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.
Year of the Tiger
St. Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I was young
Coach called me the tiger
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
I always had
A knack with the danger
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Italian shoes
Like these rubes know the difference
Suitcase of cash
In the back of my stick shift
I had to be the best of the bourgeoisie
Now my kingdom for a cup of coffee
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh, America, can I owe you one?
Oh, America, can I owe you one?
Oh, America, can I owe you one?
Oh, America, can I owe you one?
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
The song "Year of the Tiger" by St. Vincent speaks about fear and danger, and the confusion and tension that arise from living in fear. The song is inspired by the Chinese zodiac, specifically the year of the tiger. The tiger is seen as a symbol of power, courage, and bravery, but also represents unpredictability and danger. In the first verse, the singer reveals that she was called "the tiger" by her coach when she was young because of her knack for danger. However, she also expresses fear that comes from living in the year of the tiger.
The second verse speaks about the superficiality and materialism of society, particularly in the US. The singer describes owning Italian shoes and carrying a suitcase of cash, indicating her wealth and status. She also expresses a desire to be part of the bourgeoisie, wishing for the best life has to offer, but ultimately realizing that it does not bring true happiness. The chorus repeats the phrase "living in fear in the year of the tiger," emphasizing the pervasive sense of fear that is present regardless of one's social status or possessions.
The repetition of "Oh, America, can I owe you one?" throughout the song suggests a desire to pay back a debt or to be indebted to someone or something. This refrain, along with the fear of the tiger, adds an additional layer of tension to the song, the meaning of which is left up to interpretation. Overall, "Year of the Tiger" is a haunting and introspective song that speaks to the universal themes of fear and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was young
The song begins with the singer reflecting on her youth.
Coach called me the tiger
The singer had a nickname, 'the tiger,' given to her by her coach.
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
The singer questions if she owes anything to America.
I always had
The singer had always possessed a certain quality.
A knack with the danger
She had an affinity towards danger and the risks that come with it.
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
The singer is reminded of her connection to America and its influence on her life.
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
The singer is currently living in a time of uncertainty, where danger is constantly present.
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
The repetition of the first line emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.
Italian shoes
The singer references high-end fashion as an example of the superficiality of society.
Like these rubes know the difference
She comments on how ordinary people cannot distinguish between expensive and cheap things.
Suitcase of cash
Another example of wealth that is seemingly meaningless to the singer.
In the back of my stick shift
The singer's car is an ordinary one, showing that she is still tied to a starter lifestyle despite her wealth.
I had to be the best of the bourgeoisie
The singer feels the pressure to be the ideal representation of the upper class.
Now my kingdom for a cup of coffee
The line highlights the singer's desperation and willingness to give up even an expensive possession for a simple pleasure.
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
The repetition of this chorus emphasizes the theme of living in constant fear.
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
Living in fear in the year of the tiger
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
(Oh, America, can I owe you one?)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sharon Clark, Anne Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind