An instant classic. Two listens in and I know it’s going to be listened to for years through my life. It’s the quintessential, haunting, powerful, emphatic National. And I am in love.
I love how when the first notes hit I instantly know that this is a National song, and that even at the first listen it sounds like I've known this song all my life and just forget it. They really never disappoint
So much of the best art is like that, it isn't only so much something brand new as it is something beautiful and true that we always knew but somehow forgot and that feels so good to rediscover again.
The angsty alt rock post punk kid i used to be approves of "adult" me listening to this. He was really worried about getting older and not having stuff that gave him goose-bumps.
The more I listen to this the more I am convinced it ranks among their best songs ever. I'm declaring it a National classic. When I play the second half my speakers screech and distort from blasting it but I don't care; I just turn it up louder. Thank you gentlemen, for reminding us that you're only getting better.
Stopped by because Letterman told Colbert Thursday night if forced to listen to only one song the rest of his life, this would be one of the two. He refused to limit himself to one. :)
How can a brand new song land so perfectly? Their work is incredible and untouchable. After one listen, I know this is already one of their finest. Thank you for creating this.
Have been playing this nonstop since first hearing the song on their show in Toronto on Sunday. Unbelievably beautiful, once you get the lyrics, all the more so... Its such a relief that great music is still being written in 2023!!
This is my current anthem. The National does it again. I thought the song was good before the halfway part now I’m just a prisoner to the second half of the song. It’s sooo good
I’m already on at least the tenth repeat listen. This song will be ringing in my head for days. You hit the sweet spot boys…gorgeous. Love the video as well. Miss my hometown…
With that outro, I imagine it playing live similar to About Today. That was how I first came to love The National and I’m glad to see a return to that particular form.
It's a calculation I made a mistake on I never should have said it like I said It will come to me later like a space invader And I won't be able to get it out of my head What if I'd never written the letter I slipped into the sleeve of The record I gave you? What if I stayed on the C train until Lafayette? What if we never met? What if I only had done what you Told me and never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down The hallway and faded to black? It was too romantic, it was sad and frantic A paperback book in a storm drain You could go number one If I copied a new one From a melody I wish I'd had What if I'd never written the letter I slipped into the sleeve of The record I gave you? What if I stayed on the C train until Lafayette? What if we never met? What if I only had done what you Told me and never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down The hallway and faded to black? What if I'd never written the letter I slipped into the sleeve of The record I gave you? What if I stayed on the C train until Lafayette? What if we never met? What if I only had done what you Told me and never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down The hallway and faded to black? What if I'd only been a little less lonely? What if I'd not turned around When you call me? What if I'd only ducked away down The hallway and faded to black? It will come to me later Like a space invader And I won't be able to get it out of my head
This is a great and poetic piece of art. The intro, the drums, the lyrics, the music filling crescently my ears and brain. What an experience listening from the first time.
Heard it on the drive in this morning - brought tears to my eyes. It's so powerful. I wish this was the closer instead of Send For Me. But goddamn, this band is the best in the business, and it's not even close.
I wasn't sure about this one when I first saw a video of it from Newport last year, but it's fleshed out really well. I'm glad they included an extended guitar section at the end, one of the things about the live shows I miss in many studio versions is that instrumental intensity.
I have been listening steadily to The National for about 13 years and this might just be my favorite song, exceeding my love for Fake Empire, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Slow Show and Terrible Love.
This chorus vocal melody is absolutely beautiful. The National just keep on killing it. P.S. I'm jealous of the people who got to hear this live. The buildup towards the end must have been cathartic as hell. I would have cried for sure haha.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that this UA-cam version does a better job of capturing the the varied musicianship in the song than the Apple music version? When I listen to the outro of this song on the Apple music version, I can't quite make out the faint shifts in the guitars, or Matt's voice. It's largely just the drums and another instrument dominating the proceedings, whereas, on this UA-cam version, I can pick out all the subtleties from all the other instruments. Have used the same set of speakers and sound settings for both versions.
Lyrics It's a calculation I made a mistake on I never should have said it like I said it It'll come to me later like a space invader And I won't be able to get it out of my head What if I'd never written the letter I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you? What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette? What if we'd never met? What if I'd only just done what you told me And never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway And faded to black? It was too romantic It was sad and frantic A paperback book in a storm drain It could go number one if I copied anyone From a melody that I wish I had What if I'd never written the letter I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you? What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette? What if we'd never met? What if I'd only just done what you told me And never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway And faded to black? What if I'd never written the letter I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you? What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette What if we'd never met? What if I'd only just done what you told me And never looked back? What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway And faded to black? It'll come to me later like a space invader I won't be able to get it out of my head Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Why'd I leave it like that? Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Why'd I leave it like that? Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Matthew Donald Berninger / Aaron Brooking Dessner /
They always do this. I love the band, but like all bands, think they’ll exhaust whatever cool ideas they have. Then they knock me on my ass with yet another powerful tune that makes me feel like the first time I listened to them. The midpoint of the song until the end takes everything I got not to cry. Like they literally say, a thought you can’t get out of your head….❤❤
The National sempre fielmente com a mesma essência musical, algo extremamente raro nos tempos atuais. Amo demais ❤ Desejo ter oportunidade de assistir um show deles no Brasil 🇧🇷
I don't know why, but I always want to know the story behind the song...I hope this one has a happier ending in real life for the writer...my first intro to The National...
1:55 ❤the paper back book . . In the tin horn...where are you guys pulling these lyrics? Now I can't get this out if my head ..I forgot about the book til now I hope it stayed dried.
Omg the drums in the second half, wow. Also, does the fact they randomly drop two singles mean they have enough material for a new album since they obviously don't need to save these songs?
Could we be blessed to get 2 new musics in one year?? I hope so. This world sucks and music makes it better. This song is amazing and just what i needed. If i heard it live i think my brain would explode....but in a good way. The 2nd half would've done me in.
this is what i feel like after a boozy long weekend traveling in Europe then having to come back to drab, quiet normal life in the middle of nowhere England
An instant classic. Two listens in and I know it’s going to be listened to for years through my life. It’s the quintessential, haunting, powerful, emphatic National. And I am in love.
It will only get better with time;unlike other music today.
I literally have to listen to this more than once a day...so addicted
Just heard it live yesterday at thr end of their concert in lisbon. It was so loud and distorted but it was a master rendition to end the concert.
You should see it live... have mercy.
Glad they finally let Bryan Devendorf cook, his drumming is insane
*GLAD Y'ALL ARE DIGGING THE VIDEO!!* an absolute 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒂𝒎 come true to direct a video for such a great bunch of humans 🌸 love u noah / speelburg
🥰
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much! This video really captures the essence of the song and fits brilliantly with The National aesthetic
that's a really nice thing to wake up to ❤ @@GracelessBeast
So great 🙌
I love how when the first notes hit I instantly know that this is a National song, and that even at the first listen it sounds like I've known this song all my life and just forget it. They really never disappoint
This is perfect...
So much of the best art is like that, it isn't only so much something brand new as it is something beautiful and true that we always knew but somehow forgot and that feels so good to rediscover again.
The angsty alt rock post punk kid i used to be approves of "adult" me listening to this. He was really worried about getting older and not having stuff that gave him goose-bumps.
Came here because of Letterman interview. Wow! I am now a fan! Really great song, and thanks Dave!!
Me too! Love Colbert and Letterman. I'm from Australia but we have nothing like the late show or SNL.
Me too
Incredible when after 20+ years a band is still able to come out with tracks as amazing as this.
Drums!! The National with drums, this is that I need
This might just be their best song in years, this is the energy that was missing from F2POF, i cannot wait for the next album
The announced the new album going to be in this November !!
The National makes me so aware of my emotions. It's a difficult but necessary experience.
Good grief. I can see how this may not have fitted on the album but as a standalone track it hits so hard. Goosebumps on goosebumps
Maybe it'll be on the next album o.o
I liked this song more than their entire last album.
they're apparently going to release a new album this year. It's called Laugh Track
Holy crap, that outro was absolutely amazing
The more I listen to this the more I am convinced it ranks among their best songs ever. I'm declaring it a National classic. When I play the second half my speakers screech and distort from blasting it but I don't care; I just turn it up louder. Thank you gentlemen, for reminding us that you're only getting better.
Stopped by because Letterman told Colbert Thursday night if forced to listen to only one song the rest of his life, this would be one of the two. He refused to limit himself to one. :)
Breathtaking. This band blows me away time after time. Spectacular outro. 3 and a half minutes of musical bliss. Production is immense. Beautiful..
This song just came out and I already know this is going to be on repeat for at least a month
Wow... I can't explain how much this song speaks to me and where I find myself these days. This is one of the best new songs I've heard in years.
Loved this from the first listen. The National has the ability to touch my soul like no other band/artist can. So good.
Two albums this year!!! So excited this song is just perfect.
Been listening since Boxer... But wow what a song. One of their best in years! Cant wait to hear this live
this is the first song that made me cry since Nobody Else Will Be There
Who else has ever felt like a space invader after writing a letter to someone? it just hit me straight to the point.
How can a brand new song land so perfectly? Their work is incredible and untouchable. After one listen, I know this is already one of their finest. Thank you for creating this.
Have been playing this nonstop since first hearing the song on their show in Toronto on Sunday. Unbelievably beautiful, once you get the lyrics, all the more so... Its such a relief that great music is still being written in 2023!!
This song is incredible! The last 3 minutes and 30 seconds are golden!❤❤❤
matt thank you for shaking my hand and the amazing night
I usually dislike hearing songs live for the first time, but they played this last night in ATL and it completely floored me. The outro is hypnotic.
Saw this live in Minneapolis a few weeks ago and it was beautiful! The energy level at the end was electric
This is my current anthem. The National does it again. I thought the song was good before the halfway part now I’m just a prisoner to the second half of the song.
It’s sooo good
I’m already on at least the tenth repeat listen. This song will be ringing in my head for days. You hit the sweet spot boys…gorgeous. Love the video as well. Miss my hometown…
so damn excited for this new album, Space Invader was so good live 🙌🏿
The drums!
With that outro, I imagine it playing live similar to About Today. That was how I first came to love The National and I’m glad to see a return to that particular form.
The BUILD on this beauty! Thoroughly enjoyed all the jamming in Nashville. Got me in a trance again here.
The outro is brilliant; reminds me of the ‘About Today’ live version they played at Spin, 17 years ago.
ua-cam.com/video/MFY2d42sUSk/v-deo.html
Nobody writes "Sad Dad" songs quite like the National and I love every one of them.
Reminds me of the song So Far So Fast from I Am Easy To Find with the emotional slo build and then the massive epic Dessner/Devendorf coda.
Those drums at the end!!
Awesome song with an epic ending...Love It!!!!
This sound of Bryan Devendorf's drums at the end of this song nostalgically reminded me of Boxer drums from 2007. I loved it 😍🥰
It's a calculation I made a mistake on
I never should have said it like I said
It will come to me later like a space invader
And I won't be able to get it out of my head
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped into the sleeve of
The record I gave you?
What if I stayed on the
C train until Lafayette?
What if we never met?
What if I only had done what you
Told me and never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down
The hallway and faded to black?
It was too romantic, it was sad and frantic
A paperback book in a storm drain
You could go number one
If I copied a new one
From a melody I wish I'd had
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped into the sleeve of
The record I gave you?
What if I stayed on the
C train until Lafayette?
What if we never met?
What if I only had done what you
Told me and never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down
The hallway and faded to black?
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped into the sleeve of
The record I gave you?
What if I stayed on the
C train until Lafayette?
What if we never met?
What if I only had done what you
Told me and never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down
The hallway and faded to black?
What if I'd only been a little less lonely?
What if I'd not turned around
When you call me?
What if I'd only ducked away down
The hallway and faded to black?
It will come to me later
Like a space invader
And I won't be able to get it out of my head
Great Tension Builder and a massive Wall Of Sound build up .... Chapeau !
This is a great and poetic piece of art. The intro, the drums, the lyrics, the music filling crescently my ears and brain. What an experience listening from the first time.
Nice song.. just saw them on ..how have I not heard of them
Heard it on the drive in this morning - brought tears to my eyes. It's so powerful. I wish this was the closer instead of Send For Me. But goddamn, this band is the best in the business, and it's not even close.
I wasn't sure about this one when I first saw a video of it from Newport last year, but it's fleshed out really well. I'm glad they included an extended guitar section at the end, one of the things about the live shows I miss in many studio versions is that instrumental intensity.
I have been listening steadily to The National for about 13 years and this might just be my favorite song, exceeding my love for Fake Empire, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Slow Show and Terrible Love.
Apartment story, Humiliation and Nobody else will be there.... and many many others.
The drums in this song.
I was having a really bad day. I came across this song and I kid you not it was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulder. Thank you ❤
unbelievable sound
What a great song, they never disappoint, the outro reminds me of Sleep Well Beast, loved it!
my fav recent album of theirs
I thought the same thing!
The National going post-rock? I absolutely love it!
This chorus vocal melody is absolutely beautiful. The National just keep on killing it.
P.S. I'm jealous of the people who got to hear this live. The buildup towards the end must have been cathartic as hell. I would have cried for sure haha.
Ha. It was exactly as you imagined. Tears were shed at Chastain that night.
Love to hear it. @@nancy107
I'm crying! Such a beautiful song!
Son las una de la mañana en Argentina. Tengo insomnio, y de golpe The National saca esta canción y me hace feliz dentro del mar de inestabilidad
This is absolutely unbelievable
Aspettando il concerto di domenica a Milano.... Questo pezzo è poesia ❤
Ufff, there are miles and miles of living and life on this track! 👍👍❤️✌️
This is perfection. What a song!
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that this UA-cam version does a better job of capturing the the varied musicianship in the song than the Apple music version? When I listen to the outro of this song on the Apple music version, I can't quite make out the faint shifts in the guitars, or Matt's voice. It's largely just the drums and another instrument dominating the proceedings, whereas, on this UA-cam version, I can pick out all the subtleties from all the other instruments. Have used the same set of speakers and sound settings for both versions.
From around 5:30 or so...
Lyrics
It's a calculation I made a mistake on
I never should have said it like I said it
It'll come to me later like a space invader
And I won't be able to get it out of my head
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette?
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
It was too romantic
It was sad and frantic
A paperback book in a storm drain
It could go number one if I copied anyone
From a melody that I wish I had
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette?
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
It'll come to me later like a space invader
I won't be able to get it out of my head
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Matthew Donald Berninger / Aaron Brooking Dessner /
Amazing song!
his new song The National is a must for consumption
They always do this. I love the band, but like all bands, think they’ll exhaust whatever cool ideas they have. Then they knock me on my ass with yet another powerful tune that makes me feel like the first time I listened to them. The midpoint of the song until the end takes everything I got not to cry. Like they literally say, a thought you can’t get out of your head….❤❤
goooosh. thanks you so much. once again im ready to meet my favorite season - autumn with the best band ever - The National ❤❤❤🍂🍁
They rocked this song at Madison Square Garden on Friday!
hi, it's 4 am and I needed you
Space Invaders was so good live!
Recording of this came out very nice. This was awesome live.
Along with Smoke detector, brilliant new stuff from these guys.
In love
Classic National..loving it
The National sempre fielmente com a mesma essência musical, algo extremamente raro nos tempos atuais. Amo demais ❤ Desejo ter oportunidade de assistir um show deles no Brasil 🇧🇷
Sublime…
Seeing this live the other night in Atlanta was a whole experience ❤
Incredible! Instant classic!
I don't know why, but I always want to know the story behind the song...I hope this one has a happier ending in real life for the writer...my first intro to The National...
The National siempre mejorando nuestros días cuando más lo necesitamos ❤ fascinada con estas nuevas canciones
Beautiful, already, thank you for sharing 🙏
Wonderful lyrics! I just bought this song and Alphabet City off of Bandcamp a few minutes before!
Only thing I can't get out of my head is this song!
great song and wish it was on the album!
Esta música é simplesmente maravilhosa. A parte rítmica a partir do minuto 3 é hipnótica. A letra é a marca dos The National: fantástica!!!
Unbelievable!!! So, so, so good!!! 🤯
Another masterpiece. I am crying I wish my Phil could hear this, love and miss you so much. ❤ Xx
im so excited for this album
Seeing them in Glasgow this month, I feel blessed.
Loved immediately!!!!
Wow it's so cool to hear the new stuff live WAY before it's released.
1:55 ❤the paper back book . . In the tin horn...where are you guys pulling these lyrics? Now I can't get this out if my head ..I forgot about the book til now I hope it stayed dried.
They played this when I saw them in CT, and I've been waiting for a release. Awesome!
Omg the drums in the second half, wow. Also, does the fact they randomly drop two singles mean they have enough material for a new album since they obviously don't need to save these songs?
Or they are b sides?
According to the rumours, the new album is out in September, it's apparently called 'Laugh Track'
AYY BOTH NEW SONGS ARE SO GOOD!
Could we be blessed to get 2 new musics in one year?? I hope so. This world sucks and music makes it better. This song is amazing and just what i needed. If i heard it live i think my brain would explode....but in a good way. The 2nd half would've done me in.
Amazing. The lyrics are just what I needed.
this is what i feel like after a boozy long weekend traveling in Europe then having to come back to drab, quiet normal life in the middle of nowhere England
Just wish the outro vocals didn’t go into a whisper but this is so good from them ! This is The National I’ve been waiting for
But its the best
Banger, can't wait for Laugh Track
Beautiful. Kinda explains life everyday
What a video what a song. You guys are the best
Now this is a National beauty and very much reminds me of their earlier stuff. 😊