David Byrne and Annie Clark of St. Vincent began working together in late 2009, using a process that Byrne had previously used on his 2008 collaboration with Brian Eno, "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today." The Who Songfacts reports that Love This Giant was recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey over a two-year period and features 10 songs co-written by the two musicians, with each one fully penning one additional track.
The duo had previously played together live at a St. Vincent show and on the album Here Lies Love.
The duo worked with a digital promotions company to distribute the promotional single "Who" and create embeddable widgets to stream the album. They toured to promote the album with a backing band that includes eight brass players (led by Kelly Pratt of Bright Moments), St. Vincent's keyboardist Daniel Mintseris, and My Brightest Diamond's drummer Brian Wolfe. Like Byrne's previous Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour, the performers engaged in complex choreography onstage while performing
For more details about the album, please visit: http://lovethisgiant.com/
Who
David Byrne & St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who lift this heavy load?
Who share this taxicab?
Who wants to climb aboard?
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
Far from his own hometown?
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the sun goes down?
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
Who walks this dusty road?
Who always proves her way?
Who's this Inside of me?
Who made a big mistake?
Who sees these constellations
Seen in those spinning round?
Counting these men and women
Who get lost when the sun goes down?
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
With a graceful motion she sat down slowly
Drank a cup of coffee and she fold her laundry
She begins to tell us all her life story
All around the table, everybody's starin'
Who shouts out hallelujah?
Who's gonna sing out loud?
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the sun goes down?
Who's getting out of here?
Who thinks they're hungry?
Who's gonna be my friend?
All around the table, everybody's starin'
The song "Who" by David Byrne and St. Vincent is a reflection on the basic human need for connection and empathy. The lyrics pose a series of questions about who will be there for us in various situations, from carrying a heavy load to sharing a taxi cab to holding a dying soldier. The repeated question, "Who is an honest man?", suggests the importance of trust and honesty in our relationships with others. The song also touches on themes of isolation and getting lost, and the need for someone to help guide us through life's uncertainties.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated question of "Who is an honest man?", was inspired by a traditional gospel song that Byrne heard while growing up. The song features an eclectic mix of musical styles, including funk, brass band, and Afrobeat, with intricate horn arrangements and dense layers of percussion. It was produced by John Congleton, who has worked with artists like St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, and Swans.
Line by Line Meaning
Who be my valentine?
Who wants to be my partner and celebrate love with me?
Who lift this heavy load?
Who is willing to help me carry this burden?
Who share this taxicab?
Who wants to split the fare and ride with me?
Who wants to climb aboard?
Who is excited to join me on this journey?
Who is an honest man?
Who can be trusted and holds integrity as a priority?
Who held a dying soldier Far from his own hometown?
Who had the courage and compassion to provide comfort to a dying soldier who was far from home?
Carry these men and women Who get lost when the sun goes down?
Help those struggling and lost souls who may wander when the night falls.
Who walks this dusty road?
Who is walking down this dry and difficult path?
Who always proves her way?
Who is constantly successful and proves themselves right?
Who's this Inside of me?
What powerful feeling, passion or spirit lies within my inner self?
Who made a big mistake?
Who committed a significant error or miscalculation?
Who sees these constellations Seen in those spinning round?
Who observes the constellations visible during the spinning dance performances?
Counting these men and women Who get lost when the sun goes down?
Being mindful of those lost and struggling that wander in the darkness.
With a graceful motion she sat down slowly Drank a cup of coffee and she fold her laundry She begins to tell us all her life story All around the table, everybody's starin'
Describing a woman who, with elegance and poise, sat gracefully to tell an intriguing story about her life as everyone sat silently, attentive and curious.
Who shouts out hallelujah?
Who will joyfully proclaim praise, excitement or good news?
Who's gonna sing out loud?
Who will sing confidently, passionately and with enthusiasm?
Who's getting out of here?
Who is prepared and eager to leave this place?
Who thinks they're hungry?
Who feels hungry or unfulfilled in some area, whether physically or metaphorically?
Who's gonna be my friend?
Who desires to get to know and support me as a companion?
All around the table, everybody's starin'
Across the group gathered at the table, all eyes are focused and attentively engaged.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Annie Clark, David Byrne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charliemagri1669
Who be my valentine
Who lift this heavy load
Who share this taxicab
Who wants to climb aboard
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
Who held a dying soldier?
Far from his own hometown
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the Sun goes down
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
Who walks this dusty road
Who always proves her way
Who's this?! Inside of me
Who made a big mistake
Who sees these constellations
Seen in those spinning round
Counting these men and women
Who get lost when the Sun goes down
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
With a graceful motion she sat down slowly
Drank a cup of coffee and she fold her laundry
She begins to tell us all her life story
All around the table, everybody's staring
Who shouts out hallelujah
Who's gonna sing out loud
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the Sun goes down
@danielbradford7124
What a lot of people don't realize is that this isn't a music video. The camera just followed David Byrne on an average Tuesday (for him).
@oro7114
It's a rare thing that a comment genuinely makes me laugh, loved that haha
@vincebevis2277
Lol !
@vincebevis2277
lol!
@Bestevus
+Daniel Bradford True story.
@Jamesballsworth
well played
@donna_piranha
These two go together like peanut butter and jelly. The whole album is delightful.
@guyfawkes6657
Ikr!, we need more asap!.
@minnaow
This is too surreal, I still can't believe two of my favorite artists ever actually did an album together
@fortheloveofmusic860
Better late than never. Just recently got some interest in St Vincent's music. She's a true artist, a creator.