Lit Up
The National Lyrics
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And yeah she comes to attention when you come up to me too fast
For a little while you'll be here, the only good part of me
For a little while you'll be here
So lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie
You wear skirt like a flag
And everything surrounds you, and it doesn't fade
Nothing like this sound I make
That only lasts the season
And only heard by bedroom kids who buy it for that reason
'Cause you're the low life of the party, bad blood
Bad blood for everybody
I'm in control and I believe
So lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie from your bad blood
From your bad blood
'Cause you're the low life of the party, bad blood
Bad blood for everybody
I'm in control and I believe
So lit up, lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie
The National’s song “Lit Up” is a haunting and melancholic track that explores the complexities of a fast-paced relationship. The song starts with a reference to a bodyguard who is hyper-vigilant and always ready to protect the singer. The singer acknowledges that the bodyguard is highly efficient and knows how to handle any situation. However, there is a sense of tension in the air, as the bodyguard is ready to use her revolver at any moment. This creates a sense of uneasiness that runs throughout the song.
The chorus of the song is repetitive, yet impactful. The line “So lit up, lit up, lit up alright” is repeated several times, indicating that the singer is trying to find a way to deal with their emotions. They try to “untie Manhattan” or unravel themselves from the grip of their uncontrollable feelings. The chorus has a frantic and almost desperate tone, as if the singer is on the brink of losing control.
The second verse of the song is about the singer’s love interest. The lyrics “You wear skirt like a flag, and everything surrounds you, and it doesn’t fade” suggest that the love interest is confident and commands attention. The singer recognizes this and tries to impress them by making “this sound I make”, referring to his music. However, he feels that his music is only appreciated by a niche group of fans, whom the lyrics describe as “bedroom kids who buy it for that reason”. The final lines of the song reiterate the idea that the singer is in control of his emotions and is trying to escape the hold that this toxic relationship has over him.
Line by Line Meaning
My bodyguard shows her revolver to anyone who asks
My protector is willing to use force against anyone who poses a threat.
And yeah she comes to attention when you come up to me too fast
My guard is on high alert when someone approaches me too quickly.
For a little while you'll be here, the only good part of me
You, the one I care about, are the only thing that brings out the best in me.
So lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I am experiencing intense feelings and emotions that I cannot control.
I try to untie Manhattan
I am attempting to unravel the complexities and confusion that come with life in the city.
You wear skirt like a flag
Your style and appearance boldly represents your beliefs and identity.
And everything surrounds you, and it doesn't fade
Your presence and influence are strong and long-lasting.
Nothing like this sound I make
The music I create is unique and distinct from other artists.
That only lasts the season
However, my impact and popularity are fleeting and temporary.
And only heard by bedroom kids who buy it for that reason
Only a certain audience appreciates and listens to my music, often for superficial reasons.
'Cause you're the low life of the party, bad blood
You are considered an outcast and are not accepted by society, resulting in negative feelings towards you.
Bad blood for everybody
Your negative reputation affects not only you, but those around you too.
I'm in control and I believe
Despite the chaos and uncertainty around me, I feel capable and confident in myself.
From your bad blood
I am attempting to distance myself from the negative effects of your reputation.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: AARON B. DESSNER, MATTHEW D. BERNINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mario N.
My bodyguard shows her revolver to anyone who asks
And yeah she comes to attention when you come up to me too fast
For a little while you'll be here, the only good part of me
For a little while you'll be here
So lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie
You wear skirt like a flag
And everything surrounds you, and it doesn't fade
Nothing like this sound I make
That only lasts the season
And only heard by bedroom kids who buy it for that reason
'Cause you're the low life of the party, bad blood
Bad blood for everybody
I'm in control and I believe
So lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie from your bad blood
From your bad blood
'Cause you're the low life of the party, bad blood
Bad blood for everybody
I'm in control and I believe
So lit up, lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie Manhattan
Lit up, lit up, lit up, lit up alright
I try to untie
Char Stone
I love their newer material, but there's something to be said about how gosh darn spectacular all of Alligator is
GrifterUno
Love this song. It totally elevates me. Buen trabajo, muchachos...keep up the good work!!! =)
Donny Duncins
This song is amazing! Does the national have any songs as upbeat as this one?
15awesomehighfive
I sincerely hope you found their more upbeat material and enjoyed it!!
Ben Kuettel
I love this song!
MegaDoesStuff
Probably one of the best songs on this album.
Christmas Carpenter
Just listening to this 8/9 years later gives me a special feeling of loneliness. Where have I been?
CzarryT
fuck i feel this so hard. another 2 years later and still no clue where we've been all this time, hmm?
Omar Vicente García Sánchez
This song is still excellent. I can't believe it's not gotten more views than this after all these years. People are so missing out on just how great this bad truly is and that's a shame.
Fuzzy Corona
Songs like this make me feel glad to be alive