When listeners encounter the poetic phrase \"summer came like cinnamon,\" they're experiencing one of The National's most memorable lyrical moments from their critically acclaimed sixth studio album. This distinctive line appears in \"Lit Up,\" a track that showcases the band's signature blend of melancholic reflection and vivid sensory description.
The Origin of \"Summer Came Like Cinnamon\"
The phrase originates from \"Lit Up,\" the eighth track on The National's 2013 album \"Trouble Will Find Me.\" Written by band members Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, and Bryce Dessner, the song features the band's characteristic introspective lyrics layered over atmospheric instrumentation. The specific line appears in the bridge section: \"Summer came like cinnamon, we just smiled and watched her leave.\"
| Song Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The National |
| Album | Trouble Will Find Me |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Track Number | 8 |
| Writers | Berninger, Dessner, Dessner |
Lyrical Context and Interpretation
Within \"Lit Up,\" the \"summer came like cinnamon\" line serves as a pivotal moment of warmth and comfort amid the song's generally melancholic tone. The National frequently employs sensory metaphors to convey emotional states, and this particular comparison works on multiple levels:
- Sensory Connection: Cinnamon evokes warmth, comfort, and familiarity—qualities often associated with summer memories
- Temporal Contrast: The line appears just before \"we just smiled and watched her leave,\" highlighting summer's fleeting nature
- Emotional Resonance: The metaphor suggests a gentle, almost nostalgic arrival of seasonal change
Music critics and fans have interpreted this line as representing a moment of unexpected comfort during difficult times. The band's lead singer Matt Berninger is known for his poetic, sometimes cryptic lyrics that blend personal experience with universal emotions. In interviews, Berninger has described his songwriting process as capturing \"the feeling of something rather than the literal meaning,\" which explains why \"summer came like cinnamon\" resonates so deeply despite its unconventional comparison.
The National's Artistic Approach
Formed in Cincinnati in 1999 and later based in Brooklyn, The National has built a reputation for their literate songwriting and atmospheric sound. Their music often explores themes of anxiety, nostalgia, and the complexities of adult life. The \"Trouble Will Find Me\" album, which features \"Lit Up,\" received widespread critical acclaim and marked a commercial breakthrough for the band.
The band's use of unexpected metaphors like \"summer came like cinnamon\" demonstrates their willingness to push lyrical boundaries. Rather than relying on conventional summer imagery (sunshine, beaches, etc.), they chose a sensory comparison that evokes warmth through smell and taste—a technique that creates a more intimate, personal connection with listeners.
Cultural Impact of the Lyric
While not one of The National's most commercially successful singles, \"Lit Up\" has developed a dedicated following among fans who connect with its emotional depth. The \"summer came like cinnamon\" line has become one of the band's most quoted lyrics, appearing in social media posts, fan art, and even literary references.
This particular phrase exemplifies how The National transforms ordinary experiences into poetic moments. The unexpected comparison captures attention while conveying a universal feeling—how certain seasons or moments arrive with comforting familiarity, much like the scent of cinnamon in a kitchen.
Understanding The National's Lyrical Style
To fully appreciate \"summer came like cinnamon,\" it's helpful to understand The National's broader approach to songwriting. The band frequently employs:
- Domestic Imagery: Using household items and everyday experiences to convey complex emotions
- Seasonal Metaphors: Connecting emotional states to changing seasons
- Contrast Techniques: Juxtaposing warmth and comfort against underlying melancholy
This particular lyric represents the band's ability to find profound meaning in simple sensory experiences—a hallmark of their songwriting that has earned them a devoted following and critical respect throughout their career.
What song contains the lyric \"summer came like cinnamon\"?
The lyric \"summer came like cinnamon\" appears in \"Lit Up,\" a song by The National from their 2013 album \"Trouble Will Find Me.\" It's featured in the bridge section of the song as part of a poignant reflection on seasonal change and emotional states.
What does \"summer came like cinnamon\" mean in The National's song?
The phrase uses sensory metaphor to convey summer's arrival as warm, comforting, and familiar—much like the scent of cinnamon. In context, it represents a moment of unexpected comfort amid the song's generally melancholic tone, followed by \"we just smiled and watched her leave,\" highlighting how these comforting moments are often fleeting.
Who wrote the song containing \"summer came like cinnamon\"?
The song \"Lit Up\" was written by The National's core songwriting team: Matt Berninger (vocals/lyrics) and the Dessner twins Aaron and Bryce (music). The band collectively arranges their songs, but the primary songwriting credits for this track go to these three members.
On which album can you find the \"summer came like cinnamon\" lyric?
The lyric appears on The National's sixth studio album \"Trouble Will Find Me,\" released in May 2013. The album received critical acclaim and marked a commercial breakthrough for the band, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Why do fans connect with the \"summer came like cinnamon\" lyric?
Fans connect with this lyric because of its unexpected yet deeply resonant sensory metaphor. The National's ability to convey complex emotions through simple, tangible imagery creates an immediate emotional connection. The line captures a universal experience—those fleeting moments of comfort during difficult times—using a comparison that feels both personal and relatable.
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