"Sad Case" is a song by the band EL VY, a collaboration between The National's lead vocalist Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf of Menomena and Ramona Falls. The song is featured on their debut album, "Return to the Moon," released in 2015. The lyrics of "Sad Case" convey a sense of longing, loneliness, and the desire to reach out to someone. The narrator expresses their feelings of uncertainty and a willingness to do anything to connect with the person they are addressing, presumably named Michael. The song begins by stating the narrator's confusion about what they should do, emphasizing their desire to have a conversation with Michael. The lyrics convey a yearning for peace and tranquility, mentioning the act of opening windows and hearing "four knots," which can be interpreted as the sound of the wind or a metaphorical representation of solace. The repetition of the phrase "Michael, I've been a sad case" throughout the song highlights the narrator acknowledging their own sadness and perhaps seeking understanding or comfort from Michael. The mention of St. Louis turning off its lights symbolizes a manner of isolation and darkness, contrasting with the idea of talking throughout the night, possibly suggesting that the narrator seeks solace in conversation, even when events have unsettled them. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of not causing harm to others, urging both the narrator and Michael to focus on the small victories or moments of resilience when faced with adversity, represented by keeping their eyes on the cracks. The song continues to explore the theme of time and the healing process. The narrator reflects on the passing of time and the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, using the phrase "It takes a lot of time and it takes a little bit of cryin' to get your mind off." This signifies the need to acknowledge and process emotions before finding peace and moving forward. The lyrics shift to a specific location, West Florence, an avenue where the narrator and Michael seemingly have a shared history. The mention of nobody remembering the narrator or Michael signifies a sense of loss and the fleeting nature of connections. Overall, "Sad Case" encapsulates feelings of longing, loneliness, and the struggle to find solace while acknowledging one's own sadness. The song suggests that healing and finding peace require time, understanding, and a supportive connection with others.
