I Do Believe
St. Vincent Lyrics


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(One, two, three, four)

So long, Bobby, we're still scared to start
Now it's just college kids and me playing in the park
But I don't want wake up just to watch it die
Oh, is the dream gone? Goodbye

I don't know what to do with this faith
Hey, what do I do with all of this faith?

Take it to a crowded street and look for my kind?
(I haven't left my room since that night)
I'll cry, "hats off" to the last Kennedys who even dare to try
(Pulling down the pictures of the west coast life)
But really only wake me up if you start to try
'Cause you've been a dream gone and I

I don't know what to do with this faith
Yeah, what do I do with all of this faith?
With all of this faith
What do I do with all this faith?
what do I do with all this faith?
Hey, what do I do with all this faith?





'Cause ain't no faith will take your place

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of St. Vincent's "I Do Believe" talk about resilience and hope in times of darkness and struggle. The song starts with the imagery of being in a cave for forty days with only a spark to light the way. This represents being in a place of darkness and uncertainty with little to no guidance. Despite this, the singer still wants to give in and give up, acknowledging that this struggle is a crime and a sin.


However, despite the pain, grief, lies, storms, cries, and wars, the singer still believes. They are flat on their back out at sea, hoping the waves don't cover them. This represents feeling overwhelmed and helpless, but the belief remains. Through cold, heat, rain, tears, crowds, and cheers, the belief persists. The singer is willing to march, climb, and kneel to take their place on the stage and wait for the end of time for someone.


The repeated declaration of "I still believe" shows that the struggle isn't over, but there's still hope. The shame, grief, heartache, tears, waiting, and years have not dampened the belief. The song ends with the acknowledgment that people in places like this need all the hope they can get. Thus, "I Do Believe" is a song of resilience and hope, highlighting the importance of persevering through difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been in a cave for forty days
I've been away from the world for a long time


Only a spark to light my way
I had a little inspiration to move forward


I want to give out I want to give in
I'm feeling hopeless and tired


This is our crime this is our sin
Our lack of hope and faith is our wrongdoing


But I still believe I still believe
Despite everything, I still have faith


Through the pain and through the grief
I am able to hold onto my faith even in times of suffering


Through the lies and through the storms
Even through difficult circumstances and deception, I still have hope


Through the cries and through the wars
Even in times of conflict, there is still hope for peace


Flat on my back out at sea
I feel helpless in a vast and unpredictable world


I'm hoping these waves don't cover me
I'm scared of being overwhelmed by the uncertainty of life


I'm turned and tossed upon the waves
I'm being tossed around by the chaos of the world


When the darkness comes I feel the grave
I worry that I'll be overcome by darkness and hopelessness


I'll march this road I'll climb this hill
I'm determined to keep moving forward despite obstacles


Upon my knees if I have to
I'm willing to humble myself and ask for help if needed


I'll take my place upon this stage
I'll stand strong and persevere through life's challenges


I'll wait till the end of time for you
I'm willing to endure anything for someone or something important to me


For people like us in places like this
Those of us who have experienced difficulties in life need to hold onto hope


We need all the hope we can get
Having hope is crucial to surviving and thriving in difficult times


Through the shame
I can still hold my head high


And through the grief
I can still find comfort


Through the heartache
I can still find ways to heal


And through the tears
I can still find strength to carry on


Through the waiting
I'll be patient and keep my hope alive


And all through the years
No matter how long it takes, I won't give up hope




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jack Antonoff, Patrik Berger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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