The National - "Don't Swallow the Cap" 

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.

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)

This song is a work of art. "I have only two emotions, Careful fear and dead devotion. I can't get the balance right"

"I have only two emotions, Careful fear and dead devotion."

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.

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

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) 🖤

I love how this song layers his high and low voice.

I'm crying on the bus bro, this song hit me so hard.. every time.

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..

This song and this whole album is a very important part of my life right now

"I have only two emotions,Careful fear and dead devotion." The National's lyrics are some of the best

I can not stop listening this song. Hypnotic, warm and beautiful music. My favorite band.

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.

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.

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

And if you want to see me cry, play "Don't Swallow the Cap"

It's all about the goosebumps. That is the litmus test when it comes to great music. I get it with these guys.

I truly love how many people still enjoy music like this amazing one!

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.

"Don't Swallow the Cap" was my introduction to The National. Love this band's sound.

I have only two emotions: being hopelessly in love with the National and being hopelessly in love with the National.

“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

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.

This is actually the first song I heard from them and I fell in love with it.

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

This song has brought me to hysteria after listening to it the second time. Masterpiece. Everything I love is out to see.

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.

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.

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 :)

I only just noticed that the eye on the album cover is looking at you

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

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...

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 feel as if I was born to love these guys and Matt's writing.

this gave me goosebumps it’s a really beautiful song

"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.

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 love Matt's vocals in the background, gives it that deeper feel.

wow what a beast of a song

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.

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

I LOVE DM!!! BEEN A FAN FOR 20+YRS!!! NATIONAL ROCKS!!! GREAT MUSIC IS TIMELESS!!!

Matt Berninger has the most soothing voice in rock music

I love this photo, especially how her eye is still looking at you.

"I have only two emotions careful fear and dead devotion"- This line speaks to me like braille to the blind.

This song is the theme song to my failed relationship. 8 years later and it still hurts to hear this song.

'So Matt, what do yo see?' 'I see a bright white beautiful heaven hangin' over me' 'Oh.....Okaaaaaaaaay' LOVE this song

I can't stop coming back to hit replay. So good.

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...

I found these guys watching Saturday night live years ago & fell instantly in love. Their songs are like the soundtrack of my mind.

Don't mind me as I listen to this on repeat all day

Those backing vocals are fanTAStic!!!

It's unbelievable how beautiful this song is.

"When they ask "what do I see?" I say a bright white beautiful heaven hanging over me." I love it!

Brazil love you! Amazing song ♥ Can't wait to see the new album.

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.

Okay... didn't expect to cry while listening to this song today. GAH lifeeee!

I don't usually listen to The National but jesus christ, I didn't want this song to ever end.

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!

Honestly one of my all time favourite songs..love this band ✨🥰✨

Amazing sold out show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last night! They played this; it sounded even better live!!! ❤️💕❤️

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 .

The National will be remembered as the band to re-introduce music to its soul............amazing albums, depressive, uplifting, everything!!!!!!!!!

When they ask, what do I see, I say a bright, white, beautiful heaven hangin' over me. And it's a lie.

Loving this, day by day, repeat and repeat. Thumbs up The National!

His voice is so calming almost like a dream

I'm tired, I'm freezing, I'm dumb,when it gets so late I forget everyone. love this.

I'm not alone. I'll never be. And to the bone, I'm evergreen.

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.

This song brings something out me I can't explain love it so much.....thank you x

this album is fucking great

And if you want to see me cry, Play "Let it Be" or "Nevermind"

"I have only two emotions: careful fear and dead devotion". God damn this song has some great lines in it.

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

Thanks god for The National in this existence!

Abso-fuc-ing-lutely love this.

Exciting and wonderful and gives me such a good feeling to hear his song. I Love it!

So perfect. Love it.

This is probably the best song ever

These are perfect lyrics, damn.

I. cannot. get. enough. of. this. amazing!!!!

Just awesome can't wait to here this whole album

"i'm not alone. i'll never be. and to the bone i'm evergreen."

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.

Super concert. Très grand groupe !

just awesome! cant wait the lp

Love this album so much.

Thank you so much pete holmes for introducing me to this music.

Ten years... fuck, time really flies

love his voice, so much emotion

This is like a painting where air is the canvas. True art

I want to marry this beautiful sound and embark on a honeymoon that never ends.

Love all their songs

You have to see these guys live...I'm on my 13th show and each one is special in its own way...Matt is a beautiful soul.

would have been amazing if they let the background music and drums go on as an outro forever and ever. similar to daughter's fossa or of monsters and men's yellow light. bliss

I love the violin on this track

such a fantastic lyric, so relatable too. this album 's incredible

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.