I’ve always been drawn to this song (and artist, as well) ever since that fateful day the movie Warrior came out. It all started when marching band was cancelled on a Friday because the school wouldn’t pay to have us bussed a few hours away. This has never happened in all of band history. So I decided to see a movie with a friend--which ended up being Warrior--because why not celebrate a day off with a gorgeous movie? Especially one starring Tom Hardy, of all people! And wow. Did it turn out to be an amazing movie. Didn’t expect that. We cried like babies in that theater. The part that got me was the song at the end of the movie. Beautiful. Stunning. Tear-inducing. The rest was history, as The National is not one of my favorite bands.
Now, the actual song on the album is great, but I longed for the same rendition that they played for the end of the movie. And thankfully after scouring the internet I found a live performance that matched just that! They performed it live in Germany in 2008 and Ever since I’ve always watched that song whenever I feel the “About Today” feels coming on.
One of my favorite parts about The National is that they use a bunch of different textures! They’re a classical rock band but use backing instruments like strings, trumpets, trombones, etc. And the same goes for this song! I particularly like how most of the drums are played with some soft mallets on the toms. This song is really light so it does not need too much in terms of rhythm, but the toms give it just the right amount it needs! Along with a bit of tambourine and cymbal rolls.
Here are the lyrics in case you felt liky crying today:
Today you were far away
and I didn't ask you why
What could I say
I was far away
You just walked away
and I just watched you
What could I say
How close am I to losing you
Tonight you just close your eyes
and I just watch you
slip away
How close am I to losing you
Hey, are you awake
Yeah I'm right here
Well can I ask you about today
How close am I to losing you
How close am I to losing
Yeah. Heart-wrenching. I know. Especially when you put it in contrast with the film. It’s about two lost brothers who are torn because of their father that’s trying to reclaim himself from the favoritism he displayed towards his songs, oh, and also his wife he chased away because of his abuse and died. Man I need to watch this movie again.
In essence...watch the movie. Listen to The National. Cry a lot. It'll be fun, I promise.
Now, the actual song on the album is great, but I longed for the same rendition that they played for the end of the movie. And thankfully after scouring the internet I found a live performance that matched just that! They performed it live in Germany in 2008 and Ever since I’ve always watched that song whenever I feel the “About Today” feels coming on.
One of my favorite parts about The National is that they use a bunch of different textures! They’re a classical rock band but use backing instruments like strings, trumpets, trombones, etc. And the same goes for this song! I particularly like how most of the drums are played with some soft mallets on the toms. This song is really light so it does not need too much in terms of rhythm, but the toms give it just the right amount it needs! Along with a bit of tambourine and cymbal rolls.
Here are the lyrics in case you felt liky crying today:
Today you were far away
and I didn't ask you why
What could I say
I was far away
You just walked away
and I just watched you
What could I say
How close am I to losing you
Tonight you just close your eyes
and I just watch you
slip away
How close am I to losing you
Hey, are you awake
Yeah I'm right here
Well can I ask you about today
How close am I to losing you
How close am I to losing
Yeah. Heart-wrenching. I know. Especially when you put it in contrast with the film. It’s about two lost brothers who are torn because of their father that’s trying to reclaim himself from the favoritism he displayed towards his songs, oh, and also his wife he chased away because of his abuse and died. Man I need to watch this movie again.
In essence...watch the movie. Listen to The National. Cry a lot. It'll be fun, I promise.
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