Alien

The National's song 'Alien' delves into the complex emotions of feeling disconnected and alienated, both from oneself and from the world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person struggling with their mental state, seeking solace and understanding in a world that feels increasingly foreign. The opening lines, 'Try not to worry there's a voiceover / Go on, go quiet for a change,' suggest a desire to escape the constant noise and chaos of life, to find a moment of peace and clarity.

The recurring metaphor of 'dropping down like an alien' encapsulates the feeling of being out of place, as if one is an outsider looking in. This sense of alienation is further emphasized by the lines, 'We must have hit our heads / Don't expect familiar feelings,' indicating a disconnection from familiar emotions and experiences. The imagery of 'avalanches in my mind' and 'getting buried in this dream' conveys the overwhelming nature of these feelings, as if they are being suffocated by their own thoughts and emotions.

Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of companionship and support woven throughout the song. The offer to 'find you something fun to wear / That goes along with all your feelings' and 'I can be your nurse or something' suggests a willingness to help and comfort a loved one in their time of need. The song's conclusion, with its repeated refrain of 'I'll go outside, cry, and come right back in,' highlights the cyclical nature of these emotions and the resilience required to navigate them. Ultimately, 'Alien' is a poignant exploration of mental health, emotional support, and the struggle to find one's place in an often overwhelming world.