So Far, So Fast

The National's song 'So Far, So Fast' delves into themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship strained by distance and emotional turmoil. The opening lines, 'Lay down in the doorway in front of me / Make yourself impossible for me to leave,' suggest a desperate attempt to hold onto a connection that is slipping away. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, where memories of a past filled with warmth and chaos ('I remember a kid in the water, I remember a world on fire') contrast sharply with the present sense of emptiness and sleepless nights.

The recurring line 'I get so far, so fast' reflects a sense of rapid change and the overwhelming pace at which life can alter. This could be interpreted as the narrator's struggle to keep up with the emotional and physical distances growing between them and their loved one. The storm metaphor ('The storm that blackens, the quiet sea') further emphasizes the turbulence and unpredictability of their relationship, as one person runs away, leaving the other behind to grapple with the aftermath.

In the latter part of the song, there's a glimmer of hope and a plea for reconnection. The lines 'Don't you know someday somebody will come and find you? / If you don't know who you are anymore, they will remind you' suggest that despite the current estrangement, there is a belief in eventual reunion and rediscovery. The song closes with a poignant request for communication and understanding, highlighting the enduring impact of the other person's voice and presence. This emotional depth, combined with The National's signature melancholic sound, makes 'So Far, So Fast' a powerful exploration of human relationships and the complexities of love and loss.