Growing up in Malibu, California, she began learning the violin at the age of four and left regular school five years later with the goal of becoming a world-class violinist; she practiced eight or nine hours a day and read a wide range of literature. Progressing to writing her own music, she studied under various teachers and went to Indiana University, which she left over issues regarding the relationship between classical music and the appearance of the performer. Through her own independent label Traitor Records, Autumn debuted with her classical album On a Day: Music for Violin & Continuo, followed by the release in 2003 of her album Enchant.
She appeared in singer Courtney Love's backing band on her 2004 America's Sweetheart tour and returned to Europe. She released the 2006 album Opheliac with the German label Trisol Music Group. In 2007, she released Laced/Unlaced; the re-release of On a Day... appeared as Laced with songs on the electric violin as Unlaced. She later left Trisol to join New York-based The End Records in 2009 and release Opheliac in the United States, where previously it had only been available as an import. Currently she is on tour to promote her newest album Fight Like A Girl. She played the role of Painted Doll in Darren Lynn Bousman's 2012 film The Devil's Carnival.
The Muse
Emilie Autumn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I’m sitting on the floor
At your feet
What am I for?
Do I create
Or just translate
Between you
And your mind
And when your pen runs out of ink
You’ll close the book and with me
Leave behind your memory
Are you brilliant?
Are you blind?
Would you have nothing more to say
If I ever flew away
In the end is it you
Is it me
Do I have anything?
What am I for?
But when I walk out that door
Your prayers are plenty when you have
An empty page before you
And still I may adore you
For you take dictation better
Than most poets true compose
Your lines far surpass those
You pray for what you know will come
Your confidence is flattering
But still it’s quite another thing
Compelled to inspire
When to dream
Is all you really understand
The letters from your hand
Will never quite belong to you
And even then I only pray
That when I leave
You’ll softly say
Goodbye
The lyrics of Emilie Autumn's "The Muse" speak to the complex dynamic between an artist and their muse. The song begins with the muse questioning their purpose and role in the artist's creative process. The muse wonders if they are just a translator or if they actually contribute to the art that the artist creates. The muse asks if the artist is brilliant or blind, and if they would have nothing more to say if the muse were to fly away.
The chorus of the song reveals the muse's frustration with their ambiguous role. They wonder if they have anything of value to offer and what their purpose truly is. When the muse decides to leave, the artist's prayers become plentiful as they face an empty page without the muse's guidance. The artist's confidence is flattering to the muse, but at the same time, it's another thing altogether to be compelled to inspire when all the artist understands is how to dream.
The song speaks to the idea that creativity is often a collaborative effort between a creator and their muse. It communicates the sense of loneliness and feelings of validation that make up the creative process. Ultimately, the muse can only hope that they have contributed something meaningful to the artist's work, and that their departure will be met with a soft goodbye.
Line by Line Meaning
Your eyes are raised to heaven
You seem lost in thought or inspiration, maybe even praying or seeking guidance from a higher power.
When I’m sitting on the floor
I am humble or submissive before you, possibly learning or waiting to serve.
At your feet
I am devoted to you, possibly as a student, muse or partner.
What am I for?
I seek to understand my purpose or value to you, whether as a creator or medium for your art.
Do I create
I question whether I have any contribution to your artistry or if my sole function is to passively assist or observe.
Or just translate
I may be interpreting your ideas or emotions and expressing them through words or actions.
Between you
I help bridge the gap between your inner world and outer expression.
And your mind
I am a conduit of your thoughts or feelings, helping to give them form and meaning.
The art you’ll never find
As much as you create, there is always something elusive or unattainable to your vision or perfectionism.
And when your pen runs out of ink
Even with your expertise, there are limits or obstacles that you cannot overcome or foresee.
You’ll close the book and with me
When inspiration fades or projects end, you may move on to other pursuits or leave me behind as a temporary aid or companion.
Leave behind your memory
Although I may have shared your moments of creativity or intimacy, your legacy or impact on the world will eclipse my own.
Are you brilliant?
I ponder whether your talents or genius are innate or learned qualities.
Are you blind?
I question whether you see or appreciate the full extent of your abilities or surroundings, or if you are deliberately overlooking some truth or beauty.
Would you have nothing more to say
If I were to leave or cease to inspire you, would you lose your voice or vision, or find it elsewhere?
If I ever flew away
I consider the possibility of leaving your side or influence to pursue my own goals or desires.
In the end is it you
I wonder if your art is a product of your own genius or a response to external stimuli or expectations.
Is it me
I wonder if my influence or presence has any significant impact on your art or identity.
Do I have anything?
I doubt whether I have any lasting contribution or legacy, or if I am more of a support or minor character in your story.
But when I walk out that door
I consider the moment when I must leave your influence or inspiration, possibly with sadness or uncertainty.
Your prayers are plenty when you have
You may seek or invoke divine inspiration or guidance when your own creativity or ideas fall short.
An empty page before you
You see the creative process as an opportunity or challenge to fill the void of uncertainty or possibility with something meaningful or beautiful.
And still I may adore you
Despite any doubts or insecurities, I may still hold you in high esteem, admiration or affection.
For you take dictation better
I acknowledge your skill at capturing or expressing ideas, emotions or experiences through language or art.
Than most poets true compose
I compare your natural or intuitive ability to convey truth or beauty to that of more traditional or trained writers or artists.
Your lines far surpass those
I recognize the unique or exceptional quality of your work or expression, and how it stands out from the ordinary or mundane.
You pray for what you know will come
You may have faith or confidence in your own abilities or destiny, and see your creative vision as a foregone conclusion or inevitable outcome.
Your confidence is flattering
I appreciate your self-assurance and conviction, and how it fuels your art and accomplishments.
But still it’s quite another thing
I also realize that external factors, such as luck or circumstance, can impact your success or recognition regardless of your talent or belief.
Compelled to inspire
You feel a calling or duty to spark creativity, emotion or transformation in yourself and others.
When to dream
For you, imagination or vision is the starting point or foundation of all creation or innovation.
Is all you really understand
You may be more comfortable or adept at envisioning, imagining or conceptualizing ideas or art than in the practical or technical details of execution.
The letters from your hand
Your writing or expression is a reflection of your inner world, emotions or perspective.
Will never quite belong to you
Your art or writing may take on a life or meaning of its own, separate from your original intention, perception or control.
And even then I only pray
Despite any ambiguity or uncertainty, I have faith or hope that your art will continue to inspire or resonate with others, even after you have moved on from this world or moment.
That when I leave
I hope that my own influence or contribution to your art or life will leave a positive or lasting impact or legacy.
You’ll softly say
You may express gratitude, affection or respect to me as I depart, despite any separation or loss.
Goodbye
The end of our association, whether temporary or permanent, may be bittersweet or challenging, but we can still part with mutual respect and fondness.
Contributed by Levi R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.