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.
Cheerleader
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With some bad guys
I've told whole lies
With a half smile
Held your bare bones
With my clothes on
I've thrown rocks
Then hid both my arms
I don't know what good it serves
Pouring my purse in the dirt
But I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be your cheerleader no more
I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be your cheerleader no more
I've played dumb
When I knew better
Tried too hard
Just to be clever
I know honest thieves
I call family
I've seen America
With no clothes on
But I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I don't know what I deserve
But for you I could work
'Cause I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I don't wanna be a dirt eater no more
I don't wanna be a dirt eater no more
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
The lyrics to St. Vincent's song Cheerleader depict the singer's struggle to continue playing a subservient role in an unequal relationship. Through vivid and metaphorical language, the song illustrates the various ways in which she has compromised herself in the past, including by associating with people who may not have had her best interests in mind, by concealing her true feelings, and by suppressing her intelligence in order to please others. The chorus, which repeats the line "I don't wanna be your cheerleader", is a powerful statement of defiance, signaling the singer's refusal to continue serving as an emotional crutch for someone else. By the end of the song, she has gained a newfound confidence and self-awareness, rejecting not only the role of cheerleader but also that of "dirt eater", refusing to be held down by others' expectations of her.
One interesting fact about the song is that it draws inspiration from the 1978 cult classic film, Grease. St. Vincent frontwoman Annie Clark has cited the movie as a major influence on the themes and imagery of the song, particularly the idea of rejecting traditional gender roles and challenging patriarchal norms. Another notable aspect of the song is its use of complex chord progressions and intricate guitar work, a hallmark of St. Vincent's musical style. The song was praised for its inventive arrangements and its ability to merge elements of pop, rock, and electronica into a cohesive whole.
Line by Line Meaning
I've had good times
I have experienced enjoyable moments
With some bad guys
In the company of some malevolent individuals
I've told whole lies
I have conveyed complete falsehoods
With a half smile
While feigning minimal amusement
Held your bare bones
Embraced your physical form only
With my clothes on
Without physical intimacy
I've thrown rocks
Sought confrontation
Then hid both my arms
Retreating from the altercation
I don't know what good it serves
I question the benefit
Pouring my purse in the dirt
To waste my wealth
But I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be your cheerleader no more
I refuse to provide you with blind support
I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be your cheerleader no more
I am unwilling to continue encouraging you
I've played dumb
I have acted unintelligently
When I knew better
Despite being aware of the truth
Tried too hard
Put in excessive effort
Just to be clever
In an attempt to showcase intelligence
I know honest thieves
I am aware of individuals who steal honorably
I call family
Who I consider kin
I've seen America
I have witnessed the United States
With no clothes on
In an exposed state
But I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I do not wish to blindly encourage or support anyone
I-I-I-I-I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I am unwilling to continue as a supporter
I don't know what I deserve
I lack knowledge of what I am owed
But for you I could work
But exerting myself for your benefit is a possibility
'Cause I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
As I have previously stated, I'm tired of blindly supporting you
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I refuse to cheerlead any longer
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
I am adamantly opposed to being a blind companion any further
I don't wanna be a dirt eater no more
I also will not degrade myself any further
I don't wanna be a dirt eater no more
I am not willing to subject myself to unnecessary hardship
I don't wanna be a cheerleader no more
Again, I refuse to be a mindless companion
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Anne Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@prithvijeetsinha379
The lyrics to this song already made it clear but the visuals excellently lay bare the intricacies of human scrutiny and how people, especially artists, are raised to the top and then dismantled without any notice owing to an insincerely discerning audience. Also the human gaze can break one apart in multiple ways. What a powerful concept . It made me love the visuals even more. Pre- Masseduction St. Vincent videos truly stand out with their dissections of society.
@jasminemarie5431
I remember when I was in 6th grade and found this song and was instantly inspired to speak up for myself and walk away from the bullies which helped me realize that all the little people I surround myself with weren't the ones holding me down, I could always get up and leave.
@funkyred4
That's dope, mate
@Strawberry95shortie
That’s so cute. Keep that energy
@cestlavi
she's just SO beautiful.
@manuvsassat
She sure is and so, so talented!
@charlotteanne9606
Lara G YASSSSSSS
@summertimejesus
@Steven Would you say the same thing if she were a man?
@gdluna3856
So true ☺
@invadermarshall6351
That 500th like ;)