Discover the story of the song > Once Upon A Poolside (feat Sufjan Stevens) – The National

The protagonist is at a pool party, trying to keep his distance and talk about forgiveness. His partner is working the room and he's not doing any favors for anyone. He keeps asking his partner what worried thing she said to him, and he feels like everything is different but he still wants to make it work with her. He's confused and doesn't know what's happening, but he thought they could make it through anything.