| The National – Start a War Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| Great song. There's one thing I have to say. People keep talking about the line "Do you really think you can just put it in a safe behind a painting, lock it up and leave." I don't think it's something physical like a will or a wedding ring. I believe that's a reference to emotions. Locking up your emotions inside yourself, putting on a happy face like nothing's wrong. The painting is the mask you wear, how you show it on the outside. When you look at a painting, you don't assume there's something hidden behind it. It's telling the world that everything is great when everything is not great. Really, behind this painting, there's a safe with something hidden it (i.e., the emotional baggage that's weighing on your heart). Also the other oft-mentioned line has been pretty well explained--she was always a little weird but he didn't have to always be so careful with his words around her. I think the "war" is what this fight would become if they don't communicate their emotions. If either of them walks away, this will get much worse. | |
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