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The National — Anyone's Ghost
Album: High Violet
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1526









Released: 2010
Length: 2:50
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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You say you stayed home alone with the flu
Find out from friends that wasn't true
Go out at night with your headphones on again
And walk through the Manhattan valleys of the dead

Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost
Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost

But I don't want anybody else
I don't want anybody else

You said I came close as anyone's come
To live underwater for more than a month
You said it was not inside my heart, it was
You said it should tear a kid apart, it does

Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost
Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost

But I don't want anybody else
I don't want anybody else
I don't want anybody else
I don't want anybody else

I had a hole in the middle where the lightning went through
I told my friends not to worry
I had a hole in the middle, someone's sideshow to do
I told my friends not to worry

Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost
Didn't want to be your ghost
Didn't want to be anyone's ghost
Comments (93)add comment
thump thump, mumble mumble, thump thump, mumble mumble
I rate it a negative 10
Posted 1 month ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
thump thump, didn't want to be your goat, thump thump thump thump, didn't want to be anyone's goat. yeesh
Posted 3 months ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Didn't want to be your goat
Didn't want to be anyone's goat
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
sounds a bit like Molchat Doma, mutatis mutandis
Posted 1 year ago by lagbegue    [ Reply ]
great beat, love the national
Posted 1 year ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
Didn’t want to bake your goat?
lol
Glad I’m not the only one who had to check the lyrics!!
Posted 1 year ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
Discovered the National in 2010 during a bleak time when I kinda spun off my axis for a while. This album is wonderful but truly depressing, and when I hear it, I remember exactly what I felt like at that time. I can't listen to it anymore

There's nothing about the National or the way they sound that's an accident. You don't have to care for them, but they know exactly what they're doing and they're absolute masters at it.
Posted 2 years ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

Ugh. Came here again to complain about that horrible ham-handed drumming. But I just had.


It tries for ethereal but the drums don't let it.
Posted 2 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
They say that a band is as good as its drummer.
The National have an excellent drummer, IMHO...
Posted 2 years ago by DimDeckard    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

Didn't wanna bleat, your goat. Didn't wanna bleat, anyone's goat.




Now that's just the sort of smartarse comment that gets my goat! :o)
Posted 3 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
The lead singer might want to think about drinking a cup of coffee or two before he records another tune. 
Posted 3 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Just when I was hoping things would pick up, we get a song from The National ... a song, which pretty much sounds like every other song by The National. I think I'm gonnahafta switch over to Spotify for the rest of the day -- this mix is a total drag.
Posted 4 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
Didn't wanna bleat, your goat. Didn't wanna bleat, anyone's goat.
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
"I didn't want to drink.  Your Coke.  Didn't wanna drink. Anyone's Coke."
Posted 6 years ago by RCinSoCal    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:
Not a bad tune as far as it goes.  If I'd known at an earlier age that I could have sung monotoned and had a successful career doing so.....well....I'd of done it rather than go on to be the techno-geek I turned out to be.  Hey...the shower heard a ton of my best stuff!  {#Lol}  Ummm...no offense against the National's....juuuuust sayin' is all. 

 
LOL, that's pretty much what it takes for "greatness." ..."Singin' in the shower!"
Posted 7 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
 aaronm wrote:
You can always tell a The National song by the sound of a lead singer who doesn't seem to want to be there.

(This is more of an observation than a knock.) 

 
It would be better if he wasn't there.
Posted 7 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
 blotto wrote:
thump thump gargle gargle thump thump gargle gargle thump thump gargle gargle

 
still sounds the same.
Posted 8 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Not a bad tune as far as it goes.  If I'd known at an earlier age that I could have sung monotoned and had a successful career doing so.....well....I'd of done it rather than go on to be the techno-geek I turned out to be.  Hey...the shower heard a ton of my best stuff!  {#Lol}  Ummm...no offense against the National's....juuuuust sayin' is all. 
Posted 8 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
Ugh. Came here again to complain about that horrible ham-handed drumming. But I just had.
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Look kids, they have a unique and very likeable sound just like most of the good sustainable bands we enjoy. 
Posted 8 years ago by laidback    [ Reply ]
 aaronm wrote:
You can always tell a The National song by the sound of a lead singer who doesn't seem to want to be there.

(This is more of an observation than a knock.) 

 
He mentioned once about how he had to make a decision to be a songwriter and commit to it. That's different than "I HAD to! I have so much I want to SAY!"

And that drummer is so annoying. I can always tell The National by that weird drumming. 
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 a_genuine_find wrote:

Didn't want to be ... your Goat

 
And his teeth were perfect!
Posted 8 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
 OHMish wrote:

Wrong song dude. Sometimes RP messes up the song order/time listed ;)

 

Yep, you are right.  Reinforces that Springsteen stinks.
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
Wow, a really really horrible song, is he trying to copy Bruce Sprinsteen?  Springsteen is pretty bad, I am amazed someone could make it even worse!

 
Wrong song dude. Sometimes RP messes up the song order/time listed ;)
Posted 9 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
Wow, a really really horrible song, is he trying to copy Bruce Sprinsteen?  Springsteen is pretty bad, I am amazed someone could make it even worse!
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 Nadine wrote:


I'd exchange the expression "dead flat boring" into "laconic". I think the sound is artistically intended. Not a lack of (drum, singing, texting, etc.)-talent/skills... :o)

but that's just mho. 

 
Yes, I imagine this is exactly the way the band wants to sound.  Would one think a band spends weeks or months in the studio making recordings which sound like this and then comes out thinking "Gosh, we really thought this would have sounded more upbeat and peppy, like The Bay City Rollers"?
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 aaronm wrote:
You can always tell a The National song by the sound of a lead singer who doesn't seem to want to be there.

(This is more of an observation than a knock.) 

 
+1
Posted 9 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
National drone?
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]

Didn't want to be ... your Goat
Posted 10 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
You can always tell a The National song by the sound of a lead singer who doesn't seem to want to be there.

(This is more of an observation than a knock.) 
Posted 10 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
 MilesW wrote:
Not sure I hear that right...

Didn't want to take anyone's coat?
Didn't want to drink anyone's Coke?

 

 

I love mishearing lyrics!
Posted 10 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 sloroll64 wrote:
This group rocks in concert! Try another song too.

 

 
Saw them at Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta last week. Definitely do!
Posted 10 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
I hadn't paid attention to the drumming on this song before. That double downbeat/double backbeat is a lot more difficult than one would think--and the fills are spot on.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 stewliscious wrote:
didn't wanna bait no one's toes

 

But if they decided to do so, whatch out..theyd be the Master  ;)
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
didn't wanna bake anyone's phone
Posted 10 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
didn't wanna bait no one's toes
Posted 10 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
Not sure I hear that right...

Didn't want to take anyone's coat?
Didn't want to drink anyone's Coke?

 
Posted 10 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
In other words.....not sooooooooo good for the ears?
 
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I must confess—  this song is growing on me...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing...

hope you have a spring in your step this winter day, boober...

America's David photo AmericasDavid.jpg 
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
never looked at title 'til today - i always thought they were saying "goat" - - liked that better actually
Posted 11 years ago by markthecarp    [ Reply ]
I hate this "double voice".
Posted 11 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 Nadine wrote:


I'd exchange the expression "dead flat boring" into "laconic". I think the sound is artistically intended. Not a lack of (drum, singing, texting, etc.)-talent/skills... :o)

but that's just mho. 

 

What did one Lacedaemonian say to the other?





Nothing!


HAHAHA!        
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 84MacGuy wrote:

I just bought tickets to see these boys when they visit my fine town in September.



 
Me too. I've not seen them before, so really looking forward to it. Plus, Edgefield is such a great place for shows.
Posted 11 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]

I just bought tickets to see these boys when they visit my fine town in September.


Posted 11 years ago by 84MacGuy    [ Reply ]
Still like the live version better. This is a little to languid.
Posted 11 years ago by coachc    [ Reply ]
The songs from this album have taken 2 years of listening here to interest me in seeing what might be on the rest of the album.  Grew on me like a slow moving fungus.
Posted 11 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Love the drums on this one (and most of their stuff).  A definite highlight from High Violet.
Posted 11 years ago by winotron    [ Reply ]
 Nadine wrote:
mark sandman-ish
 
Gotta say I agree. For me, this is not a bad thing. Miss my Morphine...(band, not drug)!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 (former member) wrote:




Absolutely. You won't find me approaching a toilet bowl without my trusty stethoscope, either. No sirree.
 
 

Posted 12 years ago by clive369    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
What a completely lifeless sound. No pun intended. This is just dead flat boring.
 

I'd exchange the expression "dead flat boring" into "laconic". I think the sound is artistically intended. Not a lack of (drum, singing, texting, etc.)-talent/skills... :o)

but that's just mho. 
Posted 12 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
7 > 8
Posted 12 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
A song comment for another National song described it as:
Drums drums drums drums
Mumble mumble mumble
Drums drums drums drums
Mumble mumble mumble

That's what I keep hearing now !
 
Just try the double back beat on the snare. Harder than it sounds.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
thump thump gargle gargle thump thump gargle gargle thump thump gargle gargle
Posted 12 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
A grower, not a shower.
Posted 12 years ago by Jollyra    [ Reply ]
This group rocks in concert! Try another song too.

 
Posted 12 years ago by sloroll64    [ Reply ]
What a completely lifeless sound. No pun intended. This is just dead flat boring.
Posted 12 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]

Q. What's worse than a song by the National
A. 2 the National songs in the same day. 


Posted 12 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
i had it down low, and thought at first it was depeche mode.

i like this.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Sounds good, sort of like early 1980s
Posted 12 years ago by By_The_River    [ Reply ]
" didn't want to date no goat"   {#Eyes}
Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
LOVE The National!! Great songs this morning. Thank you RP!!! ;-)
Posted 12 years ago by jessi1126    [ Reply ]
A song comment for another National song described it as:
Drums drums drums drums
Mumble mumble mumble
Drums drums drums drums
Mumble mumble mumble

That's what I keep hearing now !
Posted 12 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
the national
Great Band ... Great Song
Posted 12 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
real nice feel...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
mark sandman-ish
Posted 13 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
Good album. My son saw them at Bonneroo a year ago, and I bought this on his recommendation. Not disappointed.
Posted 13 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
 84MacGuy wrote:

Carl, good call.  I never thought of the similarities until you mentioned it.  Now what would be really interesting is hearing Aimee Mann provide the backup voice on Anyone's Ghost.
 
There you go!

Posted 13 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 Carl wrote:
This reminds me of a somewhat less refined version of Jim White's "Static On The Radio."
 
Carl, good call.  I never thought of the similarities until you mentioned it.  Now what would be really interesting is hearing Aimee Mann provide the backup voice on Anyone's Ghost.
Posted 13 years ago by 84MacGuy    [ Reply ]
At first I thought he was singing "Didn't want to be your goat."  Guess my hearing is going baaaad.
Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
OMG! Same album as Swarm of Bees in Ohio?  The National takes on a wide range.  I'm likin' this pretty good.
Posted 13 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of a somewhat less refined version of Jim White's "Static On The Radio."
Posted 13 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 tommyboay wrote:
Discovered this song after I heard "Sorrow" and bought the CD.
Great song but not as good as Bloodbuzz Ohio or England to me :)

 
Agreement from me.

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]

thump thump mumble mumble thump thump mumble mumble thump thump mumble mumble


Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:
sounds more like he's saying goat to me...
 
Yep, he's saying goat.

Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 dmax wrote:
Every time The National comes on, I think about how much work this guy puts into his songs, only to be nullified by that ham-handed drummer.
 
I guess he's a love it hate it element. He's mentioned before how he wants to sound like a drum machine sometimes, Joy Division etc.
Posted 13 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
es un poco triste este album, pero bonito, me gusta mucho, en especial esta canción {#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by piñata    [ Reply ]
I bought this recording and it took me about 4 listens to get into it. Outstanding tracks abound on High Violet!  Will it stand the test of time?  Not sure.   
Posted 13 years ago by Radio_Man    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:




I got the CD High Violet when I first heard "Bloodbuzz Ohio" on Radio Paradise...  but this song is definitely a b-side throwaway...  just an album filler...

 

 
In other words.....not sooooooooo good for the ears?

Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
 2cats wrote:
Ok I'm first.  I  love the National and this song.

 

What you said!!!!!

Their new song off of the "Win Win" soundtrack is pretty incredible, btw...
Posted 13 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
 2cats wrote:
Ok I'm first.  I  love the National and this song.

 
I've been monumentally indifferent to The National so far, but this one's really catching my ear.

Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]

To me, this guy sings just like if he didn't want to..



Posted 13 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
Blech, whats next snow patrol followed by arcade fire
(ha, snow patrol was next).
Posted 13 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
Discovered this song after I heard "Sorrow" and bought the CD.
Great song but not as good as Bloodbuzz Ohio or England to me :)

Posted 13 years ago by tommyboay    [ Reply ]
"Had a hole in the middle....where the lightening went through it.. told my friends not to worry"  yeah,thats it. been there/hate that. 
Posted 13 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
mumble mumble mumble, yawn.
Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:




I got the CD High Violet when I first heard "Bloodbuzz Ohio" on Radio Paradise...  but this song is definitely a b-side throwaway...  just an album filler...

 

 

Ahhhh, it appears that you are definitely in the minority on this opinion....
Posted 13 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:




I got the CD High Violet when I first heard "Bloodbuzz Ohio" on Radio Paradise...  but this song is definitely a b-side throwaway...  just an album filler...

 

 
definitely huh?

Posted 13 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
sounds more like he's saying goat to me...
Posted 13 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Ok I'm first.  I  love the National and this song.

Posted 13 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]