Nastasia has released six albums so far, the first of which, Dogs, was initially released in 2000 in a miniscule edition of 1000 copies on Socialist Records. The album sold out quickly and her subsequent albums, The Blackened Air (2001) and Run to Ruin (2003) were released on indie label Touch and Go Records. The label also re-released Dogs in 2004. All three albums were recorded by Steve Albini, as were later albums released on Fat Cat Records. These include On Leaving in 2006 and You Follow Me (produced in collaboration with Jim White) in 2007. Her sixth and most recent album, Outlaster, was also recorded by Steve Albini and was released in June 2010, preceded by the single Cry, Cry, Baby in May.
Nastasia was a favorite of late BBC disc jockey John Peel and recorded six sessions for his shows. The last one was recorded with the help of Tuvan throat singing group Huun-Huur-Tu. Nastasia also contributed a song to the tribute compilation for Peel named "Bird of Cuzco". Two of Nastasia's songs made Peel's annual Festive Fifty: "Ugly Face" (ranked 4th in 2002) and "You, Her & Me" (13th in 2003).
Discography:
Albums
2000 Dogs (Socialist)
2004 Dogs re-released (Touch and Go)
2001 The Blackened Air (Touch and Go)
2003 Run to Ruin (Touch and Go)
2006 On Leaving (Fat Cat)
2007 You Follow Me [with Jim White] (Fat Cat)
2010 Outlaster (Fat Cat)
Singles
2008 What She Doesn't Know (Fat Cat)
2010 Cry, Cry, Baby (Fat Cat)
Nina's official myspace page can be found at www.myspace.com/ninanastasia.
I Go With Him
Nina Nastasia Lyrics
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He beats the earth, and Jesus loves him
His days are long, his bones are broken
I serve him right, I go with him.
The glooming's quiet and soon before him
His body's worn and can't support us
My body's young and here to please him
The song "I Go With Him" by Nina Nastasia is a haunting and introspective piece that captures the insidious nature of an abusive relationship. The opening line, "This ball of fire, it sits beside him" seems to suggest that the singer is drawn to the intensity and power of her partner, despite the danger it poses. She goes on to describe how he "beats the earth," implying that his aggression is not limited to those closest to him but extends to the world around him. Despite this, the singer is convinced that "Jesus loves him," suggesting perhaps that she has convinced herself that he is not as bad as he seems.
The second verse is even more bleak, as the singer describes how her partner's body is "worn and can't support us." This imagery implies that she has become dependent on him in some way, perhaps financially or emotionally, and that he is not able to provide for her as he once could. However, she still clings to him, asserting that her own body is "young and here to please him." The repeated phrase "I serve him right, I go with him" reinforces the idea that the singer feels she owes her partner something, perhaps for all he has done for her or for the good times they have shared despite his violence.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Go With Him" paint a picture of a complicated and harmful relationship that is difficult to extricate oneself from. The singer is drawn to her partner's power and intensity, but is also clearly suffering from his actions.
Line by Line Meaning
This ball of fire, it sits beside him
He has an intense passion that consumes him and I am always by his side, feeling the heat of his wild flame.
He beats the earth, and Jesus loves him
He is so powerful and commanding that even the ground trembles beneath him, but he is still loved and revered by the divine.
His days are long, his bones are broken
He has lived a life full of struggle and pain, and it has left him physically and emotionally wounded.
I serve him right, I go with him
I know that being by his side is the right thing for me to do, even if it means sacrificing my own well-being.
The glooming's quiet and soon before him
He is getting older and closer to the end of his life, and there is a quiet sense of sadness and finality around him.
His body's worn and can't support us
His physical limitations are becoming more apparent and it's getting harder for him to do the things he once could. It's up to me to help him and offer support.
My body's young and here to please him
I am still young and have a lot to offer him, including physical pleasure and emotional support.
I serve him right, I go with him
No matter what challenges lie ahead, I am committed to standing by him and doing whatever it takes to help him through it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: NINA NASTASIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind