Should Have Known Better
Sufjan Stevens
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I should have known better To see what I could see My black shroud Holding down my feelings A pillar for my enemies I should have wrote a letter And grieve what I happen to grieve My black shroud I never trust my feelings I waited for the remedy When I was three, three maybe four She left us at that video store Be my rest, be my fantasy Be my rest, be my fantasy I’m light as a feather I’m bright as the Oregon breeze My black shroud Frightened by my feelings I only wanna be a relief No, I’m not a go-getter The demon had a spell on me My black shroud Captain of my feelings The only thing I wanna believe When I was three, and free to explore I saw her face on the back of the door Be my rest, be my fantasy Be my rest, be my fantasy I should have known better Nothing can be changed The past is still the past The bridge to nowhere I should have wrote a letter Explaining what I feel, that empty feeling Don’t back down, concentrate on seeing The breakers in the bar, the neighbor’s greeting My brother had a daughter The beauty that she brings, illumination Don’t back down, there is nothing left The breakers in the bar, no reason to live I’m a fool in the fetter Rose of Aaron’s beard, where you can reach me Don’t back down, nothing can be changed Cantilever bridge, the drunken sailor My brother had a daughter The beauty that she brings, illumination
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10 facts about this song
Career"Should Have Known Better" is a song by American indie folk artist Sufjan Stevens. The song was released as a part of his seventh studio album, "Carrie & Lowell."
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GenreAlthough Sufjan Stevens is known for his often experimental music—blending elements of indie rock, folk, and electronica, "Should Have Known Better" harks back to his folk roots, featuring only his voice, fingerpicked guitar, and occasional flourishes of a few selected instruments.
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ThemeThe song, like much of the "Carrie & Lowell" album, delves deeply into Stevens' grief and struggles following the death of his mother, Carrie. The song mentions the singer's regrets and reflections on their distant relationship.
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NarrativeHe used the lyrics to lyrically express his emotional journey, moving from a place of deep sorrow in the verse to a sense of optimism and acceptance in the chorus when he sings: "Nothing can be changed, the past is still the past / A bridge to nowhere.”
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RecognitionThe song was praised by critics for its emotional honesty and beautiful melody. NME named it one of the best songs of 2015.
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Album SuccessThe album "Carrie & Lowell" was critically acclaimed and well-received by fans, greatly due to its transparent emotional content, of which "Should Have Known Better" was a significant contributor.
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Artistic ProcessStevens composed the song, and most of the album, on a small parlor guitar that he had borrowed. He also wrote a large part of the album in Oregon, where he spent three summers with his mother and stepfather – the titular Lowell – as a child.
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Music VideoThe accompanying music video for "Should Have Known Better" adds to the song's narrative, detailing a journey that resembles Stevens' own struggles with acceptance and moving forward.
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Impact"Should Have Known Better" is often considered one of Stevens' most emotionally impactful songs, bringing listeners along on his journey through mourning, reflection, and healing.
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LegacyDespite being heavily personal, the universal themes and intense emotions expressed in "Should Have Known Better" have connected with a wide range of listeners. The song’s emotional depth and lyricism have established it as one of Sufjan Stevens' most notable works.
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Citation
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"Should Have Known Better Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31683361/Sufjan+Stevens/Should+Have+Known+Better>.
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