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.
Psychopath
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the flames and fury coming out my back
Wanna make a bet whether I make it back?
'Cause I'm on the edge of a heart attack
You said, honey quit your worryin',
Distance is exactly like a blowing wind
We're puttin' out the embers and the tiny flames
So I am standing in the sand where we said
It's the best day of my life and meant all of it
Keep me in your soft sides,
When all of the rest have moved on
And I'll keep you in my soft sides,
When all of the crowd has gone home
Keep me in your soft sides,
When all of the rest have moved on
And I'll keep you in my soft sides,
When all of the crowd has gone home
In the opening lines of "Psychopath" by St. Vincent, the singer is running down the highway with vigor and energy, "like a psychopath." The imagery of flames and fury pouring out of the singer's back furthers the sense of intensity and urgency. The singer seems to be in a precarious position, and is poised for a heart attack. The lyrics, while possessing an alarming tone on the surface, may be interpreted as an allusion to the high-risk, high-reward lifestyle that many musicians and performers adopt.
The following lines shift the focus to a relationship, with one person assuring the other to quit worrying and to appreciate the present moment. They speak metaphorically, comparing their emotions to embers and flames and implying that they are keeping the important things burning bright. The lyrics continue with the singer standing in the sand where they shared the best day of their life, and meant all of it. The song ends with repeated requests to be kept in each other’s soft sides, even when the crowd has gone and everyone else has moved on.
"Psychopath" is a thoughtful and complex song that explores themes of anxiety, intensity, and the value of human connection. St. Vincent's powerful vocals and interesting instrumentation bring an unforgettable depth to the lyrics. While the lyrics do not provide a neat conclusion, they encourage listeners to cherish relationships and moments of joy, even when things may seem uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Running down the highway like a psychopath
I am rushing through life recklessly and with great intensity.
All the flames and fury coming out my back
I am producing a lot of energy and passion, but it may be destructive and harmful.
Wanna make a bet whether I make it back?
I am taking a huge risk and it's uncertain whether I will come out unscathed.
'Cause I'm on the edge of a heart attack
I am pushing myself to my limits and it's taking a toll on my health and wellbeing.
You said, honey quit your worryin'
You are telling me to stop overthinking and stressing so much about the future.
Distance is exactly like a blowing wind
Physical distance doesn't matter as much because we can still feel close to each other.
We're puttin' out the embers and the tiny flames
We are addressing and resolving small issues before they grow into bigger problems.
And keeping the big ones burnin'
We are maintaining our strong connection and love for each other despite challenges.
So I am standing in the sand where we said
I am revisiting and cherishing a special memory that we shared together.
It's the best day of my life and meant all of it
That day was truly special and I am grateful for every moment of it.
Keep me in your soft sides,
I want you to protect and care for me during vulnerable moments.
When all of the rest have moved on
When others have given up or moved on from me, I want you to stand by my side.
And I'll keep you in my soft sides,
I will offer the same level of comfort and support to you in return.
When all of the crowd has gone home
When the excitement and attention has faded, our bond will remain strong and steady.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: ANNE ERIN CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind