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.
These Days
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't do too much talking these days.
These days...
These days I simply think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
And all the times I had the chance to.
I've stopped my rambling.
These days...
These days I simply think about
How all the changes came about my way,
And I wonder if I'll see another highway.
I had a lover.
I don't think I'll risk another these days.
These days...
These days I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song.
It's just that I've been losing so long.
La la la la la
I've stopped my dreaming.
I won't do too much scheming these days.
These days...
These days I sit on cornerstones
And count the time in quartertones to ten.
Please don't confront me with my failures;
I have not forgotten them.
The lyrics to St. Vincent's song These Days reflect a sense of reflection and contemplation on one's past experiences and missed opportunities. The line "I've been out walking, I don't do too much talking these days" sets the tone for the introspection that follows. The singer thinks about the things they forgot to do and the chances they had but didn't take. This can be interpreted as a sense of regret for not seizing opportunities when they presented themselves.
The singer also talks about stopping their rambling and gambling, indicating a desire for a more stable lifestyle. They wonder if they will see another highway, suggesting a sense of uncertainty about the future. The line "I had a lover, I don't think I'll risk another these days" hints at a past relationship that didn't work out and a fear of vulnerability and hurt that may come with future relationships.
The final lines "These days I sit on cornerstones and count the time in quartertones to ten, please don't confront me with my failures; I have not forgotten them" speak to a sense of introspection and awareness of one's own shortcomings. The singer isn't necessarily dwelling on these failures but rather acknowledging them and recognizing that they are a part of who they are.
Overall, These Days is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, missed opportunities, and a desire for stability and self-reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been out walking.
I have been taking long walks outside.
I don't do too much talking these days.
I am not much of a talker lately.
These days...
Recently...
These days I simply think a lot
Lately, I spend a lot of time thinking.
About the things that I forgot to do
I think about all the things I meant to do but didn't.
And all the times I had the chance to.
I regret not taking advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves.
I've stopped my rambling.
I no longer wander aimlessly.
I won't do too much gambling these days.
I am avoiding risky behavior these days.
These days...
Recently...
These days I simply think about
Nowadays, I spend a lot of time thinking about
How all the changes came about my way,
I reflect on how my life has changed,
And I wonder if I'll see another highway.
I question whether I will have any new opportunities in life.
I had a lover.
I used to have a romantic partner.
I don't think I'll risk another these days.
I am hesitant to pursue another romantic relationship at this time.
These days...
Recently...
These days I seem to be afraid
Lately, I feel scared
To live the life that I have made in song.
I am hesitant to fully embrace the life I have crafted for myself.
It's just that I've been losing so long.
I have been struggling for a long time.
La la la la la
There are no lyrics in this portion of the song.
I've stopped my dreaming.
I do not dream about the future anymore.
I won't do too much scheming these days.
I am not making big plans or schemes at this time.
These days...
Recently...
These days I sit on cornerstones
Nowadays, I spend my time sitting on street corners
And count the time in quartertones to ten.
I am focused on time, counting small increments.
Please don't confront me with my failures;
I do not want to be reminded of my failures.
I have not forgotten them.
Despite not wanting to be reminded, I have not forgotten my failures.
Contributed by Austin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TechNoir-wz5ic
How a 16 year old Jackson Browne was able to comprehend his feelings and write it in a song as moving and grown up/insightful as this is just beyond me....
@JohmathanBSwift
I know . Late for the Sky is an incredible work of such in depth , reflective and searching songs.
@magikbullit1989
Agreed. Different times back then I suppose.
@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly
How he keeps it up is the question...
@1nfiniteSeek3r
Would be interesting to know his influences both literary and musical, and some of the experiences which formed him.
@SantosSantos-bf5sz
I like Jackson Browne, he's cute.
@JustReadable
9 years later and she developed, changed her style and is doing brilliant and exiting music and performances but this recording is just so sweet.
@krollpeter
Not really style change.
The colours she uses are more.
@RajeevRanjan-py7ul
exciting*
@emmanuelcamacho1921
I miss the old st vincent