Heaven Faced

The National's song 'Heaven Faced' delves into the complex emotions surrounding love, loss, and the struggle to find solace. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the weight of their emotions, feeling trapped yet unable to leave. The repeated line 'I could walk out, but I won’t' suggests a deep internal conflict, where the protagonist is torn between the desire to escape and the pull of their emotional attachment. This is further emphasized by the imagery of being 'in your arms' in their mind, indicating a longing for comfort and connection despite the turmoil.

The phrase 'Can’t face heaven all heavenfaced' is particularly poignant, as it encapsulates the fear of confronting one's own vulnerabilities and the overwhelming nature of seeking peace or resolution. The use of 'heaven' here can be interpreted as a metaphor for an ideal state of being or a place of ultimate comfort, which feels unattainable or daunting. The lyrics also touch on the inevitability of human error and the fragility of relationships, as seen in lines like 'No one’s careful all the time' and 'Things are tougher than we are.' These lines highlight the inherent challenges in maintaining connections and the emotional toll it takes.

The song also explores themes of grief and belief, with the lines 'She’s a griever, my believer' and 'I believe her, I'm a griever now.' This suggests a shared experience of loss and the transformative impact it has on the individuals involved. The repetition of 'Let’s go wait out in the fields with the ones we love' evokes a sense of seeking refuge and finding solace in the presence of loved ones. The closing lines, 'Because we’ll all arrive in heaven alive,' offer a glimmer of hope and unity, suggesting that despite the struggles, there is a collective journey towards a better place or state of being.

Overall, 'Heaven Faced' is a deeply introspective song that captures the essence of human vulnerability, the complexities of love, and the shared experience of grief and hope.