Song meaning of About Today (Live) by The National

"About Today (Live)" 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 song captures the feelings of distance, longing, and impending loss between two individuals who are struggling to connect. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and resignation as the narrator grapples with the fear of losing the person they care about deeply.

The song opens with the narrator reflecting on a moment when their partner was emotionally distant, with the lines "Today, you were far away, and I didn't ask you 'Why?' What could I say?" This sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the lack of communication and emotional disconnect between the two individuals. The repetition of the question "How close am I to losing you?" in the chorus emphasizes the narrator's anxiety and fear of losing the person they love.

As the song progresses, the narrator observes their partner slipping away, with lines like "Tonight, you just close your eyes, and I just watch you slip away." The sense of powerlessness and sorrow is palpable in these lyrics, as the narrator watches helplessly as their relationship unravels before their eyes.

The song reaches a poignant moment in the third verse, where the narrator reaches out to their partner, asking "Hey, are you awake? Yeah, I'm right here. Well, can I ask you about today?" This plea for connection and understanding encapsulates the underlying theme of longing for closeness and intimacy in the face of impending loss.

Overall, "About Today (Live)" by The National is a raw and introspective exploration of love, distance, and the fragility of relationships. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics come together to create a powerful and emotionally resonant song that captures the bittersweet essence of love and loss.