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The National — Fake Empire
Album: Boxer
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3229









Released: 2007
Length: 3:21
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Stay out super late tonight
Picking apples, making pies
Put a little something in our lemonade
And take it with us

We're half awake in a fake empire
We're half awake in a fake empire

Tiptoe through our shiny city
With our diamond slippers on
Do our gay ballet on ice
Bluebirds on our shoulders

We're half awake in a fake empire
We're half awake in a fake empire

Turn the light out, say goodnight
No thinking for a little while
Let's not try to figure out
Everything at once
It's hard to keep track of you
Falling through the sky

We're half awake in a fake empire
We're half awake in a fake empire
Comments (200)add comment
Is it just me or does it sound like the drum intro to U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday is mixed into the middle of this?
Posted 8 months ago by irigger    [ Reply ]
 johnfiva wrote:

A Radio Paradise classic! 10,10 10.




I  Agree!   EXCELLENT TUNE!!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 10 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Desmond wrote:

This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.

I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?

You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.


I hear your comment in the voice of Comic Book Store guy https://media.giphy.com/media/...
Posted 11 months ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
Fake emo.
Posted 1 year ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
I wrote so many comments on this fantastic band, what can i say more? The brasss! I forget to speak about those fantastic brasss! Thank you the National for renewing the music during the 2010's!
Posted 2 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
Boxer might be my favourite album by the National. They're real- it's music you feel in your chest. They're great. Often gloomy, but great. It's a form of catharsis, and when you need it, it hits just right.
Posted 2 years ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
 clwguy wrote:
This is not a comment. Just random musings. Not even as coherent as literature or poetry.



 


Can you give us the names of one or two of the songs that you submitted?
Posted 2 years ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
 r_lafauce wrote:

Jussie Smollett comes to mind.... a page out of our current 'trash' nation culture, unfortunately.




Jussie Smollet?!?  Wow, this one just breezed right over your head.  Not surprising, unfortunately.
Posted 2 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 thisbody wrote:

We're half awake in a fake empire. - What more is there to be said about the current state of affairs?!
Fanfares blowin..


True then... TRUER now.
Posted 2 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
A Radio Paradise classic! 10,10 10.
Posted 2 years ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
We're half awake in a fake empire. - What more is there to be said about the current state of affairs?!
Fanfares blowin..
Posted 2 years ago by thisbody    [ Reply ]
Fantastic song.
Posted 2 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:

I like his voice: effortless baritone with a lot of easy power behind it. Like Eddy Vedder and Greg Brown.



I would add Mark Sandman to that mix...
Posted 2 years ago by craigandbee    [ Reply ]
A National song that I nearly like ... but no.  Not enough. 
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 finnie wrote:

To all the folks who've been knocking the National's drummer, Brian Devendorf, well save it man.
 Devendorf is a hell of a drummer. Those of us who are percussionists know the real deal. 




I agree , a very, very good drummer. You just have to listen on "Blodbuz ohio", so brilliant. Who can deny?
Posted 3 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
Great song - mesmeric.  Brings back so many memories........
Posted 3 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
Great album, great song IMO.
Why are some people so pompous about their own choice of music?
Posted 3 years ago by diggyduffy    [ Reply ]
Fantastic song. The National is one of my favourite bands  
Posted 3 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:

I like his voice: effortless baritone with a lot of easy power behind it. Like Eddy Vedder and Greg Brown.



modern day Gordon Lightfoot :-)
Posted 3 years ago by pekingbucks    [ Reply ]
 SchoepTone wrote:

Maybe they should bring T-Swift in to do the lead vocals. She would bring a bit more nuance and liveliness to the singing.

 DrMacDaddy wrote:

I have a policy to never give the Thumbs Down to any comment on RP, but every rule is eventually broken.

Apparently sarcasm doesn't translate well on internet message boards.
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Genius song.
Posted 3 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
 LPCity wrote:

"We'll have to wait, for our steak and pie."



I know guys who will wait quite a while for their steak and pie. 
Posted 3 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
"We'll have to wait, for our steak and pie."
Posted 3 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
 Desmond wrote:

This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.

I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?

You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.



Tell us more about your high quality songs!
As you know so much about the Radio Paradise feel, everyone here should be blown away by your suggestions...
Posted 3 years ago by trogel    [ Reply ]
 SchoepTone wrote:

Maybe they should bring T-Swift in to do the lead vocals. She would bring a bit more nuance and liveliness to the singing.



I have a policy to never give the Thumbs Down to any comment on RP, but every rule is eventually broken.
Posted 3 years ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
Maybe they should bring T-Swift in to do the lead vocals. She would bring a bit more nuance and liveliness to the singing.
Posted 3 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
You're right and everyone else is wrong?

 Desmond wrote:
This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.

I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?

You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.
 

Posted 3 years ago by tcseeley    [ Reply ]
Most overplayed song on RP.
Posted 3 years ago by tgallag    [ Reply ]
I like how the beat is as the water meeting the beach
you have some going one way and then blending into another going a slightly different direction
Posted 3 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Seems to fit well with what's been happening!
Posted 3 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
If The National, then Swans please.
Posted 4 years ago by aonley    [ Reply ]
The more I hear from the National the more they grow on me.  Took a while but I am kinda slow.
Posted 4 years ago by fredGarvin    [ Reply ]
 Desmond wrote:
This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.
I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?
You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.
 
Bill, please note, this guy knows the "Radio Paradise feel" and he is letting you know that this song "has no place on Radio Paradise". In future, please get his approval for all new songs. 
Imagine, the owner of the station thinking he can pick the tunes; the nerve!
(Please file his comment under "W", for "What-evah!".)
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
"We're half away in a pecan pie"
Posted 4 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
It's hard not to like this band.
Posted 4 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
Until I saw the song title, I thought he was singing, "We're half awake in a bacon pie."  Time for a hearing test perhaps?
Posted 4 years ago by ReMarcKO    [ Reply ]
The more I hear it the more I like it. Very nostalgic. Love the horns.
Posted 4 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

At least Eddie Vedder has a range and can really lift his voice and soar with the other members of Pearl Jam. This guy with The National just drones on in a monotonous tone throughout every song, which for me really limits the musical performance of the other band members.
 
Well then, just only listen to Eddie, ok? And don't concern yourself with other singers. Since, if other singers don't sound like Eddie, then what's the point? Right? Why limit the musical performance if it's not, um, Eddie; totally agree.
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
Fuckinggroovin... 
Posted 4 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
I first became aware of The National as a front act for Arcade Fire in DC. Didn't know anything about them, but they caught my attention. Arcade Fire was pretty damn good too!
Posted 4 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
 Ptijoc wrote:

I totally agree, he is fantastic, and this band too!
 
Check out the Tiny Desk Concert - pretty great. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdFCD3oXMZo


Posted 4 years ago by ramsay    [ Reply ]
 jules44 wrote:
God I love this band!! Saw them live, finally.  
 

manage to stay awake?

prolly a show where being on your phone is actually better than the show
Posted 4 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
About time we woke up from our fake empire, eh?
Posted 4 years ago by BillE    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:
I like his voice: effortless baritone with a lot of easy power behind it. Like Eddy Vedder and Greg Brown.
 
At least Eddie Vedder has a range and can really lift his voice and soar with the other members of Pearl Jam. This guy with The National just drones on in a monotonous tone throughout every song, which for me really limits the musical performance of the other band members.
Posted 5 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
May I suggest Santa Clara or You've Done It Again, Virginia? Anything Ntl. and I'm blissfully happy and sad all at the same time.
Posted 5 years ago by angehen    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:


"Effortless" is one word to describe his vocalizing, others may say lifeless, indifferent, muttered, or lazy.  It works for him, the band, and their material, which is really all that matters to them and their fans.
 
I couldn't agree more. His lack of energy when he sings just drags the music down for me. On. Every. Single. Song.
Posted 5 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
These guys just do absolutely zero for me.  I hear their live shows are great though.
Posted 5 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 r_lafauce wrote:
Jussie Smollett comes to mind.... a page out of our current 'trash' nation culture, unfortunately.
 
Says you trumptard
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 jules44 wrote:
God I love this band!! Saw them live, finally.  
 
Many years ago I saw them as an opening act for Arcade Fire. Had never heard of them, but I was blown away. Been a fan since.
Posted 5 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
Jussie Smollett comes to mind.... a page out of our current 'trash' nation culture, unfortunately.
Posted 5 years ago by r_lafauce    [ Reply ]
yawn
Posted 5 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Awesome song, thank you RP!
Posted 5 years ago by discdrive    [ Reply ]
awful
consistently awful
Posted 6 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:
I like his voice: effortless baritone with a lot of easy power behind it. Like Eddy Vedder and Greg Brown.
 

"Effortless" is one word to describe his vocalizing, others may say lifeless, indifferent, muttered, or lazy.  It works for him, the band, and their material, which is really all that matters to them and their fans.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
God I love this band!! Saw them live, finally.  
Posted 6 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
 Desmond wrote:
This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.
 
Weird that you've decided this, yet it seems to have no effect on the playlist.  I can't imagine why that might be.
Posted 6 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
"We are halfway through the vegan pie"
Posted 6 years ago by robin_at_domani    [ Reply ]
We're halfway when we're bakin pie. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
This is not a comment. Just random musings. Not even as coherent as literature or poetry.



Desmond wrote:
This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.

I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?

You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.

 
Posted 6 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
 melzabutch wrote:
I'm getting a Nick Cave vibe and that is a good thing.  

 
ditto that comment
Posted 6 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]
 Desmond wrote:
This is not music.

 
This is a trip.
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
This song is prophetic!  I guess these guys knew something back in 2007.  {#Notworthy}
Posted 6 years ago by skooba    [ Reply ]
This is not music. Just random noise. Not even as coherent as industrial or jazz. It has no place on Radio Paradise.

I have submitted several high quality songs with all required info that are consistent with the Radio Paradise feel; all were rejected, and they accept this?

You're drifting guys. Please don't wreck a good thing.
Posted 7 years ago by Desmond    [ Reply ]
Indeed!
 
decorgirl wrote:
I heard this with new ears today, thanks to the commenters who vouched for the drummer.   What a beautiful day to be alive beneath the sweet balm of our beloved Radio Paradise.  

 


Posted 7 years ago by nalexiou    [ Reply ]
I heard this with new ears today, thanks to the commenters who vouched for the drummer.   What a beautiful day to be alive beneath the sweet balm of our beloved Radio Paradise.  
Posted 7 years ago by decorgirl    [ Reply ]
Bill takes care of me, I hit PSD when this came on and I got Aretha shoutin' out to me now
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 finnie wrote:
To all the folks who've been knocking the National's drummer, Brian Devendorf, well save it man.
 Devendorf is a hell of a drummer. Those of us who are percussionists know the real deal. 

 
I totally agree, he is fantastic, and this band too!
Posted 7 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
The worst act on RP, by far. {#Foot-in-mouth}

 
not quite but they are kinda boring, 
 
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I like his voice: effortless baritone with a lot of easy power behind it. Like Eddy Vedder and Greg Brown.
Posted 7 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
I'm getting a Nick Cave vibe and that is a good thing.  
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
To all the folks who've been knocking the National's drummer, Brian Devendorf, well save it man.
 Devendorf is a hell of a drummer. Those of us who are percussionists know the real deal. 
Posted 7 years ago by finnie    [ Reply ]
 yoooreds wrote:
I'm starting to love The National. I used to be indifferent to them, but was lucky to see them live in LA, and they were great live. The Music then clicked with me.

 
I was a casual fan until I saw them live, then they became top 10 easily. Incredible performers.
Posted 7 years ago by Shmelo    [ Reply ]
I'm starting to love The National. I used to be indifferent to them, but was lucky to see them live in LA, and they were great live. The Music then clicked with me.
Posted 7 years ago by yoooreds    [ Reply ]
Their sound is instantly recognizable.  I think The National is music for adults starting out at 7.
Posted 8 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Great track, thanks for playing. 
Posted 8 years ago by root0    [ Reply ]
Thank you for the rare times you play some The National that's older than High Violet.
Posted 8 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
The worst act on RP, by far. {#Foot-in-mouth}
Posted 8 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
                        
                             Blame me for 'Lekmm mir on ice'
                                I'd be the lame one instate.
                            Cheap and  I'm like carting around
                                 A Cartwhelload in lemons
                                  And she does one thing.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 OHMish wrote:

Yeah, I guess he found and sticks to a niche style, which is non-expressive, bored, boring and sleep-inducing

 
I thought these guys were gonna be so important at first, with the brilliant lines like "I'll get money; I'll get funny again. Walk away now, you're gonna start a war."

But that ham-handed, annoying drummer and this far too laconic singing really turn me off. 
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 undo_silence wrote:
beautiful song but somehow the singer sounds bored to me 

 
Yeah, I guess he found and sticks to a niche style, which is non-expressive, bored, boring and sleep-inducing
Posted 9 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
 blotto wrote:
Is this in English? does it come with subtitiles?

 
Oh just listen;)
Posted 9 years ago by zerosomething    [ Reply ]
beautiful song but somehow the singer sounds bored to me 
Posted 9 years ago by undo_silence    [ Reply ]
Is this in English? does it come with subtitiles?
Posted 9 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
The Boxer Rebellion to The National's Boxer: I like it.
Posted 10 years ago by vesta0424    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favorite albums.  Love that deep voice!
Posted 10 years ago by jamelch    [ Reply ]
and their last album is so splendid!
Posted 10 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
solid 1, and I am giving credit for at least being consistantly crappy.
Posted 10 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
simply brilliant. how did they go from this to what's on their latest cd?
Posted 10 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
This group could potencially sound for 9, but they act so trivial everytime... 
Posted 11 years ago by whomhow    [ Reply ]
I consistently like these guys more than I think that I should.
Posted 11 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
great seg from Eluvium, much as Eluvium are sucko barfo, at least The National have got somethin' to say in their Fake Empire!
Posted 11 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
the song would be better served if the singer removed the marbles from his mouth before recording.
Posted 11 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
10 -> still no 11 button? -> 10
Posted 11 years ago by Boerebroek    [ Reply ]
4 years later and this song is just as painful.  no thanks, national.  {#Cowboy}
Posted 11 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
Loooooooove this song. Enjoy your Pandora, jnhashmi.


Posted 11 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
TYPE O NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!! im falling asleep again{#Yawn}
Posted 12 years ago by BibKiller    [ Reply ]
I liked it. Not too much off the other stuff I've heard from them but still unique and not bad at all....
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
I have this album, but I don't really know how it is.  There's something tiring about his voice.  I don't really know what it is, but I can't make it through the entire album before either nodding off or just getting bored.  I can't say that there is any single track that I dislike much, and there are a few standouts, but I just can't sit down and listen to the whole thing.
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
"we're half awake.... with... fake.... implants"   {#Smile}
Posted 12 years ago by 80poundsOfFury    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:
Someone made the comment "Percussion happy" about a song I can't remember now.
This fits quite well here. =) 
 
NO SUCH THING... {#Drummer}
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
 2cats wrote:
Please play this on a regular basis!
 
bump (don't ping)


Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Please play this on a regular basis!
Posted 13 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
A SOLID NINE no doubt about it, these guys can play...
Posted 13 years ago by simme2    [ Reply ]
Someone made the comment "Percussion happy" about a song I can't remember now.
This fits quite well here. =) 
Posted 13 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:
I like these guys ... based on the comments below, though, the live show might be an iffy proposition.
 
Saw them perform in the 2010 Glastonbury festival and they seemed pretty animated.  It was hot hot hot outside, so any activity was somewhat limited or they would have fallen victim to heatstroke.  They played a solid set and sounded good to me.
Posted 14 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
dunno much about these guys but I like this!
Posted 14 years ago by rage    [ Reply ]
 flapser wrote:
This is one of my favorite songs
 

Looking forward to the new album!!
Posted 14 years ago by marc1980    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favorite songs
Posted 14 years ago by flapser    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is very nice.  I look forward to hearing more of their music.
Posted 14 years ago by twitterpated    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:

I am always dupped into thinking this is Crash Test Dummies........doh!


 

I meant to add that I like CTD....and I like this music!
Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]

I am always dupped into thinking this is Crash Test Dummies........doh!


Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
This is just lovely, passionate, musical, and powerful.  Thanks, RP!
Posted 15 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
We're half awake, and bakin' pie.
Posted 15 years ago by PeorgieTirebiter    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:


i saw the same show in ny, and gotta say that modest mouse made the national look silly.  the national has ZERO energy - totaly yawn/bore-fest.  modest mouse brought the rock.
 
You probably got to see Johnny Marr play onstage with REM. I didn't. The Berkeley show was at the beginning of the tour, and their sets were still evolving. Dammit!

What I did see was the lead singer for Modest Mouse barking his vocals into the microphone (and occasionally a bullhorn), and acting like he really didn't give a f*ck about being there. {#Yell} {#Ass} {#Beat}

I understand the difference in taste. I really do.

The National was great in Berkeley. So was REM. But I could have done without Modest Mouse.

Johnny was great, though.{#Guitarist}

Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
I like these guys ... based on the comments below, though, the live show might be an iffy proposition.
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
I love you RP. I really do. But nothing makes me switch to Pandora faster than hearing this song.
Posted 15 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
These guys opened for REM and Modest Mouse (they sucked) at the Greek up in Berkeley last summer. We gave The National a standing "O", and they deserved it. They are a very good live band, well worth the time. {#Clap}
 

i saw the same show in ny, and gotta say that modest mouse made the national look silly.  the national has ZERO energy - totaly yawn/bore-fest.  modest mouse brought the rock.
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
These guys opened for REM and Modest Mouse (they sucked) at the Greek up in Berkeley last summer. We gave The National a standing "O", and they deserved it. They are a very good live band, well worth the time. {#Clap}
Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
rtrudeau wrote:
To those who complain and moan that songs ("It's always the songs I don't like, waah, waah, waah") are "overplayed" on RP, I am cross-posting this excellent analysis originally made by listener DrLex (click here) in the comments for the Paul Simon song "Late in the Evening."

DrLex wrote:
Thanks!


Posted 16 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]