The National

turn on me

Do you see rhythms in the ocean water when it reflects the moon?
If it hasn't already happened to you, it's gonna happen soon
Do the lines in your kitchen table only show you how to drown?
And your mother's is the day you were born, the day you cut her down

You used to have me by the arm
You'd walk me up the darkest stairways
Gone too high, I'm way too far
I have no idea where you are
Did leaves fall down in perfect senses?
Do maggots call your name?
Do mirrors laugh at your behind your back
Are you constantly ashamed?
Do roaches live in between your feet?
And chase you slowly to the sea
Do tree branches bend down and ask you if you're finally ready

You used to have me by the arm
You'd walk me up the darkest stairways
Gone too high, I'm way too far
I have no idea where you are

When you turn, when you turn on me
Will I see?
When you turn, when you turn on me
Will I see?
When I turn around will you be there?
At the center of the world like you promised to be
When you suddenlyseem like a stranger
I can't tell anymore what you want from me

Does your family think you're too far gone?
Do you wonder if they're right?
Are you different than you used to be?
Are you alone somewhere tonight?
Do you think maybe you're just a little afraid?
And that I've really done the serious thinking
Do I really need to hold your hand?
And walk you all the way up here to the moonlight blinking

You used to have me by the arm
You'd walk me up the darkest stairways
We've gone too high, I'm way too far
I have no idea where you are

When you turn, when you turn on me
Will I see?
When you turn, when you turn on me
Will I see?
When I turn around will you be there?
At the center of the world like you promised to be
When you suddenlyseem like a stranger
I can't tell anymore what you want from me