Born Keren Ann Zeidel in Caesarea, Israel on 10th March 1974, she lived in the Netherlands and Israel until the age of eleven, when her family moved to France. Her first group, KAB (for Keren Ann Band), lasted three years. In 1997, she wrote the song "Father" for the film K by Alexandre Arcady, in which she also acted a small part. The next year, at the age of twenty-four, she formed Shelby with two other women; the group released one album and had a small success with the song "1+1+1", whose composer Benjamin Biolay became an important collaborator. In 2000 she began her solo career with La biographie de Luka Philipsen -- "Luka" in homage to the Suzanne Vega song, "Philipsen" after her maternal grandmother -- written with and produced by Biolay, who also co-wrote and -produced its follow-up, La disparition. (In return, she helped write his debut album, Rose Kennedy.) The pair also wrote several songs for Henri Salvador's best-selling, prize-winning 2000 comeback album, Chambre avec vue.
Lady & Bird is a collaboration with Bardi Johannsson of the Icelandic group Bang Gang.
Not Going Anywhere, which includes several songs from La disparition re-sung in English, was her first U.S. release, but her American breakthrough came with its follow-up, Nolita. Recorded in Paris and New York, it is named for Nolita, her neighborhood in lower Manhattan; it is sung half in French and half in English.
It Ain't No Crime
Keren Ann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll do the lying you just walk through
It ain't no crime, that's what we do
Ain't that what we do?
There are no victims, there is no truth
We take their money, they take our youth
It ain't no crime that's what we do
Baby, I won't trade your million dollar smile
Won't let them take your most particular style
But let's give them something to remember you by, oh my
A skillful fooling, that's all I have
I promise kisses but not to love
It ain't no crime that's what we do
Ain't that what we do?
Baby, I won't trade your million dollar smile
Won't let them take your most particular style
But I'll give 'em something to remember you by, oh my
Don't say nothing, I speak for two
I'll do the lying you just walk through
It ain't no crime, that's what we do
Ain't that what we do?
Ain't that what we do?
Ain't that what we do?
Ain't that what we do?
Ain't that what we do?
Keren Ann's song "It Ain't a Crime" explores the idea that in certain situations it is acceptable to deceive others for one's own gain. The lyrics suggest that the singer and their partner are engaged in some kind of scheme, where they take advantage of others' naivety to enrich themselves. The song highlights the moral ambiguity of their actions, but ultimately justifies them as "what we do." The singer promises to protect their partner's unique qualities and not let anyone take them away, but also acknowledges the need to leave a lasting impression on those they deceive.
The first stanza of the song sets the scene for the rest of the lyrics. The singer announces that they will be the one doing the lying, while their partner simply walks through - suggesting a sort of detachment and disassociation. The second stanza reveals that the victims are not completely innocent, as they willingly give up their money for the singers' deceptive tactics. The chorus reinforces the idea that there is no harm in what they are doing, as it is simply part of their lifestyle. The third stanza shows the singer's devotion to their partner and highlights their desire to maintain their individuality and not let anyone take it away. The final stanza echoes the first, concluding the song by restating the singers' role as the mastermind of their scheme.
Overall, Keren Ann's "It Ain't a Crime" presents a complex and nuanced view of deception and exploitation. While the song does not condone deceit, it suggests that sometimes it is necessary to succeed in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't say nothing, I speak for two
I will be the one to talk for both of us
I'll do the lying you just walk through
I will deceive them, you just need to follow my lead
It ain't no crime, that's what we do
What we do may not be ethical, but it's not illegal
Ain't that what we do?
Don't we always operate in this way?
There are no victims, there is no truth
Our actions have no adverse impacts on others or objective facts
We take their money, they take our youth
We manipulate them to earn their money, they use our youthfulness to their advantage
Baby, I won't trade your million dollar smile
I won't let anyone compromise your unique beauty
Won't let them take your most particular style
I won't let anyone copy or steal your distinct way
But let's give them something to remember you by, oh my
Let's make an impression on them through our deception
A skillful fooling, that's all I have
My only talent is to deceive skillfully
I promise kisses but not to love
I make commitments without any genuine feelings
It ain't no crime that's what we do
Our actions may not be moral, but they're not against the law
Ain't that what we do?
Don't we always conduct ourselves in this manner?
Don't say nothing, I speak for two
I'll be the one to articulate for both of us
I'll do the lying you just walk through
I'll be the one to deceive them, you just need to follow
It ain't no crime, that's what we do
Our activities may be questionable, but they are not illegal
Ain't that what we do?
Don't our actions consistently reflect this behavior?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KEREN ANN ZEIDEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@motherteresification
Sing it, girl. Another underrated soul.
@marvredd6108
I've been listening to Keren for some time now.
I pretty much have all of her music.
She has a singing ability that reaches.
Either you understand that or you don't.
This song embodies my opinion of her gift!
@FloralSewage
This is so good Nyah
@tkh4598
牛逼的