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The National
Artist profile

The National

The National formed in Cincinnati in 1999 with Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Scott Devendorf, and Bryan Devendorf. They didn't find much...

album131 lyric pages photo_library6 photos groups14 listeners here now Editor's note live
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
Start here

The pages that open this catalog up fastest

These picks surface the stronger lyric pages first instead of dropping you into one endless list.

Secret Meeting Video on page · 4 visits arrow_forward Tall Saint Video on page · 4 visits arrow_forward Afraid Of Everyone Video on page · 3 visits arrow_forward Green Gloves Video on page · 3 visits arrow_forward Pay for me Video on page · 3 visits arrow_forward Sleep Well Beast Video on page · 3 visits arrow_forward
Editor's note

The National's slow-burn indie rock and moody voice

A Cincinnati band that built a sound on layered guitars, steady rhythm, and Matt Berninger's low vocals.

For a sense of their mix, try Secret Meeting or Tall Saint. They frame the band's tension and quiet style well.

They didn't get much attention early on, but Alligator in 2005 changed that with its raw feel and indie buzz. Songs like Afraid Of Everyone show how Berninger's voice works against the Dessners' guitars and the Devendorfs' rhythm, creating a tense atmosphere. Tracks like Exile Vilify and Tall Saint fit their quieter, thoughtful style without forcing anthems.

They formed in Cincinnati in 1999 and kept working until Alligator got them noticed. Over time, they played festivals like Bonnaroo and put out albums like Sleep Well Beast, sticking with their detailed approach.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 20
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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131 lyric pages live 6 photos available Editor's note live Video on page
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Background notes

Archive material and source history

The National formed in Cincinnati in 1999 with Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Scott Devendorf, and Bryan Devendorf. They didn't find much attention at first, but kept working at it. Their third album, Alligator from 2005, got them noticed with its raw feel and got them talked about in indie circles.

Berninger's low, moody voice became a recognizable part of their sound, set against the Dessners' layered guitars and the Devendorfs' steady rhythm. Songs like Afraid Of Everyone and Secret Meeting show that mix of tension and atmosphere they built. They put out Sleep Well Beast later on, which kept with their detailed approach.

They played festivals like Bonnaroo, where reactions could be mixed. Over time, they've put out tracks like Exile Vilify and Tall Saint that fit with their quieter, thoughtful style without trying to be anthems.

Quick answers

What this artist page can answer fast

Where should I start with The National on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Secret Meeting, Tall Saint, and Afraid Of Everyone so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for The National?

LyroVerse currently has 131 visible lyric pages for The National.

Does The National have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 6 photos available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for The National?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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