About Today

The song "About Today" by The National is a hauntingly introspective piece that delves into the themes of emotional distance and the fear of loss in a relationship. The lyrics are sparse, yet they convey a deep sense of unease and concern from the narrator's perspective. The repetition of the question "How close am I to losing you" serves as the song's emotional core, highlighting the narrator's anxiety about the state of the relationship and the potential of an impending breakup.

The verses describe a scene where the narrator and their partner are physically together but emotionally apart, as indicated by the lines "Today you were far away" and "I didn't ask you why." This lack of communication suggests a barrier between the two, with the narrator feeling helpless and resigned to merely watch their partner drift away. The imagery of the partner closing their eyes and slipping away further emphasizes the growing chasm and the narrator's fear of being unable to bridge it.

The song's somber tone and minimalistic approach allow listeners to project their own experiences of disconnection and loss onto the narrative. The National is known for their evocative lyrics and melancholic sound, which often explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. "About Today" is a poignant example of their ability to capture the subtleties of heartache and the quiet desperation that accompanies the realization that a loved one might be slipping away.