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The National – About Today Lyrics 10 years ago
I think this song is about the end of a relationship, that awful stage where you both know it's over, but neither can bring themselves to say it.

Today you were far away
and I didn't ask you why
What could I say
I was far away
You just walked away
and I just watched you
What could I say

The distance is building between them and he notices it, but what can he say? He knows it's over, he feels it too. Saying something would just bring about the inevitable end.

Tonight you just close your eyes
and I just watch you
slip away

They go to bed and don't even bother pretending - no "goodnight", no kiss. She just closes her eyes and he watches her slip away from him.

Hey, are you awake
Yeah I'm right here
Well can I ask you about today

Unlike other posters, I don't think he's just asking her about her day. This is much more poignant than that. He's finally summoned the courage to ask her "about today". About why she was so distant from him, why she didn't even say goodnight. It has become too much. He knows the answer, and that's why it is so difficult to ask.

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