Surgeon
St. Vincent Lyrics


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I spent the summer on my back
Another attack
Stay in just to get along, get along, get along

Turn off the TV, wade in bed
A blue and a red
A little something to get along, get along, get along
Get along, get along, get along

Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open

Dressing, undressing for a wall
If mother calls
She knows well we don't get along, get along, get along

I tell the mailman, never you mind
I'll sift through the piles
And for him to just get along, get along, get along
Get along, get along, get along

Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open

Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open

Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open

Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open




Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of St. Vincent's "Surgeon" can be interpreted in a few different ways, as is often the case with abstract, poetic songwriting. However, one possible interpretation is that the song is about feeling emotionally stuck or blocked, and longing for someone to help break through that blockage.


The first verse describes the singer lying on her back, paralyzed by some kind of attack or distress. She stays in bed and tries to "get along" using whatever means necessary, including turning off the TV and taking some kind of drug ("a blue and a red"). This suggests that the singer is struggling with some kind of emotional or psychological issue - perhaps anxiety or depression - and is trying to cope. However, she still feels trapped and stuck.


The second verse introduces the idea of a surgeon who can "cut me open," suggesting that the singer needs someone else to help her break through whatever is blocking her. However, this surgeon is described as the "best, finest" - a somewhat ominous phrase that could suggest that the "surgery" will be painful or dangerous. The final lines of the song repeat this idea over and over, emphasizing the singer's desperation to be cut open and released.


Overall, "Surgeon" creates a sense of tension and ambiguity. The singer is clearly struggling with some kind of emotional issue, but it's left up to the listener to decide what that might be. The repeated refrain of "best, finest surgeon" is both haunting and intriguing - suggesting the possibility of redemption, but also the fear of the unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

I spent the summer on my back
I was resting for a long time.


Another attack
I experienced another episode of my illness or emotional instability.


Stay in just to get along, get along, get along
I stayed home alone to avoid socializing and conflict.


Turn off the TV, wade in bed
I turned off the TV and laid in bed.


A blue and a red
I saw a mix of blue and red colors.


A little something to get along, get along, get along
I took some medication or drugs to cope.


Best, finest surgeon
I need the best and finest surgeon for a delicate operation.


Come cut me open
Perform the operation on me to fix my problem.


Dressing, undressing for a wall
I am wearing clothes and taking them off in front of a wall for privacy.


If mother calls
If my mother contacts me.


She knows well we don't get along, get along, get along
My mother and I have a bad relationship.


I tell the mailman, never you mind
I told the mailman not to worry about my personal affairs.


I'll sift through the piles
I will sort through my mail and bills.


And for him to just get along, get along, get along
I want the mailman to just do his job and leave.


Best, finest surgeon
I still need the best and finest surgeon for my operation.


Come cut me open
Please perform the surgery as soon as possible.


Best, finest surgeon
The importance of finding the best and finest surgeon.


Come cut me open
I am willing to go through surgery to address my issue.


Best, finest surgeon
The need for a skilled and experienced surgeon.


Come cut me open
Perform the surgery to fix my problem once and for all.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Anne Clark

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@CosmopolitanFools

Lyrics ~ "Surgeon" by St. Vincent"
I spent the summer on my back
Another attack
Stay in just to get along, get along, get along
Turn off the TV, wade in bed
A blue and a red
A little something to get along, get along, get along
Get along, get along, get along
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Dressing, undressing for a wall
If Mother calls
She knows well we don't get along, get along, get along
I tell the mailman, never you mind,
I'll sift through the piles
And for him to just get along, get along, get along
Get along, get along, get along
Best, finest surgeon
Come cut me open
Best,…



All comments from YouTube:

@VintageVinylAudio

I have read quite a few of the comments from different songs of hers on YouTube and no one seems to talk about her mad guitar skills.  This woman can do things on the guitar like no one else.  She has an air of confidence when she plays that is rarely found in musicians.  Only talented musicians are that confident.  I love her, I want to marry her :-)

@layercake6485

I totally agree. St Vincent is one of the best guitarists of our time. Her skills are especially on display in this song. I can't believe how fast her fingers move in the chorus. She is truly remarkable.

@johnrhettbarrett

She really is essential ♥️🔥🎸guitargod 🔥

@kurtflint64

Yeah she tickles the strings like Les Paul :-)

@johnrhettbarrett

Everyone who knows knows but she is a creative force on many levels ❤️🔥

4 More Replies...

@pamelasago9628

This guitar riff never gets old. The entire song slithers like a lovely snake. Thank you!

@BendyDH

man that guitar riff is so cool, and it's infectious to watch her hands doing it

@psibrunojusto

This song is so interesting. It's not even a bop or a instant hit, but it's catchy in its own way.

@ggthewhale

Annie is so good at singing and playing contrapuntal riffs on the guitar at the same time

@GauntLife

I like the fact that 4AD seems to have stayed legit all these years and is still backing some pretty decent acts. I like St Vincent and I like the label. "Applause"

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