Song meaning of About Today (Live at Berkeley 9/25/18) by The National

"About Today" by The National is a haunting and emotionally charged song that delves into the complexities of a strained relationship on the brink of falling apart. The lyrics paint a picture of two individuals who are physically present but emotionally distant, unable to bridge the gap that has formed between them. The repetition of the question "How close am I to losing you?" throughout the song serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of their connection.

In the first verse, the narrator reflects on a moment when they were physically apart from their partner, highlighting the distance that has grown between them. The lines "You were far away / And I didn't ask you 'Why?'" suggest a lack of communication and understanding, with the narrator feeling helpless in the face of their partner's emotional withdrawal. The sense of resignation is palpable as the narrator watches their partner walk away, unable to find the right words to salvage the situation.

The chorus serves as a powerful refrain, underscoring the fear and uncertainty that pervade the relationship. The repetition of the question "How close am I to losing you?" underscores the narrator's anxiety and desperation, as they grapple with the possibility of losing the person they love. The chorus is a poignant plea for clarity and reassurance, a cry for connection in the face of impending loss.

The final verse introduces a moment of vulnerability and intimacy, as the narrator reaches out to their partner in a last-ditch effort to bridge the emotional divide. The question "Are you awake? / Yeah, I'm right here" conveys a sense of longing and yearning for connection, as the narrator seeks to understand and reconcile with their partner. The repetition of the question "About today?" echoes throughout the song, encapsulating the narrator's desire to confront the issues at hand and find a way to move forward together.

Overall, "About Today" is a poignant and introspective exploration of love, loss, and the fragile nature of human connection. The raw emotion and vulnerability in the lyrics, coupled with the haunting melody and evocative vocals, make this song a powerful and deeply affecting meditation on the complexities of relationships and the struggle to hold onto what is slipping away.