Don't Swallow the Cap

The National

About Don't Swallow the Cap

"Don't Swallow the Cap" is a song by American indie rock band The National. Written by band members Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, and Bryce Dessner, it appears as the third track on the band's sixth studio album Trouble Will Find Me. "Don't Swallow the Cap" was released to United States modern rock radio as the album's second overall single on April 22, 2013.


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Pull out 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 up on the light
I have faith but don't believe you
This love ain't enough to leave you

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
Throw my marbles in the fight
I see all the ones I wept 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
Into the bone
I'll never grieve

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 see a bright white beautiful heaven hangin' over me

I'm not alone
I'll never be
Into the bone
I'll never grieve
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
Come down, it's alright
Lead my arms the rest of the night
When they ask what do I see
I see a bright white beautiful heaven hangin' over me

I'm not alone, (too seriously)
I'll never be, (don't swallow the cap)
Into the bone, (pat yourself on the back)
I'll never grieve (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)

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The National

The National is an indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999 and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. The band's lyrics, which have been described as "dark, melancholy and difficult to interpret", are written and sung by Matt Berninger, a baritone. The rest of the band is composed of two pairs of brothers: twins Aaron (guitar and keyboard) and Bryce Dessner (guitar) and Scott (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). The National has been compared to Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, Wilco and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. The name of the band was chosen because it "didn't mean anything" and was "benign and meaningless". more »

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Written by: Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Matthew D. Berninger

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"Don't Swallow the Cap" is a song by the indie rock band "The National" and is off their sixth studio album, "Trouble Will Find Me" which was released in 2013.
Song's Reception
The song was well-received by critics and fans alike, with many considering it to be one of the standout tracks of the album.
Chart Performance
It did well commercially too. The song reached 13th position on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, making it The National's highest ever position on that chart at the time.
Song Interpretation
Although there has been much discussion and debate about the song's meaning, the song is widely believed to be about battling depression, and the struggle of not giving in to dark thoughts.
Experienced Production Team
The song was produced by Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, and Peter Katis. Both Dessner brothers are members of The National while Peter Katis has worked with many popular indie bands, such as Interpol and The Decemberists.
Sound and Styling
Musically, "Don't Swallow the Cap" is known for its intricate layers and the distinctive baritone of lead singer Matt Berninger. The song effortlessly blends brooding atmospheric sounds with moments of bright melody.
Accompanying Video
The song has an accompanying official video that is directed by Sophia Peer. It features abstract shots and a general sense of natural mystery which complements the mood of the song.
Real Time Relevance
The song's lyrics about isolation and struggle had a noticeable increase in relevance during the 2020 global pandemic, with many fans taking solace in the song's messages.
Live Performances
"Don't Swallow the Cap" has been frequently performed live by the band during their concerts and has often been included in the set-lists for major music festivals they've participated in.
Band's Favorite
"Don't Swallow the Cap" is reported to be one of the band's favorite songs to play live due to various reasons. Notably, the band members have expressed that the song is an example of their collective writing approach that they are proud of.

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    "Don't Swallow the Cap Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34265595/The+National/Don%27t+Swallow+the+Cap>.

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