Fading Embers of What Once Was | Slipped | The National

The National's song "Slipped" is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the impermanence of life. The lyrics paint a picture of two people, once deeply connected, now struggling to hold onto what's left of their bond.

Disintegrating Emotions

Matt Berninger's distinctive baritone voice delivers a haunting narrative that explores the emotional turmoil that arises when love begins to slip away. He sings about the disintegration of emotions, as if they're slowly unraveling like a threadbare sweater. The lyrics are laced with longing and regret, capturing the desperation that sets in when we realize our connection is no longer what it once was.

Fading Memories

The song's chorus, "I slipped away," becomes a refrain, echoing the pain of lost memories and faded moments. The National's atmospheric instrumentation – courtesy of Aaron Dessner and Scott Devendorf – underscores the sense of disconnection, creating an unsettling ambiance that mirrors the emotional distress described in the lyrics.

Echoes of What Once Was

In "Slipped," Berninger's lyrics also touch on the theme of nostalgia, as he reminisces about a time when love was new and vibrant. The song's bridge is particularly striking, where Berninger sings about the impermanence of memories, how they can be both fleeting and long-lasting at the same time. This poignant reflection serves as a powerful reminder that even our most cherished moments are subject to the passage of time.

A Haunting Portrait

Throughout "Slipped," The National's masterful songwriting creates a haunting portrait of love in decline. As Berninger's voice soars through the lyrics, the song becomes an intimate exploration of the human experience – all its triumphs and heartaches included. In this way, "Slipped" serves as a powerful reminder that even our most cherished connections can slip away, leaving us with nothing but the faintest echoes of what once was.