Producer Hal Willner heard the EP and played it to Lou Reed, who immediately recruited him for his project The Raven. Now gaining more attention, Antony signed to US-based record label Secretly Canadian, and released another EP, The Lake, with Lou Reed guest-performing on one of the tracks. Secretly Canadian also re-released Antony's debut album in the United States to wider distribution in 2004. "Candy Darling on her Deathbed" by Peter Hujar used as the cover art for I Am a Bird Now
Antony's second full-length album, 2005's I am a Bird Now, was greeted with positive reviews and significantly more mainstream attention, winning the Mercury Music Prize for the best album of 2005. Rival Mercury nominees, and favorites for the prize, the Kaiser Chiefs suggested that Antony got in on a technicality; despite the fact he was born in the United Kingdom he spent much of his time in the US - although they later apologized for the suggestion that he wasn't a deserving winner.
The 5-song Another World EP was released on October 7, 2008. Antony and the Johnsons' third album, The Crying Light, was released on January 19, 2009[3]. Antony has described the theme of the album as being "about landscape and the future"[4].
Cut the World
Antony & The Johnsons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've always contained your desire to hurt me
But when will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
My eyes are coral, absorbing your dreams
My skin is a surface to push to extremes
But when will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
The lyrics to "Cut the World" by Antony & The Johnsons are steeped in symbolism and are open to interpretation. The song itself has a sombre tone, though it is sung with a certain amount of urgency. The lyrics start with an acknowledgment of having obeyed a "feminine decree" for a long time. This could mean that the persona has been suppressing their true self or identity to confirm the dominant patriarchal norms. The feminine decree refers to the stereotypical gender roles and societal expectations.
The next line hints at a subliminal desire or inclination to inflict pain on oneself. The persona acknowledges that they have been restraining this desire for a long time, but the question remains, "When will I turn and cut the world?". This line connotes the desire to break free from societal norms and do something different. It's about taking control, making a statement, and being heard.
The following lines describe the physical and psychological impact of the persona's suppression on their body. Their eyes are "coral," which could mean that they are sensitive, absorbent, or even fragile. The skin is a surface that is "pushed to extremes," indicating that it may have been subjected to physical and emotional harm as a result of trying to conform to societal expectations. The heart is described as a record of dangerous scenes, which could mean that it has stored up a considerable amount of hurt, pain, and regret.
Overall, the lyrics of "Cut the World" speak to the struggles of liberation from societal expectations and the desire to take control of one's life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
For so long I've obeyed that feminine decree
I've been following societal expectations to act a certain way because of my gender.
I've always contained your desire to hurt me
I've been suppressing the pain caused by someone else's actions.
My eyes are coral, absorbing your dreams
I am constantly affected by the wishes and desires of others.
My skin is a surface to push to extremes
My body is often subjected to mistreatment and harsh treatment by others.
My heart is a record of dangerous scenes
My emotions have been battered and bruised by perilous experiences.
But when will I turn and cut the world?
When will I stand up for myself and fight against the oppression of the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I finally take control of my life and break free from the chains of oppression?
Contributed by Victoria P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
OrganizaJoan
Antony & The Johnsons
Cut The World
For so long I've obeyed that feminine decree
I've always contained your desire to hurt me
But when will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
My eyes are corals, absorbing your dreams
My skin is a surface to push to extremes
My heart is a record of dangerous scenes
But when will I turn and hurt the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
Iki Nama
For so long I've obeyed
That feminine decree
I've always contained
Your desire to hurt me
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
My eyes are coral
Absorbing your dreams
My skin is a surface
To push to extremes
My heart is a record
Of dangerous scenes
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
Hans van Niekerk
CUT THE WORLD
For so long I've obeyed
That feminine decree
I've always contained
Your desire to hurt me
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
My eyes are coral
Absorbing your dreams
My skin is a surface
To push to extremes
My heart is a record
Of dangerous scenes
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
camilo saldaña
For so long Ive obeyed
That feminine decree
Ive always contained
Your desire to hurt me
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
My eyes are coral
Absorbing your dreams
My skin is a surface
To push to extremes
My heart is a record
Of dangerous scenes
But when will I turn
And cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
When will I turn and cut the world?
Irisviel
This song is a feeling. It's so sadly real. There are some moments when you really wish to "turn and cut the world". When you're feeling some deep sadness, its melody can make you cry, without even looking at the video.
Andrea Middelkoop
I encounterd the music of Anthony a few years ago and was mesmerised by the power and the courage of this wonderful person. Not alone a beautiful voice, but also the courage to put him/herself out there. Take or leave it, this is ME. And I love you for that and for your music, it touches my heart everyvtime I listen to it. Thank you and please continue...
Jo Rector
I love how Houten's character isn't proud of what she's done but stands conflicted and empowered by the other women in destroying the "structure" of masculinity. I also love the look she gives to the magnificent Marina Abramovic, it heartbreaking and beautiful.
Emma Gual Bel
Durante mucho tiempo he obedecido ese decreto femenino Siempre he contenía su deseo de hacerme daño Pero cuando voy a girar y cortar el mundo? Mis ojos son de coral, absorbiendo sus sueños Mi piel es una superficie para empujar a los extremos Mi corazón es un registro de las escenas peligrosas Pero cuando voy a girar y cortar el mundo? ¿Cuándo voy a girar y cortar el mundo? (Repetición) ¿Cuándo voy a girar y cortar el mundo? (Repetición)
stefrenz
Every time I watch this, without fail, I get goosebumps. Not many tracks can do that, Anthony and the Johnsons, Danish National Chamber Orchestra, take a bow.
Lylian Santos
É tão lindo que não canso de assistir. In love com esse vídeo.
PalmurcioWorld
The look of Carice, her eyes are so expresive. Such a brilliant actress, I can see a whole world of emotions in her eyes
Titus Paar
Brilliant and unexpected to take the most beautiful song in years and give it a dark twist video. This is brave and new! Not for everyone but Antony and the Johnsons was never for everyone. I love it.
O TristeFinn
Um dos clipes mais lindos que eu já assisti esse ano. Seria um mundo de mulheres ?
Rob Arentsen
We all have our visions. True art makes it possible to catch a glimpse of reality , which has so many faces as there are people to be part of it, through the veils of illusion. To me this music, as a lot of the music they make, is a work of art. Very special to see Marina Abramovic in this video. A lot of people (including me) were deeply touched by "The Artist is Present".