Though Stevens had announced plans to make an album for each of the 50 U.S. states, beginning the series with the albums 'Michigan' (2003) and 'Illinois' (2005), he has since then somewhat retracted the statement. "Sufjan Stevens is not going to write a record for each of the 50 states after all" was the original text included on the online liner notes for 'Mews Too: An Asthmatic Kitty Compilation' , a disc released on February 7, 2006. This statement was possibly included as a joke, as the text has since been removed and the current liner notes related to Sufjan Stevens reads: "Sufjan Stevens can fold a fitted-sheet (he once worked as a professional folder in a commercial Laundromat)."
Background
Stevens was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in the city of Petoskey in that same state. He attended Hope College on the west coast of Michigan.
The name Sufjan is an Arabic/Persian name that predates Islam and most famously belonged to Abu Sufyan, a figure from early Islamic history. It has been mentioned in the press that the name was given to Stevens by the leader of Subud, a spiritual sect to which his parents belonged when he was born. Stevens has stated that the name is of Armenian origin and means "comes with a sword," and that it is "a charming militaristic Muslim name." In fact the name is not Armenian, and Armenia is a predominantly Christian country.
Sufjan is also the plural form of Sufi in Persian . Sufi is a practitioner of Sufism .This word is frequently used in the old Persian literature ,specially Sufi poetry .
His brother, marathonist Marzuki Stevens, has trained to compete in the 2008 Olympic trials, and has played on two of Sufjan's albums.
A multi-instrumentalist, Stevens plays the banjo, guitar, drums, and several other instruments, often playing all of these on his albums through the use of multi-tracking. While in school, he studied the oboe and English horn, which he also plays on his albums; he is one of the few musicians in popular music to use these instruments.
Career
Sufjan Stevens began his musical career as a member of Marzuki, a folk-rock band from Holland, Michigan. He also played (and continues to play) various instruments for Danielson Famile. While in school at Hope College, Stevens wrote and recorded his debut solo album, A Sun Came, which he released on Asthmatic Kitty Records, a record label he founded with his step-father in 1999. He later moved to New York City, where he was enrolled in a writing program at the New School for Social Research.
While in New York, Stevens composed and recorded the music for his second album, Enjoy Your Rabbit, a song cycle based around the animals of the Chinese Zodiac that ventured into electronica.
Stevens followed this with the first of his 50 states albums, a collection of folk songs and instrumentals inspired by his home state of Michigan. The result, the expansive Michigan, included odes to cities including Detroit and Flint, the Upper Peninsula, and vacation areas such as Tahquamenon Falls. Melded into the scenic descriptions and characters are his own declarations of faith in God, sorrow, love and the regeneration of Michigan.
Following the release of Michigan, Stevens compiled a collection of songs recorded previously into a side project, the Christian folk album Seven Swans, which was released in March 2004.
Next he released the second in the 50 states projects, entitled Come On Feel The Illinoise!. Among the subjects explored on Come On Feel The Illinoise! are the cities of Chicago, Decatur and Jacksonville, the serial killer John Wayne Gacy, the poet Carl Sandburg, and Mississippi Palisades State Park.
He has contributed to the music of Denison Witmer, Soul Junk, Half-handed Cloud, Brother Danielson, Danielson Famile, Serena Maneesh, Castanets, and Liz Janes. He played piano on for fellow Brooklyn musician's The National's album 2007 Boxer. A cover of "She Is" is included on the album Dream Brother, released in the United States on January 31, 2006.
Sufjan contributed a lot to the sound of the 2001 Liz Janes album Done Gone Fire as he engineered, recorded, produced and arranged it as well as playing many addition instruments.
Sufjan recently recorded with Rosie Thomas and Denison Witmer playing banjo and providing vocals. It is unknown how this record will be released. In April 2006, Pitchfork erroneously announced that Stevens and Thomas were having a baby together, but were forced to print a retraction. Witmer and Thomas later admitted it was an April Fools' prank.
The Fifty States Project
Beginning with Michigan, Stevens announced an intent to write an album for each of the 50 U.S. states, although in interviews he wavers between utter sincerity and self-deprecating irony when describing the idea.
Stevens spent the second half of 2004 researching and writing material for the second of these projects, this time focusing his efforts on Illinois. As with Michigan, Stevens used the state of Illinois as a leaping-off point for his more personal explorations of faith, family, love, and location.
The widely acclaimed Illinois was the highest rated album of 2005 on the Metacritic review aggregator site, based on glowing reviews from Pitchfork, The Onion A/V Club, Spin, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The 2006 PLUG Independent Music Awards awarded Stevens with the Album Of The Year, Best Album Art/Packaging, and Male Artist Of The Year. Pitchfork Media and Paste Magazine named Come On Feel The Illinoise! as the editors' choice for best album of 2005 and Stevens received the 2005 Pantheon prize, awarded to albums selling 500,000 copies or fewer, for Come On Feel The Illinoise!. In April of 2006, Stevens announced that 21 pieces of music he had culled from the Come On Feel The Illinoise! recording sessions would be incorporated into a new album, called The Avalanche. The album was released on July 11, 2006.
While there were other projects rumored to be released following 2005's Illinois, by 2009 and his live album The BQE, he was seemingly finished with the project, calling it "Such a joke", and accepting that the project was too massive and too cliché to ever reach an end.
Religious themes
Many of Stevens' songs have religious and spiritual allusions, but his album Seven Swans has the most direct religious references. Stevens has expressed that he is Christian, but does not overtly advertise this aspect of himself in his music. Stevens has also stated that he does not try to make music "with a message", or music for the sake of preaching. "I don't think music media is the real forum for theological discussions," says Stevens. "I think I've said things and sung about things that probably weren't appropriate for this kind of forum. And I just feel like it's not my work or my place to be making claims and statements, because I often think it's misunderstood."
The songs 'Abraham', 'Seven Swans', 'To Be Alone With You', 'We Won't Need Legs To Stand' and 'The Transfiguration' directly address Christianity on the album Seven Swans. In 'Abraham', Sufjan recounts the Old Testament story in the Book of Genesis when Abraham, ordered by God as a test of faith, leads his son, Isaac, up a mountain and prepares to kill him, as commanded (but before God sends an angel to intervene). The lyrics of 'The Transfiguration' follow the Biblical accounts of Jesus' Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9: 1-8, and Luke 9:28-36.
Michigan and Come On Feel The Illinoise! are packed with Christian references and metaphors. Michigan contains "Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie", which implores "Oh Lamb of God! Tell us Your perfect design and give us the rod" ("Lamb of God" being a Biblical name for Jesus Christ). The song "Oh God, Where Are You Now?" asks God to "hold me now", to "save somehow", searching for God in the midst of personal turmoil. "There's no other man who could save the dead," the song states. The album closer, 'Vito's Ordination Song', was apparently originally written for Sufjan's friend Vito Aiuto, and its lyrics allude directly to Psalm 139 ("I always knew you. In your mother's arms, I have called your name", "I've made a crown for you"). The song speaks of "When the bridegroom comes" - the New Testament speaks of Jesus Christ as being the Bridegroom and the Church His Bride, finally being united together at the End of Time.
Come On Feel The Illinoise! features the song 'Chicago' with its refrain of "You came to take us, to recreate us", and 'Decatur' has the chorus of "It's the great I Am" ("I Am" being the name the Lord reveals Himself by to Moses in Exodus 3:14). "Casimir Pulaski Day" speaks of "All the glory that the Lord has made" in the midst of personal pain and loss. "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out To Get Us!" has the lyrics: "Lamb of God, we sound the horn. Hallelujah!" One instrumental passage has the title of "In This Temple as in the Hearts of Man for Whom He Saved the Earth". "The Seer's Tower" speaks of Emanuel, "With His sword, with His robe He comes dividing man from brothers" (an interesting side note is that "Sufjan" actually means "comes with a sword"). Indeed, the vast majority of songs of Come On Feel The Illinoise! contain lyric lines which can be readily identified as having a basis in Stevens' faith in Christ.
Sufjan's second, electronic album, Enjoy Your Rabbit, contains a song cycle based on of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, culminating with the song "Year of our Lord". Stevens released the original, Christian-themed song "God'll Ne'er Let You Down" on the "To Spirit Back the Mews" compilation on Asthmatic Kitty. The officially unreleased Christmas albums Sufjan Stevens made and then compiled into Songs for Christmas feature suitably Christmas and Christian themed music, both originals and covers of hymns and traditional songs.
Trivia
On Snow Patrol's 2006 album Eyes Open there is a reference to Sufjan and the song "Chicago" in the song "Hands Open" - "Put Sufjan Stevens on and we'll play your favorite song/"Chicago" bursts to life and your sweet smile remembers you."
Sufjan has twice been featured on the FOX television show "The OC". "To Be Alone With You" and "For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti" can be heard on episodes 202 and 315, respectively.
Sufjan Stevens' music has appeared twice on the Showtime dark comedy "Weeds". "All The Trees Of The Field Will Clap Their Hands" appears on S1E02 over the end credits, and "Holland" appears near the end of S2E10.
Two of Sufjan's songs appear on the soundtrack to "Little Miss Sunshine": "Chicago" and "No Man's Land"
The song "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." appears on the 3rd season of the tv show "Nip/Tuck".
Several songs can be heard on the movie "Driving Lessons"
You can also hear snippets in between CSI shows on 5US
In the TV show "Austin City Limits", he mentioned that when he was a kid, he and his best friend saw something in the sky which they couldn't figure out. They thought it was a spaceship or UFO first, then an eagle or a dragon. Finally they realized it was a giant wasp. He wrote the song "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!" about the incident and mentioned that the reason they (the band) all have wings on stage is to overcome his fear of flying things.
The song "Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)" is heard in the 2012 "World of Red Bull" television commercial. he is quoted as saying "selling out never looked so good." and "somebody had to pay for all of that Christmas confetti." referring to his recent Christmas album and supporting tour.
In 2017 Stevens wrote two Original Songs to be featured in the gay drama film “Call me by your Name”, entitled “Mystery of Love” and “Visions of Gideon”. He also made a reworked version of his Song “Futile Devices” which is also featured on the soundtrack.
Website:http://sufjan.com
Barcarola
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Asking for more than what they may need
I can't say what I need
Oh, temper what you say if you've nothing nice to say
So my grandmother says to me
With her heart on her sleeve
And I let the dog out in the snow
Oh where did she go?
Oh, father friend, will you punish me, punish me
With a look of contempt, with a look of contempt
I can't recall
Oh, I know you did right by me, right by me
Wagging your hands when you found me
With the bag of your things
Please, please don't be a stranger here
A stranger who takes from the world
Who takes from the world
You, you must be a Christmas tree, a Christmas tree
You light up the room, oh, you light up the room
Oh, you light up the room
So suddenly you kissed me
You tickled me in front of your mother, who looked away
With her hands on her face
Don't run away my friend
You won't be back again, you said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You ran your hands through my hair, through the snow
Where the frost-blooded flows with the terrible ghost
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know
The lyrics of Sufjan Stevens's song Barcarola are hauntingly beautiful, with layered meanings that invite close listening and interpretation. The opening lines "Oh, no one else is happily, recklessly / Asking for more than what they may need / I can't say what I need" suggest a longing for more than just material comfort, and a struggle to articulate that need. The singer seems to be acknowledging that asking for too much may be seen as reckless, but at the same time, is unable to express what they truly want or need.
The next few lines introduce the singer's grandmother, who offers advice on being mindful of what you say. The phrase "with her heart on her sleeve" suggests a deep emotional connection between the singer and their grandmother, who is a source of wisdom and guidance. However, the following lines about leaving the door open and letting the dog out in the snow hint at a sense of irresponsibility or recklessness on the singer's part.
The rest of the song is filled with conflicting emotions and themes, from a sense of betrayal and punishment by a father figure, to a lyrical portrayal of someone being compared to a Christmas tree, radiant and beautiful. The repeated refrain "Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again / You said you needed me / But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me" suggests a relationship that has gone sour, with one person needing distance and separation from the other.
Overall, Barcarola is a complex and emotionally charged song that explores themes of love, loss, and the difficulty of communication. The imagery is vivid and evocative, and the musical arrangement helps to reinforce the song's underlying emotional tone.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, no one else is happily, recklessly
No one else is living as carefree and without worry as I am.
Asking for more than what they may need
Requesting or desiring things that they do not necessarily require.
I can't say what I need
I am unable to express my wants or necessities.
Oh, temper what you say if you've nothing nice to say
Choose your words carefully and kindly, or say nothing at all.
So my grandmother says to me
These words of advice were shared by my grandmother with me.
With her heart on her sleeve
She speaks from a place of honest, heartfelt emotion.
So, sadly I left the door open
I departed while leaving the entrance ajar, feeling a sense of melancholy.
And I let the dog out in the snow
I allowed the dog to leave my sight, exposed to the cold winter weather.
Oh where did she go?
I am now unsure of the location of the dog.
Oh, father friend, will you punish me, punish me
Addressing a paternal figure or friend, expressing a desire for discipline or consequence.
With a look of contempt, with a look of contempt
With disdain or disapproval in your expression or gaze.
I can't recall
I cannot remember the specific incident being referred to.
Oh, I know you did right by me, right by me
I acknowledge that you treated me well and appropriately.
Wagging your hands when you found me
You expressed joy or excitement upon encountering me.
With the bag of your things
Carrying your possessions, which are of importance to you.
Please, please don't be a stranger here
Expressing a desire for someone to be a familiar presence in this place.
A stranger who takes from the world
Someone who does not belong here and who takes more than they give or contribute.
Who takes from the world
Reiterating the idea of someone who is selfish in their interactions with the world around them.
You, you must be a Christmas tree, a Christmas tree
You are emblematic of the festive, celebratory spirit of the holiday season.
You light up the room, oh, you light up the room
You bring joy and brightness to the space around you.
So suddenly you kissed me
With no warning or expectation, you kissed me.
You tickled me in front of your mother, who looked away
You playfully and affectionately touched me in the presence of your parent, who averted their gaze.
With her hands on her face
Her reaction is one of surprise or perhaps awkwardness.
Don't run away my friend
An appeal to not depart, to remain in this situation or relationship.
You won't be back again, you said you needed me
Implying that the other person has stated they are unable to return and have expressed a need for the singer.
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Acknowledging that the person who left had their own reasons for doing so, which may have included a desire to break with the singer.
You ran your hands through my hair, through the snow
Recalling a moment of physical interaction characterized by tenderness or intimacy that took place in the snow.
Where the frost-blooded flows with the terrible ghost
A description of the natural environment, possibly evocative of the fears or anxieties being experienced by the artist.
You said you needed me
A repetition of the idea that the other person had expressed vulnerability and a desire for the artist.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SUFJAN STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@atrijitdas1704
Oh, no one else is happily, recklessly
Asking for more than what they may need
I can't say what I need
Oh, temper what you say if you've nothing nice to say
So my grandmother says to me
With her heart on her sleeve
So, sadly I left the door open
And I let the dog out in the snow
Oh where did she go?
Oh, father friend, will you punish me, punish me
With a look of contempt, with a look of contempt
I can't recall
Oh, I know you did right by me, right by me
Wagging your hands when you found me
With the bag of your things
Please, please don't be a stranger here
A stranger who takes from the world
Who takes from the world
You, you must be a Christmas tree, a Christmas tree
You light up the room, oh, you light up the room
Oh, you light up the room
So suddenly you kissed me
You tickled me in front of your mother, who looked away
With her hands on her face
Don't run away my friend
You won't be back again, you said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You ran your hands through my hair, through the snow
Where the frost-blooded flows with the terrible ghost
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know
@emorockband4725
sufjan in 2012 really thought "if the world ends & this is the last xmas ever im gonna release the saddest xmas song for the gays"
& that's how we got this song
"So suddenly you kissed me
You tickled me in front of your mother, who looked away
With her hands on her face"
wow
@brianspenst1374
This is one of my favorites. I love how it slowly churns along with a lopsided rhythm. It has the feeling of a wheel with an off center axle. It just adds to to the emotions portrayed in the lyrics.
@HistoriasdeunaVaca
In music school we called this musical ball or sphere haha
@matthewleger5605
this song is absolutely incredible. fucked up really bad around christmas time when i was a teenager & the lyrics "oh, father friend, will you punish me, punish me / with a look of contempt, with a look of contempt / i can't recall" hurt unlike any lyric i can recall. still gives me chills. thank you, sufjan
@HistoriasdeunaVaca
I feel that
@atrijitdas1704
Oh, no one else is happily, recklessly
Asking for more than what they may need
I can't say what I need
Oh, temper what you say if you've nothing nice to say
So my grandmother says to me
With her heart on her sleeve
So, sadly I left the door open
And I let the dog out in the snow
Oh where did she go?
Oh, father friend, will you punish me, punish me
With a look of contempt, with a look of contempt
I can't recall
Oh, I know you did right by me, right by me
Wagging your hands when you found me
With the bag of your things
Please, please don't be a stranger here
A stranger who takes from the world
Who takes from the world
You, you must be a Christmas tree, a Christmas tree
You light up the room, oh, you light up the room
Oh, you light up the room
So suddenly you kissed me
You tickled me in front of your mother, who looked away
With her hands on her face
Don't run away my friend
You won't be back again, you said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know that you needed yourself to be cleaned of me
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You ran your hands through my hair, through the snow
Where the frost-blooded flows with the terrible ghost
Don't run away my friend, you won't be back again
You said you needed me
But I know
@faqu5195
Omg i can't believe this Song exist. I recently discover sufjan and i fell in love. I'm from Argentina, i hope one day i can see you live performing
@ethancundiff6422
Why is no one talking about this?!?!?!? Forget Christmas, this is one of his best compositions PERIOD!!!!
@neslibzkrt
Sufjan stevens, My soul needs you, and I didn't know i needed you so much until I listened to you.
@ashleyhill105
This is so brilliant and powerful. I cry every time.
@o_felipecampos
Incrível 💖