A pseudonym of Annie Clark (b. 28 Sept 1982), a USA multi-instrumentalist s… Read Full Bio ↴A pseudonym of Annie Clark (b. 28 Sept 1982), a USA multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter. She was a member of The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens' touring band. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and as a teenager worked as the tour manager for her uncle's band Tuck & Patti. She grew up in Dallas and attended Lake Highlands High School, graduating in 2001. Following this, she went on to attend Berklee College of Music, dropping out 3 years later. Soon after this, she joined The Polyphonic Spree. In 2003, during her time at Berklee, she released an EP with fellow students, entitled Ratsliveonnoevilstar.

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.

Lullaby
St. Vincent Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the clouds separate
Raindrops fall down my face
Finally I can see
But the pain emanates
Through this space
This empty space
Like a kid I'm avoiding it
La-da-ti

La-da-tie
This is my lullaby
La-da-ti
La-da-tie
This is my sad lullaby
Sing a song Make it long
Let it last til evening passes
Don't leave me all alone
Lying here in a broken home
Please, please don't say goodbye
I don't want another lonely night
without you beside me
La-da-ti
La-da-tie
Can you see though broken eyes
La-da-ti
La-da-tie
This is my sad lullaby
Lu-lullaby
Justify these tears
These tears I cry
Lullaby
Lu-lullaby
La-da-ti
La-da-tie
This is my lullaby
La-da-ti
La-da-tie

This is my
Lullaby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to St. Vincent's "Lullaby" convey a mix of vulnerability, pain, and longing. The opening lines depict a sense of relief as the clouds separate and raindrops fall down the singer's face. This metaphorical imagery suggests a cleansing of sorts, as the singer finally gains clarity and can see through their emotions. However, the pain still emanates within the empty space they inhabit.

The lyrics continue with a childlike refrain of "La-da-ti, La-da-tie," which could be interpreted as an attempt to distract or avoid facing the pain. The repetition of this refrain emphasizes a sense of innocence and vulnerability in trying to cope with the difficult emotions. The singer then describes this refrain as their own lullaby, suggesting that they use it as a form of comfort or self-soothing.

The song takes a slightly desperate turn as the singer pleads for companionship, expressing their fear of being alone in a broken home. The repetition of "Please, please don't say goodbye" highlights their desperation for connection and their reluctance to face another lonely night. The broken eyes mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize the pain and emotional turmoil the singer feels, as they try to navigate their circumstances.

Overall, "Lullaby" explores themes of vulnerability, pain, and the longing for companionship in the face of emotional turmoil. The use of childlike refrains and imagery adds an element of innocence and raw emotions to the song.

Line by Line Meaning

When the clouds separate
When my circumstances clear and become transparent

Raindrops fall down my face
Tears stream down my cheeks

Finally I can see
I have gained clarity and understanding

But the pain emanates
Yet, the agony still radiates

Through this space
Throughout this void

This empty space
This feeling of emptiness

Like a kid I'm avoiding it
Like a child, I am evading it

La-da-ti
Singing nonsensical syllables

La-da-tie
Singing nonsensical syllables

This is my lullaby
This song is my soothing melody

This is my sad lullaby
This song is my melancholic lullaby