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.
Hysterical Strength
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That makes my veins run
It's true
So I tried to give it back to you
Young one, look at me
It's not your beast to leash
Oh, don't hold more than you can stand to carry
Must have been a case
Of hysterical strength
To stand up while the room moved off its axis
Old man, look at me
Through the teeth of your grief
Oh, don't grab more than you can stand to carry
'Cause you went off to see what no one else could see
Oh, and left more than we could stand to bury
But it ain't, it ain't
It ain't, it ain't
It ain't on you
No, it ain't, it ain't
It ain't, it ain't
It ain't on you
No, it ain't, it ain't
It ain't, it ain't
It ain't on you
No, it ain't, it ain't
It ain't, it ain't
It ain't on you
No, it ain't, it ain't
It ain't, it ain't
It ain't on you
The lyrics of St. Vincent's song "Hysterical Strength" are about an intense emotional experience that can overcome a person and give them the strength to do things they never thought possible. In the first verse, the singer declares that it's the blood of their beloved that gives them the energy to move forward. However, they ultimately realize that they can't give it back to that person, and instead must learn to carry it themselves.
In the second verse, the perspective shifts to an old man who has suffered a great loss. The singer advises him not to take on more than he can carry, even though he may feel compelled to. The repeated refrain of "it ain't on you" is a reassurance that no matter how heavy the burden, it's not solely the responsibility of one person to bear.
The phrase "hysterical strength" refers to a phenomenon where a person in a state of extreme emotional distress is able to summon incredible physical power. This can happen in times of crisis, such as during a life-or-death situation.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hysterical Strength" are a reminder that even when we feel like we're at our breaking point, we have the strength to carry on. It's important to take care of ourselves and not take on more than we can handle, but it's also okay to rely on the support of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, it's your blood
I am dependent on you, your actions and your choices affect me deeply.
That makes my veins run
Your influence keeps me alive and drives my ambitions.
It's true
This is not an exaggeration or a metaphor, it is a fact.
So I tried to give it back to you
I wanted to share with you what you have given me, to repay your kindness.
Young one, look at me
I am addressing someone who is inexperienced or naïve, asking them to pay attention to what I have to say.
It's not your beast to leash
You cannot control or contain powerful forces that are not yours to handle.
Oh, don't hold more than you can stand to carry
Do not take on burdens that are too heavy for you to bear without breaking under their weight.
Must have been a case
It appears that the situation was extreme and unusual.
Of hysterical strength
The body's response to stress or danger can trigger extreme physical abilities beyond what is normally possible.
To stand up while the room moved off its axis
Despite the chaos and disruption around me, I found the strength to remain standing and face the situation.
Old man, look at me
I am addressing someone who is older or wiser, asking them to pay attention to what I have to say.
Through the teeth of your grief
Despite your pain and suffering, you must face the truth and deal with the consequences.
Oh, don't grab more than you can stand to carry
Do not try to bear the weight of your loss alone or take on more than you can handle without breaking down.
'Cause you went off to see what no one else could see
You took a risk and pursued a path that others deemed impossible or foolish.
Oh, and left more than we could stand to bury
Your actions had unintended consequences and caused us unbearable pain and loss.
But it ain't, it ain't
Despite the blame or guilt that may be attached to your actions, it is not entirely your fault.
It ain't, it ain't
Do not take on more blame or shame than you deserve.
It ain't on you
The responsibility or fault for what happened does not solely rest on your shoulders.
No, it ain't, it ain't
This is a firm and repeated affirmation that the blame should not be assigned to you alone.
It ain't, it ain't
Do not let others or yourself blame you for something that was beyond your control.
It ain't on you
You must accept what happened and move on, without carrying the weight of unnecessary guilt or shame.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Anne Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind