Song meaning of Cardinal Song by The National

The lyrics of "Cardinal Song" by The National convey a message about the complexities of romantic relationships and the pain they can bring. The song suggests that in order to protect oneself from the inevitable hurt that comes with love, one should hold back, lie, and keep their true feelings hidden. The repetition of the refrain "And do everything she'd never do" emphasizes the idea of keeping secrets and withholding emotions.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of infidelity. The singer talks about falling asleep with strangers' wives and becoming just another one of them, suggesting a sense of detachment and numbness. The line "Let her treat you like a criminal, so you can treat her like a priest" further explores the idea of power dynamics and the twisted ways in which people can hurt each other in relationships.

In the second part of the song, the singer addresses Jesus Christ, expressing confusion and feeling trapped and manipulated. This could symbolize the conflicted emotions and inner turmoil that come with love and relationships.

Overall, "Cardinal Song" explores the darker aspects of love, highlighting the pain, confusion, and self-protective measures that can arise in intimate connections. It suggests that vulnerability can lead to betrayal and ultimately questions whether love is worth the pain it brings.