Neutered Fruit
St. Vincent Lyrics

The lyrics of 'Neutered Fruit' by St. Vincent are open to interpretation, and they revolve around themes of obsession, repressed sexuality, and violence. The opening lines ask a question, "Did you ever really stare at me?" and it's repeated twice, creating a sense of longing and wonder. The singer then describes their own experiences of outdoor indulgence, "I ate flowers in the backyard/ A finely neutered fruit/ Shot a hundred arrows at a doe/ A hundred sparrows booed." The use of words like 'neutered fruit' implies a sense of castration or emasculation, which could represent a theme of vulnerability.

The following lines, "Don't run/ Don't run, little rabbit, run/ Don't run/ Don't run, little bunny, run," create a tone of menace and suggest a sense of control over the subject of the singer's obsession. The final stanza reiterates the opening lines, "Did you ever ride a bear for me?/ Did you ever really care/ Did you ever really care for me/ Like I cared for you?" The use of 'bear' suggests a sense of dominance and strength, and the repeated questions emphasize the sense of longing.

Overall, the lyrics of 'Neutered Fruit' showcase St. Vincent's ability to create ambiguous and unsettling images. The song is a reflection of obsession and desire, and the repeated questions and commands create a sense of power and control.