The National on Letterman - July 24, 2007

[@basselope1418]

the drummer was a freelance proofreader at my company..sat right behind me. hehe. Luv their music. Thoughtful lyrics. Tight band. They deserve all the success and praise they get!

[@gqnelly]

The National are the perfect blend of pop sensibility with liberal dashes of adventure, art and witty lyrics to weave a compelling musical fabric. Bryan Devendorf is one of the most underrated drummers in music today...that boy can play. Matt is like a lower registered Morrissey.....

[@whiteshadow59]

Not surprised the band has become bigger. Deserve to be bigger though like Nirvana big

[@erichart7210]

Music guest like this is what made Letterman a great show.

[@AK-cm8qe]

How is this not not one of the great songs of our time?

[@danielcallaghan5538]

It is

[@lewis123646]

@@danielcallaghan5538 you beat me to it by 5 years

[@TheDiggityDNG]

It takes me at least 5 listens before I like a National album. Then it becomes something amazing and transcendent. If you don't like it, stick at it, it's very rewarding in the end. There are so many layers and hooks that I just don't hear first time.

[@mikelr98]

The opposite happens to me, it only takes listening the song´s intro, a few chords of it..or the oppening first line of the lyrics, the tone of voice of the singer, their style, the harmonics... etc.. it only takes a few seconds of the song to either love it or not care about it... I loved The National from the first few moments I found them... nothing to brag about it though... we are all different... on the other hand...don´t remember any other live performances as good as the one on this video... this one is perfect!

[@soccerjunkie7]

These guys are one of the best "grower" bands in music. I was bored with em at first but now they are one of my favorite bands and I believe one of the best of this generation.

[@ArtDrumz]

This song needs to be the anthem of the world.

[@stevestevens243]

At my desk job. Thought of this song. Remember seeing them live, must have been 2011 or 2012. Those were some of the best times of my life. Was big into music. Been trying to capture some of that again. Re-listening to some of my faves. Such a great, underappreciated band. Hope I can get back to that place again.

[@citeriorcf]

this is one of my favorite band and on of my favorite song

[@ozhiphop47]

I was really surprised by this! What a talented band, One of the ones who actually sound the same live as on the CD. One big fuckin' thumbs up.

[@scottay69]

this is my 3 year old son's favorite song, he calls it 'cool song' and wants to hear it over and over again

[@yankeefan2525]

I just sold a Wurlitzer Electric Piano on eBay. The guy came to pick it up, and it turns out it was somebody working for The National. I sold the band one of the instruments they'll be playing. I had never listened to them before, but their music is really good. I'm glad I found them

[@consfasaCDMX]

Right now, April 2024, the #1 US rock band.

[@TheCatherinemh]

Letterman has some FANTASTIC artists performing on his show. I heard this song at the end of an episode of "Southland" and JUST HAD to watch this again! These guys are AMAZING

[@2Stardumb]

The National still give me goose bumps on every listen they are one of the best of our time

[@dlanodrelda]

Boxer doesn't have a weak track on it. Great to watch a band grow, and have a chance to grow.

[@jillynewsom9308]

I still love this band!!

[@comurph]

one of the most beautiful songs ever

[@diasehmai]

Very refreshing band - thoughtful lyrics, non-standard time signature, and everyone's got their egos in check. Almost unheard of. This album made most music critics top 20 album lists for 2007.

[@dreamkast0r]

The National is one of the best bands playing music today, and easily the most underrated. Boxer is such a beautiful testament, they've finally nailed a production sound, and are incredible live.

[@bernhardlohr4662]

Heard this song first time in New Zealand 11/2017 (!)... Walking around Wellington ,great music came out a musicstore ... ...it was "fake Empire"...! I bought right away theis great CD.....! B.L.,Greetings from Germany

[@LaurenAnyone]

Ok I still remember watching this all these years later!! Amazing

[@sergioolaciregui7285]

That outro is fucking insane, chills every time

[@peterwoods9663]

how is this not one of the great songs of our time !

[@CARLORUSPONI86]

definitively one of the best songs....so far..love it..

[@kyrill1986]

I really love this song. I'm shivering everytime I hear it.

[@brock1109]

Wonderful live band!!! an absolute joyxxxx

[@RSLweblog]

Saw this band sell out a large theater in Boston last year and then a few weeks later they played a tiny gig (just 253 max capacity) here in the city. Tremendous band - put them in my top 15 of 2007.

[@funnyguy9711]

Man I hope this message finds you still smashing life 13 years later. Time is an amazing thing.

[@lejuames]

havnt been as excited about a band in years.god bless the national

[@unairisueno]

Modest, elegant, full of style

[@isitgettinheavy]

Holy crap what a great song. I just discovered these guys...where the hell have I been?

[@absentgina]

Thank you very much for posting this. Awesome

[@buckleygeneration]

A couple of friends of mine who saw them live said that the way the singer performed on stage reminded them of me. I feel kind of flattered.

[@TG_2112]

Saw at the Tabernacle in the ATL this summer! Mr. November nearly brought the place down. They are truly amazing!

[@littlelesslove]

nothing short of beautiful. just beautiful.

[@brock1109]

I love this band!! To see them live is a joy.

[@nakamichiguy]

I really NEED to see these guys live. This album has haunted and lived with me since it came out. They're so amazing!

[@paulin77]

Wow - brilliant. Such creativity!

[@TDaySpawn]

Easily my favorite band, i randomly heard of em a while back when alligator came out n bought it. I just got Boxer and I think it's easily just as good if not better. I still haven't gotten sick of any of their songs!

[@ben_mac8670]

Your comment is one of the oldest iv seen on KZbin

[@keithbate9405]

14 years later . Better than ever. saw them play Manchester UK last Sat (27 August 2022) , and they are one of the best bands I have ever seen in 50 years of gig going . Seen around 1200 gigs /2000 bands with supports. My current Number 1 band and in my all time top ten with the Beatles, Wall of Voodoo, The Velvet U, Dead Can Dance, Fleetwood Mac, Joy D, REM , LP, Low

[@keithbate9405]

@@ben_mac8670 I wonder if he still thinks the same. The band are even better in 2022 ! saw them last Sat . One of the greatest gigs I have ever seem in 50 years of gig going

[@wphantom]

Love it. Love the hi-hat in the last section stuttering while the snares are hit, love the grumbling guitars before the horns come in, love the end. LOVE IT

[@HerrMarzipan]

amazing! listening to the album up and down all day

[@amusicment4829]

Here in 2023 after watching Letterman as a guest on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show :)

[@jonnyringo]

I was at Red Rocks too and The National were awesome! They got a standing ovation as the first opener on a slot of three bands. That is a rarity at Red Rocks. They made a lot of new fans last night. On another note, I love the lead singer's voice.

[@jordandionne2814]

Who were the other bands?

[@jonnyringo]

Modest Mouse and REM was the headliner.

[@jordandionne2814]

@@jonnyringo Oh my goodness, that must have been incredible, given the year for The National and Modest Mouse. Thanks for replying to this 14 year comment

[@jonnyringo]

@@jordandionne2814 lol. no problem. I honestly forgot I commented on this video until your reply popped up as a notification. I had to rewatch the performance, of course.

[@jefedezorros]

The drummer is incredible. That he can maintain that time sig is amazing.

[@Zeokoz]

Definitely one of the best performances on Letterman ever... It just makes you appreciate the band and the song so much more.

[@butherecomesthefall]

Just saw them live last night in dublin.....so beautiful i was reduced to tears...

[@greedkiller]

I was eating a sandwich when I started the video. I stopped chewing because my jaw dropped. My God they are good. Im gonna see them the 28th of November @ Melkweg Amsterdam. I can't wait. Guys, if you read this, thanks for making such beautiful music.

[@KeliSchneider]

what a great performance. I love this song even more.

[@LiliMesa87]

Their music is so exquisit. This is why I love indie music, you can always find great writing and music composition.

[@pablomartinezmata9313]

Thats is some cool drumming.

[@boratfrosty111]

amazing band and song. first time i heard of em was on letterman. since then i bin a fan!!

[@canuuuuuunot]

The build up is gorgeous, it makes me happy instantly

[@niffshack217]

love the drums and the complex rhythms

[@jpcarter7392]

Thanks Southland (season 1 episode 1) for bringing me here...

[@yourfuzzyscarf]

If you think this song is good, you should hear the rest of their catalog... it's just incredible. The best modern band.

[@werdfurs]

Fucking FACTZ they awesome

[@werdfurs]

The song is a poly rhythm that's the reason why it sounds not put together but put together it's deliberately done that way off putting an engaging at the same time I love it I love them and in my opinion super super super underrated

[@deadk133]

Such a good live band... Very ready for the new album!

[@crisatunity]

Nice to see some good music on tv. Awesome.

[@assyria24]

luv the message - i hope we wake up soon.

[@hptschrfhr]

great band and a wonderful song. i never heard of them , untill i saw them on letterman

[@kev221183gla]

cant wait to see them in glasgow in november!! what a band

[@BigE2407]

heard it on southland as well last night, great song

[@thestormlscoming]

amazing! this is one of those songs you would think would not work out properly live, but they nailed it!

[@brettnelson674]

The anthem of the 2000s

[@SlicingGinger]

This song is so completely excellent.

[@SmallSilverRObot]

Love these guys, amazing

[@askjewel]

I think I might have to go buy this album every song I have heard from it so far I'm loving!

[@darkmobohaha]

This is beautiful. Can't wait until I see them in May!

[@tvaddict69]

This song just blew my mind.

[@JohnnyWaterbucket]

A breath of fresh air. Thats all I need say.

[@moeneth86]

i loveee this song,especially when you heard it at morning

[@jorgie122]

i LOVE THIS SONG it was the first song i ever heard by them and i love them

[@sweetswing1]

I love this band, they are super great!

[@WojtekBieganski]

gives me chills every time

[@lmaf1974]

beautiful!

[@hagertt]

Love his voice, love this song, love this band. The National rock man.

[@markhill661]

This is the most mature resolution i have ever seen on youtube, and it was so immediate. I honestly respect this. Off to another video, have a good one.

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg TN Smoky Mountains Park..Say hi!!! 🌄🏞️🐻

[@chaddy91]

beautiful.

[@TheBenny48]

he holds the mic son passionately

[@jordandavidfilm]

first heard this song in the movie "battle in seattle" great movie btw! but this song is great I can listen to it all day, it's a beautiful song.

[@DeviousBrute]

got there album, and i love everything on it.

[@Rael571]

Total body goosebumps. Awesomeness personified.

[@DManSKIDROW]

Totally Hooked On This Song - Couldn't Remember Where I 1st Heard It Though Till The Other Day ... It Was The Song Played At The End Of Sr.01 Ep.01 Of Southland. Stunning Song.

[@ralphroe5625]

I love this song. First heard it playing under the final scene of Person Of Interest, S 05.09 "Sotto Voce." Haunting and so fit to the moment.

[@DolphCas]

Me too! i LOVE the way he holds the mic! ...Just like IAN CURTIS!...WHERE HE STOLE THIS MOVE FROM! u kids better recognize.

[@matt984]

this song is best listened to while driving on an empty road on a cold autumn morning

[@EtcEtcAndEtc]

Always nice to be a part of rock and roll, no matter how!

[@andrewharrison1194]

Still good lads! Just watched them live in Cardiff castle.

[@grizzlybear869]

Fake Empire is so beautiful in this live version❤️

[@bremex]

I saw them at Coachella, one of the fucking best bands live I've seen... Very very underrated band, I loo0o0o0o0o0ove them!!!! A mate from Norway got me onto'em hahahaha!!

[@wildmikeman]

love the trumpet in this

[@pumpei]

I love how the keys player has a key on his Korg organ emulator taped down , and running through a vintage Tube Screamer. He just uses the organ drawbars to play a harmonic solo throughout, awesome.

[@indyraider4]

The National is my favorite band hands down.

[@easybuckets]

Beautiful

[@cavmusicnyc]

and all the wine is all for me!!! amazing sound

[@sadbaby01]

LOVE THIS SONG!!!

[@AlasdairD]

Battle's John Stainer is amazing. The things he does just blow my mind.

[@cyortiz05]

So Very GOOD!!!!

[@hodgins]

the ending is awesome

[@justforfun73]

my best song of 2007! grat!