St. Vincent - Cruel (Official Video)

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The first video from "Strange Mercy", out now: bit.ly/qITQhG
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[@shininghappyperson7]

Favorite part of this video is definitely her playing the solo in the trunk. probably shouldn't be an lol moment but i chuckle every time.

[@SerenityAutumn]

SAME

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Ikr! That bit just gets me. Lmao

[@shawnbay2211]

OMG, SHE IS LITERALLY STILL IN THE SACK AND TIED UP! That detail just gets to me...

[@breh9243]

Rails and Ties Productions sameeee

[@leemythic4400]

I see that part aging well in the future

[@daniellefechtel9932]

I was abused as a child, and the line "they could take or leave you, so they took you, and they left you." Always makes me cry. I understand that verse so much.

[@MrHeHim]

The song to me shows how little i appreciate my mom *literal tear*

[@juliencastle2953]

So sorry to hear you went through such a thing...

[@cellphone96]

You must be super fun at parties

[@daniellefechtel9932]

cellphone96 do they play this song at parties? Really curious. And I don't mean I cry in public with this song lol that'd be so sad 😂

[@musicjunkie8228]

+cellphone96 Music is meant to evoke feelings in people, how boring it must be to listen without being able to connect to it.

[@akr01364]

I love how this song and video is a metaphor for being psychologically trapped or restrained by society only for it to have been a waste of time and yourself. By falling prey to the family here and being brainwashed over time only to not meet their demands, she was thrown away by it. The point is that it is cruel to not let people be who they are.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

Thank you, the song is much more deeper than some ''female oppression'' that many snowflakes are talking about... It's about much more than that...

[@IAmSleepy0]

Pronouns: “Bodies”

[@dsvet]

First worlder problems

[@Jade_Stone_]

Thank you, I knew it was beyond "Is girl so oppression" no I thought it was deeper than that and I think all the characters in the video represent that. The whole family is being forced into a role they feel expected to play and the "father" even took drastic measures to fill the "mother" role for his kids and "husband" role for himself. But then they all adapt and shuffle into it, even the kids (the daughter) is judging the mother's performance of her role. They are all the victim of the roles they play.

[@akr01364]

@@Jade_Stone_ exactly

[@ISCREAMFORSCREAMO1]

She's soooooooooooooooooo gorgeous

[@codytylerr4983]

+Adrian Schilbach you are mistaken sir.

[@StudlyStudmuffin]

+Adrian Schilbach not even that good.

[@nokaton]

I can't believe that this song was released in 2011. The sound, the vibe, the melody still sound so fresh even for the upcoming 2019. I'm really glad that I discover this song at last.

[@user-qn5kh2tz2r]

Her music always has timeless quality to it, that's true about her earlier albums, too.

[@calastyphon3414]

Thats because music has barely moved forwards since the new millennium

[@yesthisisshi]

She is indescribably beautiful.

[@israelhv117]

+Shiloh Beazel yeah but not as much as you...

[@StudlyStudmuffin]

NO, not really. She is cute, but the song is an extension cord and a blender having sex.

[@israelhv117]

+TheMacocko are you talking about Annie Clark´s music? because you might have mistaken your answer, we are talking about how beautiful she is, not his talen as musician...

[@DomChenn]

she's IMPOSSIBLY beautiful like wtf

[@Snugdajoina]

Annie is a treasure.

[@simras1234]

Yeah, she is quite captivating.

[@xjoseywales]

In fairness to the family, she did eff up their puzzle.

[@witchassbitch3]

She wanted to solve it her own way. Who needs directions when you've got creativity?

[@Bestevus]

+xjoseywales Fuck creativity. Bury that bitch.

[@randompendragon9215]

+xjoseywales nice pic

[@spacesandy3410]

How else can you solve a puzzle if not the only and right way? lmao

[@Visible2anyone_on_Youtube]

My laugh woke the dead.

[@cpamiseso]

The taken for granted song, lyrically.

[@TriforceCub]

Found this on a "new music for you" list on Spotify, thinking i found gold. Then i saw the upload date showing 11 YEARS AGO 😭 highly under-appreciated tbh

[@FollyOfArsinoe]

I totally empathize with the woman in this video. Annie Clark is a very perceptive artist to convey such calm despair so accurately with both musical finesse and humor. It's a beautiful song despite the theme.

[@lydiagauton511]

I love the way the music sounds like a Disney fairytale when she says 'can't you see what everybody wants from you', its like she's saying the expectations they have are the stuff of fairytales and not real life

[@taylornatkong9490]

yall. she was SO ahead of her time w this one.

[@sansabeaches8052]

Bodies, can't you see what everybody wants from you? Forgive the kids, for they don't know how to live Run the alleys casually cruel Cruel, cruel Bodies, can't you see what everybody wants from you? For you could want that, too They could take or leave you So they took you, and they left you How could they be casually cruel? Cruel, cruel, oh Cruel, cruel, oh Bodies, can't you see what everybody wants from you? If you could want that, too, then you'll be happy You were the one waving flares in the air so they could see you And they were a zephyr, blowing past ya, blowing fastly so they can see ya Cruel, cruel, oh Cruel, cruel, oh

[@protokalia]

i think she says 'my dears' not 'bodies', but thnx for the lyrics still )

[@Mizzouriboi02]

Άννα Κρασοπούλου _She says “bodies”._

[@voodoosleeper]

The way she layers brass instruments, especially saxophones, over her guitar and makes the fuzzy tone of her guitar balance so well with the timbre of the sax is just otherworldly. I'm a producer and I would've never thought of it but it makes the most amazing fucking sound. This is a timeless track and album in general. I'm a little proud it was written in my city.

[@tylerkupcho18]

This is easily my favorite song by her right now

[@goGoons]

This is the most brilliant music video I've ever seen. I watched it six times in a row. This song reminds me of a poem and two short stories. "Lady Lazarus" by Sylvia Plath "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin "The Yellow Wallpaper" Charlotte Perkins Gilman

[@DReppin2009]

No one does tragedy as beautiful as Annie Clark. Love her music to bits.

[@The01Armando]

Her voice is so haunting

[@Mariana-ix3ye]

This is one of the best indie songs ever

[@anneother6224]

I think it is one of the best songs ever. Period, as they say. NPR has this as the 38th best song by a woman+ (!) In the 21st century. Actually they know that is way underrated but they have to factor in popularity. This is way too classy to be popular but over time perhaps it will achieve proper recognition.

[@davidkariu2330]

And one of the greatest indie albums of all time.

[@Andi-xp7de]

Yes, indeed!

[@pennypay1]

Definitely one of my favorite videos. An elegant post-war American lifestyle in a lovely mansion, but with a horrible narcissist 'husband' and tyrannical spooky children.

[@mydessiasouthard8256]

While going through the worst time imaginable last year (4 deaths and caring for my step dad with cancer), I discovered Annie at the day for night festival. I fell instantly in love with her music. This song helped me to deal with my broken self while faced with so many pressures from my family members. I was just spread so thin and falling apart inside. I didnt have anything left of myself to give but everybody needed me for something while paying little attention to the fact that I was unraveling. I felt like Annie in this video being buried alive. Listening to her music daily is what got me through. Especially this song. Thank you Annie you are truly amazing.

[@stevenadamsapple]

I saw this because of 100 riffs. I didn't know id be such a powerful song, it's brought so many people together. I love music

[@chanceForNotBeingRapper]

had to say st vincent is underrated in her guitar skills

[@sadrevolution]

I can't believe this was a decade ago. 1) It's still _so good._ 2) I'm old.

[@SinHHilo]

fuck, but yes

[@BrendonInfante]

I think this song is about how casually cruel it is to pressure women into the thankless job of a mother/wife. It's easier to remember all the mistakes made instead of appreciating all the things they do for you, despite their efforts. (It only shows her 'screwing things up')

[@isthis_henry]

Also how they can casually throw her away (bury that is). They live in this clean cut world were if they some little mistakes they can easily throw her away with what seems to be annoyance. I think this video shows how cruelty hides itself behind the veil of beauty and perfection.

[@lollymartini66]

***** As a mum,you do feel like whats happening in the video sometimes. You bend over backwards for your family, and they come to expect it and stop appreciating you.

[@mfo1371]

I like her look, her message.. everything, but I find her music kind of boring.. I wouldn´t put her music on :/ kind of like muse, music is great until he starts singing with his winey annoying voice..

[@eugeniap.guardado8926]

great interpretation

[@fiammatrinidad1951]

Mary Folan true

[@nightvisions8]

I really think St. Vincent is very beautiful, and her music really is too. It's awesome and meaningful in this day and age.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

At first glance I thought weird... Then I remembered that weird fucking kicks ass lol.

[@wgaule]

So what you're saying is: you'd give her one!

[@UnchangeableBird]

Love St. Vincent. First saw her touring around in 2006 and everyone stood around in the back and talked during her whole set. Was the only person standing up front and watching because it was so good.

[@dftmmwgitd]

I really didn't like this song the first time I heard it, then I gave it another shot and it rocked my socks off. Don't ever judge on first listen, or 2nd, or 3rd.

[@theN4ever]

I had the same experience with her song "Prince Johnny". Now its one of my favorite songs. If you haven't heard it, you should give it a listen!

[@coolraymond8299]

Omg!! Totally had the same experience with "She Swallowed It" by NWA!!...nah, who am I kidding? I loved it right off.

[@breh9243]

Dom Tes same

[@bootlegbasquiat7552]

What a great song. I love how the seemingly joyful instrumental contrasts with cruel lyrics

[@mannygonzalez7735]

If they don't want her I'll take her.

[@codytylerr4983]

I was 21 when I first heard this song thinking it related so much but no after turning 28, this song has so many more meanings to me now.

[@caramelunicorn8023]

I feel like there is a level of absurdism and a tongue in cheek nihilism in a lot of her songs that I love.

[@RobRui1]

Ann Clark, i hope you never stop making music videos that have only you as the focal point.

[@pedrhomsfizio4875]

She's really good, I think this is my favorite song that she's put out on her album. I saw her last night in montreal, she did a performance for a small crowd and let me tell you, as good as she is, she is WAAAAAAAYYY better live! If you ever get a chance, take it. This chick can seriously shred, and her visual performance is amazing. Oh, and she crowd dived, I totally touched her. Totally not washing my hands ever again. Totally.

[@MissMichSan]

Glad you got to experience her haha

[@alecatnight1540]

she didnt have to go so hard but she did, FOR US, AND IT SLAPS

[@threedeemelodies]

we love a queen

[@MicLitter]

The line "forgive the kids, for they don't know how to live" makes me think of my mother. The whole video does, and it cuts to the bone in an excoriating way. Mom took her life when I was 14, and it was a turbulent time between she and I. My father had been cheating on her, and manipulated me to resent her for being the involved and authorative parent. It would be through many dark revelations I would learn to understand what was being done to her unseen by me. As a homeless teen it dawned on me that she shielded me from dad's callousness, while I hated her, and dad hid his behavior well while I worshipped him. The relationship dynamic depicted so well in these 3 minutes just implodes my brain. Mom was tough but forgiving to the point it buried her. "Sorry" just doesn't even cover it watching that ending.

[@Stallnig]

those guitar licks still blow my mind.

[@macheflores]

The fact that my grandmother danced to this song today makes it even more awesome.

[@brianmatthews2503]

I can’t get enough of her and her musical stylings - almost completely out of left field.

[@glr]

The harmonics on this track are totally crazy.

[@aweastep]

Annie Clark, please never stop making your beautiful social commentaries. But if you could please stream your entire life, that would be great.

[@EMPOWA]

i got chills

[@KjellBoeije]

They're multiplyin'.

[@PietraBourneuf]

LMAO! Good one...

[@msvalk]

i cant believe this was in 2011!! its so freakin good

[@redvines4142]

The stereotypical smooth, dulcet tones of 1950s muzak with quirky dissonant modern tones as she sings about how cruel they are. Plus the video imagery. Absolute multidimensional artistry right here.

[@nuuuabo]

her best song

[@jonathonbrujo]

I swear I'm in love with Annies voice, So beautiful. I'm crushing bad.

[@joealias2594]

Each time I watch this video I am more astounded by how beautifully directed it is.

[@lmv1332]

At the beginning it sounds like a jingle from a 1950's soap ad... or one of those song and dance numbers from disney flicks. You know, when the fairy godmother comes trough the window to dry the tears from the poor orphan girl's face. It shouldn't fit with the beat and everything else that comes after, but it does. So much that when it ends you think it did it too soon.

[@anneother6224]

L Mv I like the way the repetitive little tune starts up builds like its going somewhere then gets cut off. Its a great ending like so many on Strange Mercy.

[@aliceinwonderland4812]

Great song!!

[@israelhv117]

Love her music, beyond beauty she is gifted!

[@jeremologyy]

if the other 9 tracks on the album are anything even remotely close to the two incredible tracks we've heard so far, then this album will definitely not only be one of the Albums Of The Year, but will probably be her best album yet. I couldn't be more excited.

[@hughsaskin]

well what did you think of the album

[@Aldoo97]

Addicted to this song, I think.

[@ruckeebryebautista6259]

All i care about is the riff!! sick riff!!

[@dlistblogger]

This album is going to be incredible!

[@kapurush1965]

She's so beautiful it's insane... also probably the greatest singer/songwriter right now?? It's madness luv x

[@breh9243]

Ikr??

[@zed62592]

This video reminds me so much of Gregory Crewdson's photography. I love it.

[@Benefit1970]

This is what pop music is supposed to be: catchy but complex, not overdone, focused but also allowed to go here and there when it may. A+

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Amazing songwriter and musician. And beautiful.

[@Mhs212]

The same can be said for you ;)

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Muhammad Salyani thanks! :D

[@nigara]

Omg I have same children, same husband. This is my life

[@Sir_William_Marshal]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@gerardozamora1638]

I felt in love with this song. This is incredible.

[@eyeswatermaker]

now I know why Cara fell in love :)

[@KittyPieVibes]

OMG I ship them so hard. When I found out I freaked the fuck out

[@SoRandomGirl10]

+kittypie same

[@dwightschrute4560]

That fucking expression. Ship. Don't know who's worse, the person who came up with that shit, or the many who repeated its ignorance.

[@Carpetf]

can't believe I didn't know until now there was a video for this track

[@paniedajpanspokoj1]

also she's so beautiful i could spend eternity just looking at her

[@rachelaustin75]

I don't think there is a woman alive who is more beautiful.

[@cottoncandy113]

"Bodies, can't you see what everybody wants from me... How could they be casually cruel?" Pretty much sums up every douche bag I've encountered.

[@J8T369]

You poor sucker. I'm sorry you can't get any....

[@J8T369]

It would have a lot more emphasis if you didn't call women douche bags.

[@cottoncandy113]

Janice Sunseri I wasn't calling women douche bags. I was referring to some guys that I've the misfortune of meeting. And don't get me wrong again; I'm not saying that all men are douche bags either. But I've had an unfortunate knack for hanging around people who want to use me. It's tiring. The point of my comment was only to say that I can relate to this song. Also, I'm not sure if your confused or not about my gender, but I'm a girl. (If it at all matters.)

[@cottoncandy113]

Janice Sunseri I can see why that would be confusing. I've mostly heard guys who are jerks be called douche-bags. Though I don't think my gender should matter in this case. People being used isn't a good thing no matter what the gender :/

[@samshowalter7473]

I love you, Annie!!

[@MrAwesomeIndieniable]

I want to marry this woman, amazingly talent and inhumanly gorgeous.

[@colemanmiller8110]

The guitar riff is just so catchy I had to learn it for myself!

[@betterman1711]

I personally love this song it reminds me of when I was eight years old and I got locked in the amusement arcade. That episode scared me into many therapy sessions but all these years later I now appreciate that it was Gods way of getting me to stop picking my scabs. I have all the records by St. Vincent and all of his religious writings and Holy medals. I am basically sorted out for a seat upon the Heavenly Express. Naymastie.

[@buffyscully]

I absolutely adore this song!

[@domhussecorne381]

St. Vincent is incredible

[@neatboy_bug_collector]

Holy shit I just remembered that this song exist after like seven years

[@anything4what]

I cannot get over how good this is. Love it.

[@stevenboland9271]

I'm here after watching Anaconda for the first time... I'm so thankful for music that actually has meaning. Sweet, sweet sanctuary.

[@DangerKennyB]

Oh wow...I mean, I like this song a lot, but comparing anything to "Anaconda" (or anything from Nicki fucking Minaj) is setting the bar really, really, really damned low.

[@adontecook5981]

Dave Bautistaroid thank you.

[@SuperMaggie21]

Dave Bautistaroid Nicki promotes body positivity and feminism just like St. Vincent, it's just executed in an extremely different fashion. Nicki is my girl. You don't have to like her music, but don't talk shit. You can enjoy a song without bringing down other artists, please.

[@DangerKennyB]

Romano Godfreyo Well, when I actually bring down another 'artist', just let me know.

[@SuperMaggie21]

Wow.. someone put on their sassy pants today.

[@chrismarchand3570]

This song is an art-pop masterpiece. Man....

[@chrisradstorgoff7715]

Good GOD. This video has a real twist to it.

[@burningface]

Is it weird that I found the scene of her playing guitar with a bag over her head (while being kidnapped) totally adorable? Whatever, it totally was.

[@SilentHillHeather]

I agree :)

[@birch_boi8323]

Weird fetish

[@RainorXXX]

One the best guitar riff ever.

[@MelissaHasAmnesia]

Everyone go call your mothers right now and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. Then buy them a house.

[@TheConfiteor]

How does this not have 100x as many views? This is one of my very favorite things.

[@therealthiccupstandingciti1674]

File this under "Songs you somehow know but don't know how or why you know them"

[@pennypay1]

I doubt I would have known about 'Cruel' (or St. Vincent) if my cousin hadn't recommended it. I discovered St. Vincent and Saint Motel right around the same time, and my husband was always getting them mixed up. He really likes the former and can't stand the latter.

[@aj_malakai]

cannot get enough of this song!

[@kookook97]

Immediately fell in love with her when I heard her play in Gossip Girl. Yep, riding the bandwagon on this one. Definitely.

[@Ciel-rr8ct]

Thanks you Gossip girl

[@CoraDagger84]

the part with a gun to her head is inspo from a black and white film that i cannot think of right now

[@SirLepaul]

She is soo amazing and her vocals are excellent.

[@danielside7]

She deserves many many more views, people need to know her music

[@SuperSkater888]

I can not tell you how many times i have listened to this song thanks to alex from CME. what a legend.

[@martalobos7822]

"They could take or leave you/So they took you/And they left you."

[@chelseahauls2652]

such a wonderful song strange mercy is such an amazing album

[@adz9986]

This song makes perfect sense if you think about it a lot. I love it.

[@casuhdilla]

She's too beautiful for words.

[@chanceForNotBeingRapper]

cruel oh oh oh, so catchy Annie Clark also coproduced Taylor's Cruel Summer btw

[@Moooooranda]

This is such a lovely song!

[@haf816r]

Playing in the trunk, best scene I think I have ever seen!!

[@belindalee6433]

was finding a St Vincent church, accidentally fpund this and DANG! i'm in love with this song ~

[@VictoriaNjirithiaOfficial]

I think this video describes, honestly, how it is to be a wife and mother.

[@malice4422]

Well that's depressing lol

[@underratedcritic1983]

I'd imagine being a wife and mother is not nearly as exciting as lesbian sex with Cara Delevingne.

[@Iampatrix]

I think it's definitely about gender roles, how women can be trapped or forced into a domestic life if they want to get by in the world and how they can basically end up as a slave to your family. Until you die. That's what I got out of it. People have commented that she's not a very open or intimate person to be around so the idea of a traditional marriage life might very well seem very cruel to her.

[@VictoriaNjirithiaOfficial]

I like what she says about kids being casually cruel. This 4 year old I sit for tells the most outrageous lies it seems for no reason but to get me in trouble! Being a mom must be so much blackmail from your angel faced little ones, disappointment when you can't buy them what they want, and being under appreciated when you do something nice

[@adlovett9831]

no because 99% of mothers choose to be mothers, and are actually more happy than working women on average.

[@hamcatjones8028]

It makes me saddest when they don't eat the dinner =(

[@ericeast7860]

Thank you St Vincent for giving me hope for the future of music.

[@dulapeep5609]

the best creative video ever....can't stop watcching it