Meaning and Lyrics of All Born Screaming by St. Vincent

The song “All Born Screaming” by St. Vincent delves into themes of struggle, defiance, and the inherent pain that comes with existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has battled through various challenges and still finds themselves grappling with internal turmoil.

In the first verse, the singer describes their efforts to rise above the mundane aspects of life, whether it be climbing power lines or mountains to escape the confines of the ordinary. The imagery of feeling like “graffiti on a urinal in the abattoir” hints at a sense of being trapped and defaced in a bleak environment. The inability to stop moving and the detachment from ownership emphasize a feeling of disconnection and aimlessness.

The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the idea that “We’re all born screaming,” highlighting the universal experience of entering the world with a cry, signifying the painful and tumultuous nature of life itself. The repetition drives home the message that suffering is a shared aspect of the human condition.

The second verse delves deeper into personal struggles, with references to seeking solace in open arms only to be confined by them, as they turn into a metaphorical straitjacket. The mention of “stolen hearts I didn’t need” suggests a pattern of taking on unnecessary emotional burdens, leading to a sense of regret and a feeling of having paid a heavy price for them. The comparison to a pantomime and a karaoke version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” suggests a feeling of inadequacy or imitation rather than genuine expression.

The post-chorus and instrumental break provide a moment of reflection and introspection, with the repetition of sounds like “aye” and “well” adding a sense of melancholy and resignation.

The outro, with its repeated refrain of “All born screaming,” echoes the earlier sentiment of shared pain and the inescapable reality of suffering that is inherent to the human experience. The repetition here serves to emphasize the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and the ongoing struggles faced by individuals.

Overall, “All Born Screaming” is a haunting reflection on the struggles of existence, the weight of one’s past actions, and the inescapable pain that accompanies the journey through life. The lyrics and music work in tandem to create a sense of unease and introspection, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of the human condition.