Paris Is Burning
St. Vincent Lyrics
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Send my cinders home to mother
They gave me a medal for my valor
Leaden trumpets spit the soot of power
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Enclosed in this letter there's a picture
Black and white for your refrigerator
Sticks and stones have made me smarter
It's words that cut me under my armor
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
"While I slip poison in your ear"
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
The song "Paris Is Burning" by St. Vincent is a commentary on power and corruption in society. The lyrics seem to speak from the perspective of a soldier who has returned from a war, disillusioned by the violence and destruction that he has witnessed. He writes to his mother to tell her that the war is over and that he is coming home. However, he is haunted by the actions that he has taken and the atrocities that he has witnessed. He is given a medal for his "valor", but he sees it as a hollow symbol of the destructive power of war.
The soldier is also disillusioned by the people in power. They tell him that they are on his side, but he realizes that nobody is truly on his side. They tell him to sit and rest, but they only use the opportunity to poison his mind with their own corrupt ideas. The soldier is waiting for news of the fall of Paris, which seems to represent the downfall of society as a whole. He is sorry to report that Paris is indeed burning, and the people have taken to the streets in revolt.
Line by Line Meaning
I write to give word the war is over
I'm informing you that the conflict is fully resolved.
Send my cinders home to mother
Return my remains to my mother.
They gave me a medal for my valor
I was rewarded for my bravery.
Leaden trumpets spit the soot of power
The instruments expressing authority and prestige are oppressive and damaging.
They say, "I'm on your side
When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
Come sit right here and sleep
While I slip poison in your ear"
Remain attentive as I deceive you with manipulative statements.
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We anticipate an update on the decline of Paris but it's already doomed.
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
In exuberance, we organized a large demonstration and observe the city while it burns.
Enclosed in this letter there's a picture
Black and white for your refrigerator
Sticks and stones have made me smarter
It's words that cut me under my armor
This photograph comes with a message that words can cause deeper hurt than physical abuse.
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Keep dancing, Paris will fall and drown, dance until there is nothing left.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANNE ERIN CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind