An outtake from the Trouble Will Find Me sessions, “Sunshine On My Back” was released alongside the digital version of the National’s meta-documentary, Mistaken for Strangers, and features Sharon Van Etten on backing vocals.
The “Tina” in this song could possibly be Carin Besser (Matt’s wife)’s sis...
[Verse 1]
Tina lies on the ground
She lies there forever
She likes the sun
Tina knows the devil
[Verse 2]
Tina loves the violence
Of living in the country
She likes that it's
So far from me
[Verse 3: The National & Sharon Van Etten]
Tina has her story down
I really thought I knew it
And it changed around
When I was almost through it
[Refrain]
Sunshine on my back is the only kind I like
Sunshine in my brain is the lonely kind of pain
It's the sunshine of a lonely mind
[Bridge: The National & Sharon Van Etten]
She says "After today then there's nothing you owe me"
And I'm so glad that you came, I needed someone who loves me
But just don't try to talk yourself into this love
And sleep like a baby while I'm staying up
It's as much what you say, as it is what you don't
You can't try to stay you either will or you won't
[Refrain]
Sunshine on my back is the only kind I like
Sunshine in my brain is the lonely kind of pain
It's the sunshine of a lonely mind
Sunshine on My Back was written by Matt Berninger.
Sunshine on My Back was produced by Bryce Dessner & Aaron Dessner.
The National released Sunshine on My Back on Thu Apr 02 2015.