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The National — 90-Mile Water Wall
Album: Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1519









Released: 2003
Length: 3:39
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Well, I know that you know
That you've become the target of this hand
With never even asking
Well, I know that you know
That you're the only thing that I can stand

So how could your hair
Have the nerve to dance around like that, blowing
And how could the air
Have the nerve to blow your hair around like that

Well, I'm waiting for a 90-mile water wall
To take me out of your view
I'm looking for a trap door trigger
To drop me out of your view

Yes, I'm listening, I'm listening
I can tell that you are serious
You're looking for that hurt look around my mouth
The look of a steep fall
Yeah, that's how Hersey put it

So you can make another claim
Well, go ahead and make it
So you can make another claim
Well, go ahead and make it

Just waiting for a 90-mile water wall
To take me out of your view
I'm praying
For a trap door trigger

Just waiting for a 90-mile water wall
To take me out of your view
I'm praying
For a trap door trigger

Yes, I'm listening
I can tell you're serious
Comments (113)add comment
The best band from this century. Not less!
Posted 1 year ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
 Geecheeboy wrote:


A quick exit



Speaking of how fast I PSD this.
Posted 2 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:

WTF is a "trap door trigger"? ...



A quick exit
Posted 2 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
 Glencoe_JC wrote:

we play RP at work
most of my workmates are 20 years younger than me
pretty much every day, the hardest work I have to do
is not to gush sentimental / or be uber possesive
about the music they have 'discovered'
bless them
as long as they appreciate it!
{#Meditate}




Nice perspective Glencoe..., perspective is sorely missing within our current American culture.
Posted 2 years ago by Jamus    [ Reply ]
 Glencoe_JC wrote:

we play RP at work
most of my workmates are 20 years younger than me
pretty much every day, the hardest work I have to do
is not to gush sentimental / or be uber possesive
about the music they have 'discovered'
bless them
as long as they appreciate it!
{#Meditate}



I appreciate that effort, but the original post was about misappropriation of a song's meaning to support an agenda. Just like using Born in the USA as an uber patriotic song which it is definitely not.
Posted 3 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Dirty songs for sad lovers.
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 Sofa_King wrote:

DON'T TOUCH THAT 90-MILE WATER WALL, IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU!


Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
You two are some of the cool old dudes that help make the world go 'round!

Scott_Alic wrote:
"I had an alarming experience at their May show in Toronto (at the — sigh — Kool Haus)....":
 Glencoe_JC wrote:

we play RP at work
most of my workmates are 20 years younger than me
pretty much every day, the hardest work I have to do
is not to gush sentimental / or be uber possesive
about the music they have 'discovered'
bless them
as long as they appreciate it!
{#Meditate}
Posted 3 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
Third The National song today on RP.

 
For those of who do not like The National, gee I don't know what to say. 
 
How about "Enough, already!"

Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 khardog145 wrote:
I didn't realize they have been around since 2003.
 
According to Wikipedia, they've 'been around' since 1999 - this album dates from 2003.
Posted 4 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
I didn't realize they have been around since 2003.
Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Just a rare comment that says something good about this song. Love it!
Posted 5 years ago by nickmetalx3317    [ Reply ]
bathroom break song - thanks Bill!
Worst band since Joy Division
Posted 6 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:


This comment is utter crap, and esp the one you reply to.  The guys in my fraternity had excellent taste in music.  One guy even went one to become a notable artist.

 
The original post didn't say that the frat boys had bad taste in music as he also obviously was there because he like it also. The post stated that their response to mellow, introspective, melancholy music was out of place, but then said whatever.
Posted 6 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Lordy, I hope he's standing on the trap door when he finds the trigger.
Posted 6 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 LizK wrote:
The National has had three songs played here,if I recall correctly.  This one is most fetching, bit of moaning violin.   I like this.

 
There are more than 20 songs on the playlist by The National.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Happy is a Gen X  freaking out on trap door trigger.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
The National has had three songs played here,if I recall correctly.  This one is most fetching, bit of moaning violin.   I like this.
Posted 9 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Third The National song today on RP.

 
For those of who do not like The National, gee I don't know what to say. 
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
2 -> 1 ??
Wow.

7 -> 8 for me.
Posted 11 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:
3>2
 

two years later, 2 > 1
Posted 11 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
 Glencoe_JC wrote:

Scott_Alic wrote:
I had an alarming experience at their May show in Toronto (at the — sigh — Kool Haus).  I went in thinking the space would be filled with balding 30-something adult-indie beardos like me, and was stunned to find out that the band has a giant frat boy contingent who had made associations with the band and their lyrics (!!?!)...  I know that "Fake Empire" has been associated with Barack Obama, as it was played in Grant Park shortly before Obama's election victory party kicked off, but was it included in some Abercrombie and Fitch sampler or something? I reckon they were thisclose to making the NEW MOON soundtrack...
Back to the show:  I witnessed beer cans held aloft, 19-year-old boys screaming "WHOOOO!!!!" during some of the more hushed moments, and girls in Uggs swaying as if to Taylor Swift or something...  Picture this scene at a Leonard Cohen show.  Maybe my gut response was that it was a boorish, improper response to music which I feel should put one into a more introspective frame of mind (like a good short story), but then I was like, who am I to judge how this music clearly makes a good number of people feel?  Maybe not an original thought, but one that that perhaps doesn't hit these boards often enough...
 


we play RP at work
most of my workmates are 20 years younger than me
pretty much every day, the hardest work I have to do
is not to gush sentimental / or be uber possesive
about the music they have 'discovered'
bless them
as long as they appreciate it!
{#Meditate}
 

This comment is utter crap, and esp the one you reply to.  The guys in my fraternity had excellent taste in music.  One guy even went one to become a notable artist.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:
WTF is a "trap door trigger"? These lyrics are totally bogus.
  Perhaps is also your imagination


Posted 11 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:
WTF is a "trap door trigger"? These lyrics are totally bogus.
 
A device that triggers a trap door?  Sounds pretty self-explanatory to me...

Edit:  Oldsaxon beat me to it!
Posted 12 years ago by winotron    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:
WTF is a "trap door trigger"? These lyrics are totally bogus.
 
erm...the trigger that opens the trap? Just a thought
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
WTF is a "trap door trigger"? These lyrics are totally bogus.
Posted 12 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
It's good enough for me to look it up on RP. 
That makes it at least a 7.
 
Posted 13 years ago by daveinnj    [ Reply ]
praynig for a trap door trigger
Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Can't handle this drone.....
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
His voice and the violins. It's almost too much.
Posted 13 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
I don't know this song. However, it shares a lot with the previously played Turin Brakes piece (Sea Change). Only a really astute and tuned-in DJ could see this and program so brilliantly.
Posted 13 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 Pharlap wrote:
so they were this good in 2003?
 
Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers is a bit patchy - 2004's Cherry Tree EP was a big step up for them IMO. However, Sad Songs has some really great cuts like this one - the one-two punch of Patterns of Fairytales and Lucky You is just perfect. 

Posted 13 years ago by jpdribbler    [ Reply ]
Their older crap is much better than their newer crap.

I rated this a "3". My highest rating yet for a National song.

Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
God I would love to see them in concert.  High Violet was in heavy rotation all summer long on my ipod.
Posted 13 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
I just love his voice.
Posted 13 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
3>2
Posted 13 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
{#High-five}
Posted 14 years ago by glassbuteo    [ Reply ]
sweet...........bought it.
Posted 14 years ago by duchamp    [ Reply ]
Nice!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
so they were this good in 2003?
Posted 14 years ago by Pharlap    [ Reply ]
 Scott_Alic wrote:
I had an alarming experience at their May show in Toronto (at the — sigh — Kool Haus).  I went in thinking the space would be filled with balding 30-something adult-indie beardos like me, and was stunned to find out that the band has a giant frat boy contingent who had made associations with the band and their lyrics (!!?!)...  I know that "Fake Empire" has been associated with Barack Obama, as it was played in Grant Park shortly before Obama's election victory party kicked off, but was it included in some Abercrombie and Fitch sampler or something? I reckon they were thisclose to making the NEW MOON soundtrack...

Back to the show:  I witnessed beer cans held aloft, 19-year-old boys screaming "WHOOOO!!!!" during some of the more hushed moments, and girls in Uggs swaying as if to Taylor Swift or something...  Picture this scene at a Leonard Cohen show.  Maybe my gut response was that it was a boorish, improper response to music which I feel should put one into a more introspective frame of mind (like a good short story), but then I was like, who am I to judge how this music clearly makes a good number of people feel?  Maybe not an original thought, but one that that perhaps doesn't hit these boards often enough...
 
we play RP at work
most of my workmates are 20 years younger than me
pretty much every day, the hardest work I have to do
is not to gush sentimental / or be uber possesive
about the music they have 'discovered'
bless them
as long as they appreciate it!
{#Meditate}


Posted 14 years ago by Glencoe_JC    [ Reply ]
The 128k ACC feed; how good is it?    Good enough to hear his nose whistle when he inhales through it.  

Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
The tune's nice.

The lyrics . . . well, let's just leave it at that shall we?
Posted 14 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
Nice.
Posted 14 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
I like it.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 alfbennett wrote:
What exactly is a "Trap Door Trigger" ?
 
A trigger that sets off a trap door ...



 
Posted 14 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
 alfbennett wrote:
What exactly is a "Trap Door Trigger" ?
 
something you can use to escape the sight or notice of someone on quick notice :)

Posted 14 years ago by Laurelai    [ Reply ]
What exactly is a "Trap Door Trigger" ?
Posted 14 years ago by alfbennett    [ Reply ]
Great use of the bass and violin for this tune
Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 karen wrote:
Bumping this one from a 7 to a 9. 
 

Up to a 10 today.
Posted 14 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
dreamy, smart, catchy, evocative. I am feeling this. What does it remind me of?
Posted 14 years ago by seejay54    [ Reply ]
I had an alarming experience at their May show in Toronto (at the — sigh — Kool Haus).  I went in thinking the space would be filled with balding 30-something adult-indie beardos like me, and was stunned to find out that the band has a giant frat boy contingent who had made associations with the band and their lyrics (!!?!)...  I know that "Fake Empire" has been associated with Barack Obama, as it was played in Grant Park shortly before Obama's election victory party kicked off, but was it included in some Abercrombie and Fitch sampler or something? I reckon they were thisclose to making the NEW MOON soundtrack...

Back to the show:  I witnessed beer cans held aloft, 19-year-old boys screaming "WHOOOO!!!!" during some of the more hushed moments, and girls in Uggs swaying as if to Taylor Swift or something...  Picture this scene at a Leonard Cohen show.  Maybe my gut response was that it was a boorish, improper response to music which I feel should put one into a more introspective frame of mind (like a good short story), but then I was like, who am I to judge how this music clearly makes a good number of people feel?  Maybe not an original thought, but one that that perhaps doesn't hit these boards often enough...


Posted 15 years ago by Scott_Alic    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
What I initially loved about this band was the 'moany droany' voice of the leader singer.  I just really go for deep voices.  I like the nuance of the band's music and lyrics as well.

However, I do have to say I was disappointed in their live show at Lollapalooza.  I'd like to have been sitting someplace dark with a scotch and something chocolate to truly enjoy them, not in the sunny heat of an August late afternoon. 
 
I saw them live last year at Sasquatch over the May Memorial Day weekend - they were actually very good live.  It was overcast and the sky was not quite covered with clouds - "broken cloud cover" is what the weather geeks would call it, and it sort of set the tone.  We laid out on the grass and swilled crappy festival beer from 24 oz cans and enjoyed the drone. . .

August heat is no place for anyone to be if they're trying to do anything strenuous like say, have a wild outdoor concert. . . kidding. . .

{#Meditate}


Posted 15 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Thought that this was Chuck Prophet......
Posted 15 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:
This is by far the best song on the album. Consumer alert: if you like this song, download it, not the entire album.
 

Big Big fan of The National (Boxer and Alligator are fantastic). But I have to agree, this pretty much eclipses everything on this album.
Posted 15 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Looks like Geronimo on the cover.
Posted 15 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
 HugoMorris wrote:
Good song for a road trip...
 
 
I can get about a hundred-eighty miles out of my National playlist. Nice little spin around the block.  ;^)


Posted 15 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
KitKat wrote:
What I initially loved about this band was the 'moany droany' voice of the leader singer. I just really go for deep voices. I like the nuance of the band's music and lyrics as well.

However, I do have to say I was disappointed in their live show at Lollapalooza. I'd like to have been sitting someplace dark with a scotch and something chocolate to truly enjoy them, not in the sunny heat of an August late afternoon.

I thought they gave a pretty lackluster performance that day too. Maybe it was the heat...

Posted 15 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
Album title seems appropriate ... I like it ... love the use of the violin and his deep smoky vocal ...
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
This is by far the best song on the album. Consumer alert: if you like this song, download it, not the entire album.
Posted 15 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
Sorry, but I can't get past what sounds to me like a suicidal theme. {#Skull}

Posted 15 years ago by reindeer    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
However, I do have to say I was disappointed in their live show at Lollapalooza.  I'd like to have been sitting someplace dark with a scotch and something chocolate to truly enjoy them, not in the sunny heat of an August late afternoon. 
 
Whiskey and chocolate together? You have strange tastes, girl {#Naughty}. Now, rum and chocolate together, that's another story {#Tongue}
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
90-mile water wall?  This guy obviously has the same kinds of dreams that I do...incidentally, waves in dreams signal change—appropriate to the song's theme, I think.
Posted 15 years ago by pinklife    [ Reply ]
The other National:

Th eother National
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
What I initially loved about this band was the 'moany droany' voice of the leader singer.  I just really go for deep voices.  I like the nuance of the band's music and lyrics as well.

However, I do have to say I was disappointed in their live show at Lollapalooza.  I'd like to have been sitting someplace dark with a scotch and something chocolate to truly enjoy them, not in the sunny heat of an August late afternoon. 
Posted 16 years ago by KitKat    [ Reply ]
{#Yawn}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:
This group seems to be really popular here, but I just can't get enthusiastic about them because the singer has such a moany, droney voice that just puts me to sleep.
 
I reckon it just kinda grows into you.

Posted 16 years ago by gekkosan    [ Reply ]
This group seems to be really popular here, but I just can't get enthusiastic about them because the singer has such a moany, droney voice that just puts me to sleep.
Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Good song for a road trip...
 
Posted 16 years ago by HugoMorris    [ Reply ]
Bumping this one from a 7 to a 9. 
Posted 16 years ago by karen    [ Reply ]
I love all the great music I'm lead to by listening to this station. Another great transition from the last song, Bill is on a roll
Posted 16 years ago by ValosAtreide    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys when they opened for REM at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley a couple of weeks ago. Not easy to play to a half-empty stadium in the daylight but they rocked.
Posted 16 years ago by lewie221    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
When I hear a mediocre vocal performance that is marred by bad background noise(booger nose in this case)I always assume that was the best the guy can do or else they would have. I mean come on,I don't want to hear someones weird biological noises.Why would they do this?Did the guy get sick and lose his voice before they got a chance to really record it and they had to use a practice track or didn't they care?
You know the Doors released some tracks that had the same care free feel.
Posted 16 years ago by MusicRookie    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
When I hear a mediocre vocal performance that is marred by bad background noise(booger nose in this case)I always assume that was the best the guy can do or else they would have. I mean come on,I don't want to hear someones weird biological noises.Why would they do this?Did the guy get sick and lose his voice before they got a chance to really record it and they had to use a practice track or didn't they care?
what are you going on about?
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
TrebleStauter wrote:
I actually think that Alligator is better than Boxer. Which is saying something because I think that Boxer is excellent. Alligator has taken over entire evenings on repeat for me. There are no duds on that album. Solid, begining to end. Check it out. You will not regret it. I am less familiar with this album.
I need to do that, thanks!
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
When I hear a mediocre vocal performance that is marred by bad background noise(booger nose in this case)I always assume that was the best the guy can do or else they would have. I mean come on,I don't want to hear someones weird biological noises. Why would they do this?Did the guy get sick and lose his voice before they got a chance to really record it and they had to use a practice track or didn't they care?
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
Boxer is one of my most listened to cd's from the past year or so. Haven't gone back and investigated anything else. Have to make a mental note to self to do this...
I actually think that Alligator is better than Boxer. Which is saying something because I think that Boxer is excellent. Alligator has taken over entire evenings on repeat for me. There are no duds on that album. Solid, begining to end. Check it out. You will not regret it. I am less familiar with this album.
Posted 16 years ago by TrebleStauter    [ Reply ]
Boxer is one of my most listened to cd's from the past year or so. Haven't gone back and investigated anything else. Have to make a mental note to self to do this...
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
wheezy nostrils. prickelpit96 wrote:
Is this Bob I can hear in the background??
Posted 16 years ago by kilroyjoe3    [ Reply ]
"Yes I'm listening I can tell you're serious"
Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
This song gets points for the album title!
Posted 17 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
Kerly wrote:
Somebody could upload: "Baby, Well Be Fine" - this is a fine song.
... could be you?
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Somebody could upload: "Baby, Well Be Fine" - this is a fine song.
Posted 17 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Is this Bob I can hear in the background??
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Anybody seen "The Straight Story" from David Lynch? The music reminds me of that movie.
Posted 17 years ago by Verpeiler    [ Reply ]
This reminds me a little of Madrugada. That's a good thing.
Posted 17 years ago by CafeRacer    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by crushedvelvet    [ Reply ]
I saw Richard Callahan (formerly known as Smog) at a small club earlier this week. This sounds exactly like what Callahan was doing. Even down to the voice and the violin. Can't say that I really like either, but it's not horrible.
Posted 17 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Great album cover. Not sure why, but I really like it.
Posted 17 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Pyro wrote:
Very nice! The vocals reminded me of Crash Test Dummies' vocalist, Brad Roberts.
A little like Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords.
Posted 17 years ago by ekalvi    [ Reply ]
Very nice! The vocals reminded me of Crash Test Dummies' vocalist, Brad Roberts.
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
their new cd got great reviews
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
nice, nice...
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
I discovered these guys last week when they opened for Arcade Fire in NYC. (What an amazing show!!) His voice reminds me of Stephen Merritt. I have to pick up some of their albums.
Posted 17 years ago by annanyc    [ Reply ]
Really loving his voice. . Nice song :)
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
Diggin it Sweet track!
Posted 17 years ago by arctos    [ Reply ]
Excuse me, Bill but the Artist Website link goes straight to cbc.ca.
Posted 17 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
Mellow. Decent!
Posted 17 years ago by infinity    [ Reply ]
Never heard of them before today. Have to investigate further!
Posted 17 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
9 10
Posted 17 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
pilate wrote:
Great song! Does anyone else hear a bit of Johnny Cash in here?
Absolutely -- that was the first thing I noticed.
Posted 17 years ago by bearheart    [ Reply ]
Hmm. I heard this song the other day here and it really caught my ear, but I couldn't login at the time to rate it. Caught it today. :)
Posted 17 years ago by MrSpaz    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by FAY    [ Reply ]
guysmiley wrote:
These guys are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Most underrated band out there. DO NOT hesitate to pick up their albums.
Couldn't agree more ... finally on RP. Now what about some stuff from 'Alligator' ?
Posted 18 years ago by tony99    [ Reply ]
Great song! Does anyone else hear a bit of Johnny Cash in here?
Posted 18 years ago by pilate    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Is it all this slow? Not that its a bad thing...just wondering. Like it so far
It's not all this slow -- they can rock hard, as well. This album is a good representation of their versatility.
Posted 18 years ago by guysmiley    [ Reply ]
guysmiley wrote:
These guys are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Most underrated band out there. DO NOT hesitate to pick up their albums.
I second that! I love the national. Great add to the station.
Posted 18 years ago by darthblav    [ Reply ]
guysmiley wrote:
These guys are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Most underrated band out there. DO NOT hesitate to pick up their albums.
Is it all this slow? Not that its a bad thing...just wondering. Like it so far
Posted 18 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
These guys are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Most underrated band out there. DO NOT hesitate to pick up their albums.
Posted 18 years ago by guysmiley    [ Reply ]
win!
Posted 18 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]