mind you i didn't even remember the band) for hours trying to find this and finally found it. I can sleep now
"I need somewhere to be. But I can't get around the river in front of me." When I listen to the National I feel profound sadness. And, sense truth. That equals beauty.
Sad + truth = Beauty...The National
Just watched them perform on the Colbert Report! Glad I found out about this band from the vow movie soundtrack and now their new album from colbert show. Awesome Band, Awesome Sound
Thanks god for The National in this existence!
It's such a delightful thought that the other 11 songs probably will be on the same level as this masterpiece. Can't wait anymore!
Thank you so much pete holmes for introducing me to this music.
One of the most memorable events in my life is shaking hand with Matt at the screening of the documentary the other night triBeca film festival.
Don't mind me as I listen to this on repeat all day
"I have only two emotions: careful fear and dead devotion".
God damn this song has some great lines in it.
Those backing vocals are fanTAStic!!!
r u dumb
For me personally, the greatest song of all time
I'm not alone. I'll never be. And to the bone, I'm evergreen.
Those drums!!! See you in Toronto!
Abso-fuc-ing-lutely love this.
This is slowly becoming my favorite song from The National.
Tremendous song by the best band making music today. So much depth; it just gets better with repeated listens. Thank god for The National.
I never got over the fact that I never created an official music video for this wonderful song.
"i'm not alone.
i'll never be.
and to the bone
i'm evergreen."
I told myself I was just going to listen to this song once then get off the computer and be productive, five replays later and I'm still here.