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.
Grot
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Power just wants to watch
And power doesn't care what you need
As long as you′re on your knees
Power pigs
Power pigs
Power kills
Power pigs
Power pigs
Power kills
Power wills
Power doesn't care what you think
Power just wants a little piece
And power doesn't care how you feel
As long as you learn how to kneel
The lyrics to St. Vincent's song Grot provide a commentary on the nature of power and its ability to corrupt and manipulate individuals. The first two lines state that power is indifferent to what one may want or need, and instead derives pleasure from watching the submission and subjugation of others. The repetition of "power pigs" emphasizes the greed and voracity inherent in the desire for power, while "power kills" and "power wills" highlight the destructive and controlling tendencies of those who wield such power.
The second verse depicts power as a force that requires obedience and acquiescence, regardless of one's thoughts or feelings. The repeated phrase "as long as you learn how to kneel" suggests that power demands absolute submission, and that any form of resistance or defiance will be met with punishment or further manipulation. Overall, the lyrics emphasize the dangers and injustices of unequal power dynamics, and the devastating effects that those in power can have on those who are not.
Line by Line Meaning
Power doesn't care what you want
The concept of power is indifferent to the desires you have
Power just wants to watch
Power is interested in overseeing things happen. It's almost like a spectator.
And power doesn't care what you need
Power is unresponsive to your necessities or wants.
As long as you're on your knees
But it is easily pleased, as long as you're submitting or helpless.
Power pigs
People who wield power are like shameless hogs or pigs.
Power pigs
People who wield power are like shameless hogs or pigs.
Power kills
Power can lead to death, destruction, or fatal consequences.
Power wills
Power is something that determines how things occur, even if it isn't always clear.
Power pigs
People who wield power are like shameless hogs or pigs.
Power pigs
People who wield power are like shameless hogs or pigs.
Power kills
Power can lead to death, destruction, or fatal consequences.
Power wills
Power is something that determines how things occur, even if it isn't always clear.
Power doesn't care what you think
Power is uninterested in your thoughts or opinions.
Power just wants a little piece
But power does want a small part of what you have or own.
And power doesn't care how you feel
Power doesn't have any regard for your emotions or sentiments.
As long as you learn how to kneel
But power is pleased as long as you understand how to submit or humble yourself.
Writer(s): Clark Anne Erin
Contributed by Alaina W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Daniel Cabrona
I really wish annie would explore this sound more in depth! 2 tracks is nowhere near enough
Afternoondeelight
I love the dichotomy between Annie's "church voice" and Annie's guitar-y attitude. And I love how they're just mashed together in a stripped down, almost barbaric way. It feels like proto-Annie. Annie before Annie. What makes up the fusion of tones in her music
Ysbell Eve
Proto Annie
Belle Of Kilronan
+Afternundolight "Annie before Annie". I need that gold-plated somewhere.
moonstone
Sounds like a conglomeration of Swans, Big Black, PJ Harvey, and Hole all rolled into one monstrosity with Annie's signature touch. Incredible
VickyDPi
this is my secret dark #1 favourite st.vincent track. please do more annie.
Christina Khawa
This and Krokodil made me super excited for the direction she was taking. Her self-titled album is still great but her punk and/or 90s industrial-type sounds are AWESOME.
Qball9311
This shit is dope, never heard anything like it. I usually don't fuck with rock or whatever genere this is considered.
Flowers Music Official
Qball9311 oh man it's a great song but there's always more to be explored
Cris Bocaz
holy shit i did not expect this what are you doing annie why is it so fucking good