Thomas Hansen (a.k.a Saint Thomas, formerly St. Thomas) (February 13, 1976 … Read Full Bio ↴Thomas Hansen (a.k.a Saint Thomas, formerly St. Thomas) (February 13, 1976 - September 5, 2007) was an alt-country musician from Norway. After quitting his job as a mailman to concentrate on his music, he was signed to Norwegian label Racing Junior. His breakthrough album, I'm Coming Home, was both a critical and commercial success when released in Norway and internationally.

He subsequently released albums for a number of labels, including: Racing Junior, City Slang, Misra Records, Track & Field, and Make My Day Records.

In August 2006, Saint Thomas released a new album, officially his sixth, There's Only One of Me, on his own label, Cornerman Records. The album was also licensed to Make My Day Records for release in Germany, Austria & Switzerland and to yesboyicecream records for release in the UK and Ireland.

On the 10th of September 2007, Hansen was found dead in his home. Coroner's exams determined that he had died 5 days earlier of what was described as "an unfortunate combination of prescribed drugs". He was 31 years old.

Vi vil alltid elske musikken din, Thomas.

An Artist With A Brilliant Disguise
St. Thomas Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Know when you′re invited here
You can feel strong and ready to share
Surrounded by a million suffice
You're and artist with a brilliant disguise

Then when it′s time to say goodbye
That is the moment you should cry

Be sure they know who you are
Before the rest keeps falling down
Wipe that smile of your face
And tell the people your ready to play
Send the DJ out on the floor
And make him dance to his only song
Don't be afraid to show that you were wrong

And when your back in the town
Sure that you will be around
Gather all your family to tell
All the stories you got to sell
The one about a golden shoe
Make them believe it all was true
And when they look in your eyes
You're an artist with a brilliant disguise

Then when it′s time to say goodbye
That is the moment you should cry

Be sure they know who you are
Before the rest keeps falling down
Wipe that smile of your face
And tell the people your ready to play
Send the DJ out on the floor

And make him dance to his only song
Don′t be afraid to show that you were wrong

Overall Meaning

The song "An Artist With A Brilliant Disguise" by St. Thomas is about the challenges faced by artists in expressing their true selves in a world that often demands conformity. The lyrics speak of the pressure to put on a "brilliant disguise" in order to fit in and be accepted, but also the importance of shedding that disguise in order to truly connect with others. The opening lines suggest that when an artist is invited into a creative space they can feel "strong and ready to share," but there is always a moment when they must say goodbye and potentially reveal their true selves.

The lyrics also encourage artists to be true to who they are and not to be afraid to admit when they are wrong. This vulnerability and honesty is what connects the artist to the audience and allows them to truly share their stories. The closing lines of the song suggest that although an artist may appear to be a mystery or work hard at concealing their true identity, in reality, they are simply an "artist with a brilliant disguise."

Overall, the song speaks to the struggle that artists face in navigating their own identity and the pressures of the outside world. It encourages vulnerability and honesty as a way to connect with others and truly share one's art.

Line by Line Meaning

Know when you're invited here
Be aware of when you're welcome and included

You can feel strong and ready to share
You feel confident and prepared to express yourself

Surrounded by a million suffice
Amidst countless comforts and luxuries

You're an artist with a brilliant disguise
You hide your true self but still possess creative talent

Then when it's time to say goodbye
When it's time to leave this environment

That is the moment you should cry
You should feel emotional about leaving behind what you're comfortable with

Be sure they know who you are
Make sure others understand your true identity

Before the rest keeps falling down
Before everything else falls apart

Wipe that smile off your face
Stop being disingenuous and put on a genuine expression

And tell the people you're ready to play
Express that you're prepared to engage and show your abilities

Send the DJ out on the floor
Get the party started and create excitement

And make him dance to his only song
Make the DJ dance to their own music

Don't be afraid to show that you were wrong
Be willing to admit to mistakes and show vulnerability

And when you're back in the town
When you return to everyday life

Sure that you will be around
Confident that you'll still be present

Gather all your family to tell
Bring your loved ones together to share

All the stories you need to sell
Narratives that you use to promote yourself

The one about a golden shoe
One story about a material possession of yours

Make them believe it all was true
Convince your family that your accomplishments are genuine

And when they look in your eyes
When your family examines you closely