Don't Swallow The Cap

The National · Trouble Will Find Me [2013]

Pull out brakes 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 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 hanging 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 hanging 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)

Don't Swallow The Cap

On the 2013 album Trouble Will Find Me, The National delivers "Don't Swallow The Cap," a track that exemplifies their signature blend of indie rock and atmospheric pop. Recorded with the precision of their earlier work on High Violet, the song features Matt Berninger's distinctive vocal delivery layered over a driving rhythm section. The track serves as a poignant addition to the band's discography, reflecting the introspective and melancholic themes prevalent in their mid-2010s output. It stands alongside other notable recordings from the era, such as "I Need My Girl" and "Graceless," showcasing the group's ability to craft emotionally resonant music that balances raw vulnerability with polished production.