04-05-19
The story of Cain & Abel is one which supposedly details the world’s first murder, an act which is the embodiment of contempt. Cain felt the Lord take favor with Abel, and in his jealousy and contempt, he killed his brother. When the Lord asked if Cain had slaughtered his brother Abel, Cain lied saying he hadn’t done it, yet the blood was fresh on his hands, and the Lord decided to curse him to a life filled with remorse and regret.
This story may not be true, yet the sentiment in which it’s birthed from is as old as humans. We struggle with trying to reconcile our emotions so that they don’t get the best of us so that we hold some measure of control and authority over them.
Matt Berringer, the lead singer of The National, has said that this song is a direct reference to Cain and Abel, and yet there’s obviously something more personal there. Several years ago, Tom Berringer, younger brother to Matt, accompanied The National on their biggest tour to date, documenting the entire event while also providing support as a roadie. The movie was created in a raw and honest way portraying an all too familiar dynamic between two brothers, that of one feeling the shadow of the other successes while trying to figure out their own life. This is a relatable feeling for most, but then to compound it with the reality of your sibling being a famous musician has to only amplify a lifetime of feeling like being discarded.
Abel was written years before Mistaken for Strangers the documentary was released, however, with the gift of time, it feels like there are too many similarities present for it to be a coincidence. Where Mistaken for Strangers is Tom capturing some of his feelings regarding the situation it almost feels that The National’s Abel could be Matt’s interpretation of Tom’s feelings…Perhaps I’m reading too much into this, but it does sound like a brother that is at the end of their patience.
Lyrics:
[Chorus]
Well, my mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
[Verse 1]
Abel, come on, give me the keys, man
Everything has all gone down wrong
Abel, come on, give me the keys, man
Everything has all gone down wrong
[Pre-Chorus 1]
I see water on the bridge
Well, you better hold my hand through this
Turn around, turn around, take me back, I can’t calm down
Turn around, turn around, take me back, I can’t calm down
[Chorus]
Well, my mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
[Verse 2]
Abel, come on, give me a reason
I am not as bright as I could be
Abel, come on, take me with you
Everything has all gone down wrong
[Pre-Chorus 2]
You turn me good and God-fearing
Well, tell me what am I supposed to do with that?
I’m missing something
Yeah, I’m missing something
[Bridge]
My mind’s gone loose inside its shell
My mind’s gone loose inside the shell
Well, I’m missing something, yeah I’m missing something
Abel, my mind’s gone loose inside the shell
[Chorus]
Well, my mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right