“The District Sleeps Alone Tonight:” A Look Past the Historical D.C.

When you think about Washington D.C. images of presidents, the white house and our nations capital tend to come to mind. It is a place that most Americans feel a kinship to because it is the foundation of our nation. But is there more to Washington D.C. than history and politics? The Postal Service’s song “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” can be interpreted as offering another view, of a much more lonely vibe. While it is about a fragmented couple, it attaches this sense of isolation and gloom to D.C. This flip-side view of D.C. offers a much more personal approach because it isn’t political or formal it provides people with a new perspective to resonate with the city. While the political institutions of D.C. create an atmosphere of formality, the reality is that it is called “home” to many. This perspective of D.C., one that is intimate and often suppressed, brings another dimension of D.C. into view. Washington D.C. will always be very traditional and provide a space that embodies the concept of togetherness within the United States, yet at the same time it is interesting to take a step back from all of the rich history of D.C. and look at how people view and experience it today.

For the lyrics:

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/postalservice/thedistrictsleepsalonetonight.html