These Days
St. Vincent Lyrics


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I've been out walking
I don't do too much talking these days
These days...

These days I simply think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
And all the times I had the chance to
I've stopped my rambling
I won't do too much gambling these days
These days...

These days I simply think about
How all the changes came about my way
And I wonder if I'll see another highway

I had a lover
I don't think I'll risk another these days
These days...

These days I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song
It's just that I've been losing so long

I've stopped my dreaming
I won't do too much scheming these days
These days...

These days I sit on cornerstones
And count the time in quartertones to ten




Please don't confront me with my failures
I have not forgotten them

Overall Meaning

In "These Days", St. Vincent paints a picture of a person who has been through a lot in life and is now deep in introspection. The lyrics suggest that the singer is taking stock of how their life has turned out, acknowledging missed opportunities and regrets. The opening lines reveal that the singer prefers solitude and contemplation to conversation, suggesting that they may be dealing with some emotional struggles. The next few lines reveal that the singer is thinking a lot about things they didn't do and moments they let slip away, indicating a sense of regret and possibly a desire to change course.


The refrain "These days..." is a sort of midpoint that divides the song into three sections. In the second section, the singer reveals that they have given up some of their more reckless behaviors, like "rambling" and "gambling". They think about the things that have caused or led to change in their life but feel uncertain about whether they'll have another chance at some of the experiences they've had.


The third section of the song is perhaps the most poignant. Here, the singer reflects on their past love and decides that they don't want to take another risk on love again. They are afraid to take chances and to live the life they have imagined for themselves. The singer admits that they have stopped dreaming because they are tired of making plans and being disappointed, that they have stopped scheming because they fear failure, and that they sit in one place counting the time instead of actively pursuing what they want. The final line, "Please don't confront me with my failures / I have not forgotten them", sums up the entire song. The singer of the song is struggling with his mistakes, yet the refrain "These days..." suggests that it may be too late to turn back.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been out walking
I often take long walks alone


I don't do too much talking these days
I’m not much of a talker anymore


These days...
Recently...


These days I simply think a lot
I spend most of my time contemplating


About the things that I forgot to do
Regretting the things I should have done


And all the times I had the chance to
Thinking about opportunities I passed on


I've stopped my rambling
I’m not the wandering type anymore


I won't do too much gambling these days
Gambling doesn't interest me anymore


These days I simply think about
Nowadays, I often consider


How all the changes came about my way
Wondering about the causes of all the changes in my life


And I wonder if I'll see another highway
I’m unsure if there will be any more journeys in my future


I had a lover
I used to have a romantic partner


I don't think I'll risk another these days
I’m not sure if I'm willing to fall in love again


These days I seem to be afraid
Recently, I've become fearful


To live the life that I have made in song
I’m scared to lead the life I’ve written in my songs


It's just that I've been losing so long
I've been failing for so long


I've stopped my dreaming
I don't daydream or fantasize anymore


I won't do too much scheming these days
I’m not into scheming or planning like I used to be


These days I sit on cornerstones
Nowadays, I sit on street corners


And count the time in quartertones to ten
I count the minutes very slowly


Please don't confront me with my failures
I don't want to be reminded of my shortcomings


I have not forgotten them
I can't ignore them either




Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@TechNoir-wz5ic

How a 16 year old Jackson Browne was able to comprehend his feelings and write it in a song as moving and grown up/insightful as this is just beyond me....

@JohmathanBSwift

I know . Late for the Sky is an incredible work of such in depth , reflective and searching songs.

@magikbullit1989

Agreed. Different times back then I suppose.

@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly

How he keeps it up is the question...

@1nfiniteSeek3r

Would be interesting to know his influences both literary and musical, and some of the experiences which formed him.

@SantosSantos-bf5sz

I like Jackson Browne, he's cute.

11 More Replies...

@JustReadable

9 years later and she developed, changed her style and is doing brilliant and exiting music and performances but this recording is just so sweet.

@krollpeter

Not really style change.
The colours she uses are more.

@RajeevRanjan-py7ul

exciting*

@emmanuelcamacho1921

I miss the old st vincent

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