Clark joined Sufjan Stevens' touring band in 2006, bringing with her a tour EP entitled Paris Is Burning. It contains three tracks, including a cover version of Jackson Browne's These Days.
Clark released her début album, Marry Me, 10 July 2007 on Beggars Banquet Records. Named after a line from the cult-hit television show Arrested Development, the LP features appearances from drummer Brian Teasley (Man or Astro-man?, The Polyphonic Spree), Mike Garson (David Bowie's longtime pianist), and horn player Louis Schwadron (The Polyphonic Spree).
In 2008 Clark was nominated for three PLUG Independent Music Awards: New Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year, and on 6 March 2008, she won the Female Artist of the Year award.
Her second album for 4AD, entitled Actor, was released on 5 May 2009. It was written entirely by Clark and produced by Clark and John Congleton of The Paper Chase.
The Strange Mercy Songfacts reports that Clark wrote her third album in Seattle. She decamped to the Northwestern city to escape from the information overload she was experiencing at home and recorded Strange Mercy in a studio provided by Death Cab For Cutie drummer Jason McGerr. The album was released by 4AD on September 12, 2011 and peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200, making it her first Top 20 LP.
2) A pseudonym of singer-songwriter Vincent Bernardy, who has written and recorded music since 1980. see also St. Vincent Folk
3) A singer/songwriter from Victoria, Australia.
Balloon
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You never knew nothing I didn't show you the real Me
It's Demons in my face and they wanna kill me
You threw my heart away
I guess you ain't hear me
You ain't hear me you hurt me
You move so clean
But you did me dirty
You left too early
Life topsy turvy
Called you up I'm on the way
Shower up put on ya face
I'm up the street from your place
That was back before it changed
New man ion know his name
He ain't got a stronger flame
It won't ever be the same
How you gon replace with a E-X
You done met a lot but we both know I am the best
That's mine forever don't you dare show him that Green dress
Playing games you got no class this ain't recess
You ain't hear me you hurt me
You move so clean
But you did me dirty
You ain't hear me you hurt me
You left too early
Life topsy turvy
You ain't been through nothing if you can't feel me
You never knew nothing I didn't show you the real Me
It's Demons in my face and they wanna kill me
You threw my heart away
I guess you ain't hear me
I give a lot to you
I know I prove a lot
You say I got lots to prove
I know I been through a lot
Iknow i still got lots to lose
I'm having my talks with God
I don't needa talk to you
I lost my hope for years
As a jit I faced my fears
Word of mouth coming from my peers
They talk but ain't got no ears
Big heart I ain't shed no tears
In my bag I ain't left in years
Friendly but I'm the one they fear
The lyrics to "Balloon" by St. Vincent depict a narrative of heartbreak and betrayal. The singer conveys their emotions towards a former lover who didn't truly understand or appreciate them. There is a sense of frustration and hurt as the singer claims that the other person never really knew them, and that they feel unseen and unheard.
The singer refers to the demons in their face wanting to kill them, which could be interpreted as their internal struggles and insecurities that have been amplified by the failed relationship. They feel as though their heart has been discarded and their pleas and cries have gone unheard by this person. The lyrics express a longing for the other person to truly see and acknowledge the pain they have caused.
The second verse delves into the aftermath of the breakup. The singer mentions meeting someone new, but asserts that this new love interest will never be able to replace what they had with their former partner. There is bitterness towards the ex for moving on so quickly, and the singer believes that they were the best option the other person had. The mention of a green dress could symbolize jealousy and possessiveness, reinforcing the idea that the singer still feels a strong connection and ownership over the ex.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't been through nothing if you can't feel me
If you can't empathize with my experiences and emotions, then you haven't truly gone through anything significant in life.
You never knew nothing I didn't show you the real Me
I was always open and honest with you, never hiding anything or pretending to be someone I'm not.
It's Demons in my face and they wanna kill me
I constantly struggle with my inner demons, which threaten to destroy me and my happiness.
You threw my heart away
You rejected and discarded my love and emotional vulnerability.
I guess you ain't hear me
You didn't truly listen or understand my feelings and needs.
You ain't hear me you hurt me
Your lack of understanding and empathy caused me pain and emotional distress.
You move so clean
You appear to have everything together and present yourself as flawless.
But you did me dirty
Despite your outward appearance, you treated me unfairly and betrayed my trust.
You left too early
You left our relationship prematurely, without giving us a proper chance.
Life topsy turvy
My life feels chaotic and unpredictable after you walked away.
Called you up I'm on the way
I reached out to you, letting you know that I'm coming to see you.
Shower up put on ya face
Freshen up and prepare yourself to see me.
I'm up the street from your place
I'm close by, just a short distance away from where you live.
That was back before it changed
This refers to a previous time when our relationship was still intact and things were different.
New man ion know his name
You're now with someone else whom I don't know the name of.
He ain't got a stronger flame
He doesn't possess a deeper or more passionate love for you compared to what I had.
It won't ever be the same
Our relationship can never be replicated or recreated with someone else.
How you gon replace with a E-X
How can you possibly replace me with an ex-lover?
You done met a lot but we both know I am the best
You may have encountered many people, but deep down, both of us know that I am the superior choice.
That's mine forever don't you dare show him that Green dress
The memories and experiences we shared are mine to keep, so don't you dare involve him in them by showing him that dress.
Playing games you got no class this ain't recess
You're engaging in manipulative and immature behavior, lacking maturity and decency. This is not a game or a playground.
I give a lot to you
I invested a significant amount of myself and my resources into our relationship.
I know I prove a lot
I understand that I have demonstrated my worth and abilities in various ways.
You say I got lots to prove
You believe that I still have much more to demonstrate or achieve.
I know I been through a lot
I am fully aware of the challenges and hardships I have faced in life.
I know i still got lots to lose
I acknowledge that I still have many valuable things or people that I could potentially lose.
I'm having my talks with God
I find solace and guidance by having conversations with God, seeking spiritual support and understanding.
I don't needa talk to you
I don't believe that discussing my issues with you would be beneficial or productive.
I lost my hope for years
I have been living without hope or optimism for a significant period of time.
As a jit I faced my fears
Since I was young, I have consistently confronted and overcome my fears.
Word of mouth coming from my peers
I hear rumors and gossip about me from my associations and acquaintances.
They talk but ain't got no ears
They speak about me, but they don't truly listen or understand my perspective or experiences.
Big heart I ain't shed no tears
Despite having a caring and compassionate nature, I haven't allowed myself to express my emotions through tears.
In my bag I ain't left in years
I have remained focused and dedicated to my craft or work for an extended period of time.
Friendly but I'm the one they fear
I may appear pleasant and approachable, but deep down, people are intimidated or afraid of me.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Mervin Wallace Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind