These Days

St. Vincent's rendition of 'These Days' is a poignant exploration of introspection and the passage of time. The song, originally written by Jackson Browne, is given a unique touch by St. Vincent's ethereal voice and minimalist arrangement. The lyrics convey a sense of quiet contemplation, as the narrator reflects on their past actions and missed opportunities. The repeated phrase 'these days' underscores a period of self-reflection and a shift from a more active, perhaps reckless, lifestyle to one of introspection and caution.

The song's verses reveal a journey of personal growth and acceptance. The narrator admits to having stopped 'rambling' and 'gambling,' indicating a move away from a life of uncertainty and risk. This change is accompanied by a sense of regret and a longing for the past, as the narrator thinks about 'the things that I forgot to do' and wonders about the future. The mention of a past lover and the reluctance to 'risk another' highlights a fear of vulnerability and the scars left by previous experiences.

In the final verse, the narrator's resignation becomes more apparent. They have 'stopped dreaming' and 'scheming,' choosing instead to sit on 'cornerstones' and count time in 'quartertones.' This imagery suggests a meticulous, almost obsessive, focus on the passage of time and a reluctance to face past failures. The plea, 'Please don't confront me with my failures, I have not forgotten them,' encapsulates the song's theme of living with the weight of past mistakes while trying to find peace in the present. St. Vincent's interpretation of 'These Days' is a beautiful, melancholic reflection on the complexities of life and the inevitability of change.