neamsing - I thought the same about the cake, because it fits in with the theme of the entire song. Then I thought of the similarity to 'having your cake and eating it too' - just wanting it both ways, wanting everything to go your way, believing it should ... which just emphasises it even more.
As for the 'Serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon'? I always assumed that was just referring to slices of lemon (or other citrus fruit) in cocktails, wine or any old drink (but as this is The National, it's probably an alcoholic one), but he wants the whole sky, everything, feeling like he can take on the world. Also the big slice of lemon could be how the moon sometimes looks in the night sky, when it has that yellowish tinge and appears larger than it is.
I also love the title of this song, because it sounds like a children's book. Like The Animals of Farthing Wood, or The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Just makes me smile! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who gets a bit teary when I hear this - it's a completely involuntary reaction, song just gives me the shivers!
neamsing - I thought the same about the cake, because it fits in with the theme of the entire song. Then I thought of the similarity to 'having your cake and eating it too' - just wanting it both ways, wanting everything to go your way, believing it should ... which just emphasises it even more.
As for the 'Serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon'? I always assumed that was just referring to slices of lemon (or other citrus fruit) in cocktails, wine or any old drink (but as this is The National, it's probably an alcoholic one), but he wants the whole sky, everything, feeling like he can take on the world. Also the big slice of lemon could be how the moon sometimes looks in the night sky, when it has that yellowish tinge and appears larger than it is.
I also love the title of this song, because it sounds like a children's book. Like The Animals of Farthing Wood, or The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Just makes me smile! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who gets a bit teary when I hear this - it's a completely involuntary reaction, song just gives me the shivers!