In the 2005, WNFX/Boston Phoenix Best Music Poll Amanda Palmer won Best Female Vocalist.
Amanda has performed as a living statue called “The Eight Foot Bride” in Harvard Square as well as in many other locations.
Her solo album entitled “Who Killed Amanda Palmer” was released in September 2008, and was produced by Ben Folds, who also appears on the album. Zoë Keating also appears on several tracks.
In 2009, she pleaded with her label, Roadrunner Records, to drop her from their roster. She has been vocal about this in interviews and in concert, even dedicating a song called "Please Drop Me" that is sung to the tune of "Moon River."
On January 15, 2010, writer Neil Gaiman announced on his official blog that he and Palmer were engaged to be married.
On March 30, 2010, the album "Evelyn Evelyn" was released, as a collaborative work with Jason Webley.
On July 20, 2010, Palmer released a solo EP of Radiohead covers, entitled "Amanda Palmer Performs The Popular Hits of Radiohead On Her Magical Ukulele".
In January of 2011, Palmer and Gaiman announced that they were now legally married. Palmer also released a new studio album, Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under.
On January 21, 2011, Palmer released "Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under, an album with an Antipodean theme featuring songs that Palmer wrote about, or while in, Australia and New Zealand. Artists the album features include The Young Punx, Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls, The Jane Austen Argument, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, and Lance Horne.
In March of 2012, Palmer announced a formation of a new band called "Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra." They first released a cover of Nirvana's song "Polly." In May 2012, she raised over 1 million dollars to fund the release of the band's new album, "Theatre is Evil," via Kickstarter. The album was released in September of 2012.
The Ship Song
Amanda Palmer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around
Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
We talk about it all night long
We define our moral ground
But when I crawl into your arms
Everything comes tumbling down
Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around
Your face has fallen sad now
For you know the time is nigh
When I must remove your wings
And you, you must try to fly
Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around
Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
Every time you come around
The Ship Song by Amanda Palmer is a passionate love song that depicts the intensity and depth of love between two individuals. The lyrics talk about a certain mystique and enigma associated with the person the singer is addressing. The line "Come sail your ships around me and burn your bridges down" is an invitation for this person to take a leap of faith and give it all for love even if it means leaving behind everything they used to know. The line "We make a little history every time you come around" is a nod to the transformative power of love and how it can change everything it touches.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of vulnerability and surrender. The line "When I crawl into your arms everything comes tumbling down" speaks to how love breaks down all barriers and defenses we have erected around our hearts. The imagery of removing wings and trying to fly suggests that sometimes love demands difficult choices and sacrifices.
Overall, the song is an ode to the power of love and how it can create a story that is unique and personal to the individuals involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Come sail your ships around me
Bring everything you have to offer and surround me with it
And burn your bridges down
Don't hold back, discard what's holding you back and give everything you have
We make a little history, baby
Together we create something special and unique
Every time you come around
Whenever we connect or are together
Come loose your dogs upon me
Let go of your guard and be vulnerable with me
And let your hair hang down
Be carefree and let loose with me
You are a little mystery to me
Your complexity and depth intrigue me
We talk about it all night long
We discuss our values and beliefs at length
We define our moral ground
Our discussions help us establish our personal values
But when I crawl into your arms
When we are intimate and close
Everything comes tumbling down
All the barriers and facades come crashing down
Your face has fallen sad now
Your expression has turned sorrowful and pained
For you know the time is nigh
You are aware that a difficult or sad event is about to occur
When I must remove your wings
When I must strip you of your freedom or power
And you, you must try to fly
You must strive to regain your strength and independence
Contributed by Elliot J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jackbabb8954
This was the first dance song at my wedding.
beautiful.. She really chooses the best songs to cover.
first "the jeep song", then "sheep song" and now... the ship song...
It´s lovely
@Persephone1803
Best. Cover. EVER.
@amickjaggertribute
I finally get paid tomorrow thus I will finally get my hands on this track. I keep coming back to it whenever anything acoustic comes up on itunes. Hell I love Nick Cave and hell I love Amanda Palmer. The silence of the audience throughout is incredible.
@TerryLatic
This was the first dance song at my wedding.
@iTubeQQQQQ
The most beautiful bride I know! I'm glad you and Neil are happy together.
@Songslayer
Been playing this song for years with friends. Classic! If ya like the song, check out Nick doing it with Johnette Napolitano from CB years ago. Not saying 'better' than this rendition, just different. Two of my fave female performers. Thanks for dusting this one off Amanda!! (search Johnette ship song or concrete blonde ship song)
@VioletVeins
This woman never seizes to amaze me.
@anirak0901
You look soooo beautiful as a bride! I absolutely love this song! Made me cry :'( I love you so darn much, Amanda! Thank you for existing!
@gruenchen26
This is amazing, taking on a nick song and nailing it ;)
@michaelhalsall5684
Brilliant reinterpretation of a briiliant song!