Their debut album, "Feel It Break" (May 2011, Domino), came after a long sequence of bands for Stelmanis, representing a near ten year musical progression performing as an artist, then fleshed-out by a full band. The album made into several year-end critics' lists; notably, both the Toronto Star and New York named it the best album of 2011, with the former calling it "an outright stunner". Stereogum named Austra a Band to Watch on March 14, 2011.
Their sophomore album "Olympia" was released on June 18, 2013, from which the first single Home was released on March 7, 2013.
In 2014, the band released their first EP, "Habitat EP".
More settled and dominant than ever, the band's sound represents Stelmanis' influences tightened into a shiny metal ball — pianos give way to keyboards as songs build and pull, their urgent, dark melodies arpeggiating through multiple synthesizers, wrapping themselves around Stelmanis' voice.
Sites: Official Site
The Villain
Austra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the pleasures still the same.
she gets sicker.
I'll break your heart, if I can't stay
it's more than I might be safe to play.
It's hidden in the clouds where I can see
Arise sweet demon and have your say
I deserve nothing, but fortunes way
arise sweet demon and have your say
I'll break your heart, but I can't stay
Tenderly my garden grows there.
Carefully, I'll care and wait there.
I can't be sure this round will solve it.
The lyrics of The Villain by Austra are melancholic and introspective, describing the ambiguity and uncertainty of a conflicted relationship. The first line "you say I'm not afraid but I linger" suggests a hesitation or doubt in committing to the relationship. The next line "the pleasures still the same" highlights the allure of the relationship, despite the potential consequences. The following line "she gets sicker" could refer to the destructive nature of the relationship, with both parties suffering emotionally.
The chorus "I'll break your heart, if I can't stay it's more than I might be safe to play" suggests that the singer is aware of the potential harm they could cause, and is wary of the outcome. However, the line "it's more than I might be safe to play" also reveals a desire to take risks and live dangerously. The next verse "it's hidden in the clouds where I can see how easily my mind could just break free" portrays a sense of entrapment and a longing for escape.
The bridge "arise sweet demon and have your say, I deserve nothing, but fortunes way" adds a sinister tone to the song, implying that the singer is willing to embrace their darker impulses to attain what they desire. The final verse "tenderly my garden grows there, carefully I'll care and wait there, I can't be sure this round will solve it" suggests a sense of patience and a willingness to persevere despite the uncertainty of the situation. Overall, the song is a reflection on the complexities of relationships and the inner struggles that arise from them.
Line by Line Meaning
you say I'm not afraid but I linger.
You claim I am not scared, but I still hesitate.
the pleasures still the same.
The joys and delights are consistent and unchanged.
she gets sicker.
She becomes weaker and less healthy.
I'll break your heart, if I can't stay
I will cause you emotional pain if I cannot remain with you.
it's more than I might be safe to play.
This situation may be too hazardous for me to handle.
It's hidden in the clouds where I can see
Although it is obscured, I can still perceive it in some way.
how easily my mind could just break free
It is effortless for me to become liberated within my thoughts.
Arise sweet demon and have your say
Rise up, my dear devil, and express yourself.
I deserve nothing, but fortunes way
I am owed nothing, but the hand of fate will guide me.
arise sweet demon and have your say
Stand up, my cherished malevolent presence, and speak out.
I'll break your heart, but I can't stay
I will cause you heartbreak, but I cannot remain with you.
Tenderly my garden grows there.
My garden grows there delicately and caringly.
Carefully, I'll care and wait there.
I will wait and care for my garden carefully.
I can't be sure this round will solve it.
I am uncertain if this cycle will resolve anything.
Contributed by Harper J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Кирилл Кирин
You say I'm not afraid but I linger
The pleasure's still the same, she gets sicker
I'll break your heart if I can't stay
It is more than I might be safe to play
It's hidden in the clouds where I can see
How easily my mind could just break free
Arise sweet demon and have your say
I deserve nothing, but fortune's way
Arise sweet demon and have your say
I'll break your heart, but I can't stay
Tenderly my garden grows there
Carefully, I'll care and wait there
I can't be sure this round will solve it
I can't be sure this round will solve it
Sarah Wilson
2:34 - onwards, this shifting moment was the moment I fell in love with Austra, can't believe it's already 10 years ago The Beat and the Pulse came out.
Elias Barros
spill!! best part of the song
Clyntonsshed
10 years wow
Luiz R CL
right!!!
✨ tanner ✨
I am in absolute shock as well, doesn’t feel that long ago
Eduardo Rosas Gallegos
2:34
same feeling !
Xyring
This is my favorite song by Austra.
Laura Schubert
Yea
This one together with Spellwork
Tim Anon
+Xyring It's been growing on me slowly for about 2 years rising from obscurity but you know - I think I agree.
Lorelai M
This is the first song I've heard from Austra, the song that got me into this artist and now I love so many of the songs they've made. I'm glad I found this.