“Weird Goodbyes” by The National (ft. Bon Iver)

The National’s “Weird Goodbyes”, which is presumably romantic in nature, speaks to an emotional experience many of us may go through. And that is, based on Matt’s explanation, proceeding to break up with somebody, only to realize later down the line that doing so may have been a mistake.

There are certain parts of the song which seem to do an ample job of implying that such is the thesis sentiment of this piece. The aforementioned parts can be found in the first and third verses.

However, there are other sections which are so heavily symbolic that it may prove more challenging to ascertain what the vocalist is getting at. For instance, the term “weird goodbyes” is never clearly defined. But it should also be pointed out that overall, what’s being put forth has somewhat of a nostalgic feel. The singer is apparently implying throughout that there’s certain things, even raindrops on his car’s windshield, that freshly remind him of a past relationship.

Indeed, it appears what’s actually being relayed here basically is him ending a relationship and immediately coming to regret taking such an action.

“The grief it gets me, the weird goodbyes
My car is creepin’, I think it’s dyin’
I’m pullin’ over until it heals
I’m on a shoulder of lemon fields”

The Collaboration

It has been noted that this is The National’s first collaboration with Bon Iver. Furthermore, this is also the first time they’ve ever teamed up with an outside male vocalist in general. It was actually Aaron Dessner, the band’s main guitarist, who invited said vocalist, Justin Vernon, to participate.

It should also be noted that Dessner and Vernon are in fact regular collaborators. The pair even went on to start their own act known as Big Red Machine.

Credits for “Weird Goodbyes”

Aaron Dessner co-wrote “Weird Goodbyes” alongside his bandmate, Matt Berninger (who acts as lead vocalist on the track). The entire National is credited, as a singular entity, with producing the song.

Dessner revealed that the song was birthed as a result of him just playing with drum machines. According to him, while messing around with the drum machines, he accidentally met with a beat that he really loved. The song was subsequently built around this beat.

Release of “Weird Goodbyes”

This track was released on 22 August 2022. At the time of its release, it was a standalone single.