AD: Many of the reviews of Boxer called it a war record, focusing on tracks like “Start a War” and “Fake Empire,” but the more I listen to those tracks, the more they seem to be about crumbling relationships. To what extent are those songs “war” songs?
Matt Berninger: Neither were every really songs about war. “Fake Empire” has political allusions but it’s also just a song about going out and forgetting your troubles. If anything, its more about trying to avoid thinking about the state of the world.
AD: I’ve spoken with several artists who have begun to write purposefully ambiguous lyrics because they know that their songs are going to be interpreted differently by different people; to what extent do you do the same? How do you feel about the way your songs are interpreted?
Matt Berninger: A song sticks with me more if its a little ambiguous. It allows for flexibility and leaves the windows open. It’s easier for me to stay connected and interested in something if I’m not 100% sure what it’s about.
An interview that can be found at aquariumdrunkard.com/2008/07/10/matt-berninger-the-national-the-ad-interview/:
AD: Many of the reviews of Boxer called it a war record, focusing on tracks like “Start a War” and “Fake Empire,” but the more I listen to those tracks, the more they seem to be about crumbling relationships. To what extent are those songs “war” songs?
Matt Berninger: Neither were every really songs about war. “Fake Empire” has political allusions but it’s also just a song about going out and forgetting your troubles. If anything, its more about trying to avoid thinking about the state of the world.
AD: I’ve spoken with several artists who have begun to write purposefully ambiguous lyrics because they know that their songs are going to be interpreted differently by different people; to what extent do you do the same? How do you feel about the way your songs are interpreted?
Matt Berninger: A song sticks with me more if its a little ambiguous. It allows for flexibility and leaves the windows open. It’s easier for me to stay connected and interested in something if I’m not 100% sure what it’s about.
There you go.