Conversation 16
Conversation 16

The National - Conversation 16 Lyrics

Alternative
May 10, 2010
297
Conversation 16 Music Video

Conversation 16 Lyrics

I think the kids are in trouble
I do not know what all the troubles are for
Give them ice for their fevers
You're the only thing I ever want anymore
Live on coffee and flowers
And try not to wonder what the weather will be
I figured out what we're missing
I tell you miserable things after you are asleep

Now we'll leave the Silver City
'Cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the Silver City
'Cause all the silver girls
Everything means everything

It's a Hollywood summer
You'll never believe the shitty thoughts I think
Meet our friends out for dinner
When I said what I said, I didn't mean anything
We belong in a movie
Try to hold it together until our friends are gone
We should swim in a fountain
Do not want to disappoint anyone

Now we'll leave the Silver City
'Cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the Silver City
To all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid
I'd eat your brains
I was afraid
I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil

I'm a confident liar
Have my head in the oven so you'll know where I'll be
I try to be more romantic
I want to believe in everything you believe
If I was less than amazing
I do not know what all the troubles are for
Fall asleep in your branches
You're the only thing I ever want anymore

Now we'll leave the Silver City
'Cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the Silver City
To all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid
I'd eat your brains
I was afraid
I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil

Writer(s): Matthew Donald Berninger, Aaron Brooking Dessner
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who contributed to the song 'Conversation 16' besides The National?

    Arcade Fire multi-instrumentalist Richie Reed Parry contributed by singing a seven-part vocal harmonization layered by himself. He spontaneously joined the project while staying at guitarist Aaron Dessner's home.

  2. What was the initial title of 'Conversation 16'?

    The song was initially titled 'Romantic Comedy,' but was changed to 'Conversation 16' after Matt Berninger's wife suggested the old title seemed like they were trying too hard.

  3. What unique aspect did Richie Reed Parry bring to the song?

    Richie Reed Parry brought a seven-part vocal arrangement, layering his own voice to create a harmonized effect. This addition significantly enriched the song’s musical complexity.

  4. What thematic elements can be found in 'Conversation 16'?

    The song deals with themes like marital turmoil, anxiety, and obsessive fears. It’s a blend of brutal honesty and absurd humor, often crossing into darkly comical territory, reflecting on modern anxieties and relationships.

  5. Why did Matt Berninger change the song title from 'Romantic Comedy'?

    Matt Berninger changed the title based on his wife's feedback, feeling that the original title seemed forced. The new title, 'Conversation 16,' was chosen because it wasn’t mentioned in the lyrics, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

  6. What is the distinctive lyrical style employed in 'Conversation 16'?

    Matt Berninger’s lyrics mix brutal, uncomfortable honesty with ridiculousness, creating a 'comi-horrific' style. The line 'I was afraid I'd eat your brains' exemplifies this blend of horror and humor.

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