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.
Live In The Dream
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you know where you are?
You've been out cold
We almost called the cops
Don't get up
Can you count to ten?
Oh boy, you're so lucky
We found you when we did
'Cause there's a lot of people here
Who want to do you harm
But stay with me, you fallen lamb
And I'll keep you in my arms
But I can't live in the dream
The dream lives in me
Welcome child
You're free of the cage
Trying to seem sane
Makes you seem so strange
You look tired
Go on, rest your head
Oh, girl you're so lucky
We found you when we did
'Cause there's a lot of people here
Who want to do you harm
But stay with me, you fallen lamb
And I'll keep you in my arms
But I can't live in the dream
The dream lives in me
Oh, I can't live in the dream
The dream lives in me
Oh, oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh
Oh
The lyrics to St. Vincent's song "Live In The Dream" convey a sense of concern and protection for someone who appears to be in a vulnerable state. The opening lines suggest that the person addressed in the song has been unconscious and oblivious to their surroundings. There is a hint of relief that they were discovered and rescued before any further harm could come to them. The care and attention given to the individual is emphasized with the instruction to rest and recover, highlighting the singer's protective and nurturing nature towards the person in need.
The recurring theme of danger and harm is prevalent throughout the song, with a warning about the presence of people who may wish ill upon the vulnerable person. Despite the threats lurking in the background, the singer offers solace and shelter, symbolized by the imagery of a fallen lamb being cradled in their arms. The juxtaposition of danger and safety creates a tension that underscores the protective and comforting role the singer assumes in the face of adversity.
The chorus of the song emphasizes a deeper introspection and inner struggle within the singer. The line "But I can't live in the dream, the dream lives in me" suggests a conflict between reality and fantasy, between the desire to protect and the awareness of one's limitations. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, hinting at the emotional burden carried by the singer in trying to navigate a precarious situation.
In the closing lines, the repetition of "Oh" serves as a poignant conclusion to the song, evoking a sense of unresolved tension and emotional weight. The ambiguity of the ending leaves the listener with a lingering sense of introspection and contemplation, inviting them to reflect on the themes of vulnerability, protection, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality that run throughout the song. The lyrics of "Live In The Dream" ultimately invite interpretation and reflection on the complexities of human relationships, resilience, and the delicate balance between safety and danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello
Opening greeting to bring attention to the present moment
Do you know where you are?
Questioning one's awareness and understanding of their surroundings
You've been out cold
Acknowledging a state of unconsciousness or unawareness
We almost called the cops
Expressing concern and consideration for safety
Don't get up
Advising against sudden movement or action
Can you count to ten?
Checking mental clarity and coherence
Oh boy, you're so lucky
Recognizing fortunate timing or circumstances
We found you when we did
Highlighting the intervention or rescue that took place
'Cause there's a lot of people here
Warning about potential threats or dangers in the environment
Who want to do you harm
Identifying malicious intentions from others
But stay with me, you fallen lamb
Offering protection and support to someone vulnerable
And I'll keep you in my arms
Expressing a comforting and nurturing presence
But I can't live in the dream
Acknowledging the inability to escape from reality
The dream lives in me
Recognizing the presence and influence of aspirations or fantasies within oneself
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Annie Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chris McAulay
Given the plethora of psychedelic music that has been created over the years one would think it impossible to create anything that sounds original but she has delivered with this one - absolute genius!
Jack Shelley
it is nice
FranklinOPT
I'm hearing Pink Floyd and Beatles in Annie's creative voice.
Henrique Placido
@th y I felt some Laurie Anderson and Beatles ("Because") vibes, but I might be off
Jack Shelley
@th y Hello to the dark side of the moon.....
JC
Original yet familiar.
Christopher Carton
Seems to be pretty much unanimous that this is the best song on the album. It might well be the best song in her entire catalog. When I'm not listening to music, this is the song in my head right now. And my heart.
billbarrett89
Opening reminds me of "Us and them", lyrics remind me of "comfortably numb". The vibes are hypnotic. I like it.
countrypaul
This is a perfect segue to Dar Williams' surprisingly appropriate cover version of "Comfortably Numb."
Jason Hunter
Strong Dark Side of the Moon vibes on this one