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Fiona Apple — I Know
Album: When the Pawn...
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 734









Released: 1999
Length: 4:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
So be it, I'm your crowbar
If that's what I am so far
Until you get out of this mess
And I will pretend
That I don't know of your sins
Until you are ready to confess
But all the time, all the time
I'll know, I'll know
And you can use my skin
To bury secrets in
And I will settle you down
And at my own suggestion,
I will ask no questions
While I do my thing in the background
But all the time, all the time
I'll know, I'll know
Baby-I can't help you out, while she's still around
So for the time being, I'm being patient
And amidst this bitterness
If you'll just consider this-even if it don't make sense
All the time-give it time
And when the crowd becomes your burden
And you've early closed your curtains,
I'll wait by the backstage door
While you try to find the lines to speak your mind
And pry it open, hoping for an encore
And if it gets too late, for me to wait
For you to find you love me, and tell me so
It's ok, don't need to say it.
Comments (145)add comment
This is wonderful!


So, how is Fiona doing these days? 
 Edweirdo wrote:

Her first two albums (Tidal and When the Pawn ...) are simply stellar.  However, she seems to have gone seriously off-piste since; to me Fetch The Bolt Cutters is an unlistenable mess.   However, she's obviously an artist who is ploughing her own furrow, and while I don't want to listen, I do applaud her vision.


I would definitely not call Fetch The Bolt Cutters an unlistenable mess. It just much more experimental, daring and definitely not mainstream. I can only speak for myself but I love that album. I had to take the time and listen to it a few times before it started growing on me.
Her first two albums (Tidal and When the Pawn ...) are simply stellar.  However, she seems to have gone seriously off-piste since; to me Fetch The Bolt Cutters is an unlistenable mess.   However, she's obviously an artist who is ploughing her own furrow, and while I don't want to listen, I do applaud her vision.
 lily34 wrote:
it is beautiful, isn't it?

 
Oh WOW!  Literally stopped me in my tracks and made me listen while reading the lyrics.  Thanks Bill and Rebecca for introducing me to an amazing artist that I would never have heard were it not for this wonderful radio station. {#Sunny}
 lily34 wrote:
it is beautiful, isn't it?

 
Great. 
Bittersweet 
it is beautiful, isn't it?
How did I miss this? love it
Here's a link to an article on her from nytimes.com about her emotional up's and down's, as well as her creative process toward her latest album, “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/arts/music/fiona-apples-new-album-the-idler-wheel.html?pagewanted=all 
Every time this comes on I have to stop and listen. Just an astounding song, more stark emotion than anything I can think of offhand.
What a stellar album.  I didn't love it at first but wow it grew on me like fungus :)

For me, this song is one of the best last tracks ever.
So how is she doing..? Anybody knows?
 brianlj wrote:
Perfect Day - Lou Reed
 
Both songs seem to pay some passing homage to pre-war-German, "epic theatre" scores - Bertold Brecht, Kurt Weill, etc...
This is going straight onto my "most depressing songs ever" playlist, which means that I LOVE IT!
 Stingray wrote:
GRAND-DAD'S DELIGHT!
 
This is a more than slightly creepy comment...

this one kicks me in the ass each time.
There's no sugar coating with Fiona. I like that about her. Good and sincere tune.
 dyharenas wrote:

People can say what they want of course, but this is pretty good songwriting, thanks for posting.
 
I'll second that and add that it's pretty good delivery as well. The breathy bits don't even bug me because she can really sing too.
GRAND-DAD'S DELIGHT!
 lily34 wrote:
So be it, Im your crowbar
If thats what I am so far
Until you get out of this mess
And I will pretend
That I dont know of your sins
Until you are ready to confess
But all the time, all the time
Ill know, Ill know
And you can use my skin
To bury secrets in
And I will settle you down
And at my own suggestion,
I will ask no questions
While I do my thing in the background
But all the time, all the time
Ill know, Ill know
Baby-i cant help you out, while shes still around
So for the time being, Im being patient
And amidst this bitterness
If youll just consider this-even if it dont make sense
All the time-give it time
And when the crowd becomes your burden
And youve early closed your curtains,
Ill wait by the backstage door
While you try to find the lines to speak your mind
And pry it open, hoping for an encore
And if it gets too late, for me to wait
For you to find you love me, and tell me so
Its ok, dont need to say it


 
People can say what they want of course, but this is pretty good songwriting, thanks for posting.

 The_Enemy wrote:

I know someone who went to school with a girl called Imaculata Conceptione (I may have spelled that wrong — the girl was Italian).

It was probably all innocent but you have to wonder if the mother was trying to hide something :)

 

I had a crush on Robin Hood in college....but kept wondering if his parents were cruel.
Love the track, but am I the only one who hears Nick Cave in the chord progression?
she looks so happy on the album cover...
perhaps 'middle of the road' 
Fredrikson wrote:

I wouldn't call this album "middle of the row" but certainly this is one of the best songs on it.

 


I have an uncontrollable craving for applesauce.
 PeorgieTirebiter wrote:

Female + piano. Otherwise there's no similarity.
 
I agree.  I love them both, but they are completely different artists.  I can easily understand someone liking one but not the other.

 ufamsm wrote:
"Baby, I can't help you out..."

Story of my dating history! Love this song, this whole album was fairly middle of the row but leave it to Bill to pick the best! 
 
I wouldn't call this album "middle of the row" but certainly this is one of the best songs on it.

 bbryan wrote:
Can someone please tell me why I dig Fiona but have an almost obsessional dislike of Tori Amos. They are cut from similar molds, so you'd think I would be of similar opinions. Just talking out loud...
 
bbryan...go ahead...make the commitment...hate them both like i do!

Perfect Day - Lou Reed
"Baby, I can't help you out..."

Story of my dating history! Love this song, this whole album was fairly middle of the row but leave it to Bill to pick the best! 
 bbryan wrote:
Can someone please tell me why I dig Fiona but have an almost obsessional dislike of Tori Amos. They are cut from similar molds, so you'd think I would be of similar opinions. Just talking out loud...
 
Female + piano. Otherwise there's no similarity.
There's a uniqueness and authenticity in her voice that's lacking in ... well, let's not name names. 
Can someone please tell me why I dig Fiona but have an almost obsessional dislike of Tori Amos. They are cut from similar molds, so you'd think I would be of similar opinions. Just talking out loud...
Love Fiona.
Es una voz deliciosaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

I wish she could come out with another album! ::Sigh:: Fiona, where have you gone? Are you watching Columbo in your jammies all day at your mom's NYC apartment still?


The perfect ending, to a perfect album. 10.
Fantastic song.
pretty unexiciting, I think.  ok though
I've known the name, "Fiona Apple", for what...  13 years now?  Still, I never had friends who listened to her, didn't listen to the radio, never really knew who she was.  Three years ago I started listening to RP and heard "Sailor".  Hooks in my heart. 

There's something about the way she puts a song together that really works for me.  It's not just the way she uses her voice, the way she twists her words, or the way the other musicians work with her...  lovely stuff. 
 ThePoose wrote:
And my mom went to school with a girl named
Mary Christmas. She had many a silent night.
 
I know someone who went to school with a girl called Imaculata Conceptione (I may have spelled that wrong — the girl was Italian).

It was probably all innocent but you have to wonder if the mother was trying to hide something :)

 maxmox wrote:
Bet she's a Capricorn
 

She can't be, because I am and we're not supposed to like each other right?  I've always been mesmerized by her...
 spunkyboy62 wrote:
If you like Fiona, check out "Never is a Promise" from her visit to KCRW. It never fails to give me chills. In a good way.
 
Oh yeah...totally.

Love Fiona, always have, always will.
Like someone else mentioned, she is the Sara, Tori era...so what. That is my favorite era. =)

 siandbeth wrote:

How demeaning. At least she writes and produces her own music. What have you done lately?
 

Not a damn thing.  But I was asked to clarify why I thought she sounds inauthentic, and I used a simile to try to do that.

I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are.  Suck it up.
 Philscbx wrote:
She has to be one of the coolest chicks ever.
 

I saw her sing with Nickel Creek on their farewell tour a couple of summers ago. She was amazing. I agree 100 percent.
pmnixa wrote:
Fiona is a true artist - writes her own music, awesome on the piano. I wouldn't say I absolutely love everything she has done but I have a respect for it.

i agree. i should have this one, for sure.

This came out only 9 years ago?  It seems like a completely different era.  I associate her with Sarah McLaughlin, Tori Amos, P. J. Harvey, Liz Phair and other female musicians that I  saw at around the same time.
So be it, Im your crowbar
If thats what I am so far
Until you get out of this mess
And I will pretend
That I dont know of your sins
Until you are ready to confess
But all the time, all the time
Ill know, Ill know
And you can use my skin
To bury secrets in
And I will settle you down
And at my own suggestion,
I will ask no questions
While I do my thing in the background
But all the time, all the time
Ill know, Ill know
Baby-i cant help you out, while shes still around
So for the time being, Im being patient
And amidst this bitterness
If youll just consider this-even if it dont make sense
All the time-give it time
And when the crowd becomes your burden
And youve early closed your curtains,
Ill wait by the backstage door
While you try to find the lines to speak your mind
And pry it open, hoping for an encore
And if it gets too late, for me to wait
For you to find you love me, and tell me so
Its ok, dont need to say it


This song has always been one of my top 5 favs. I can't exactly say why but it just has this undeniable feeling of hope to it that always makes me smile.
She has to be one of the coolest chicks ever.
ThePoose wrote:
So is Major Major Major Major. RIP, Joseph Heller. And my mom went to school with a girl named Mary Christmas. She had many a silent night.
HA ha HA HA HA Ha ha, thank you
Long wait ... but well worth it. True artist and consummate singer/songwriter/performer.
Mmmm, long time no hear. Wonder if she will ever release another album?
Fiona is a true artist - writes her own music, awesome on the piano. I wouldn't say I absolutely love everything she has done but I have a respect for it.
parrothead wrote:
One of my best friend's brother is named Alan Allen. Now that's cruel!!!
So is Major Major Major Major. RIP, Joseph Heller. And my mom went to school with a girl named Mary Christmas. She had many a silent night.
Seemingly a lot of love and hate for this woman (or girl), her songs, and her dubious public speaking ability. But through all these comments, no one mentions the fact that she is a great pianist. I mean, really talented. I have to give her props for that.
I enjoy it. I thought it kind of sounded like Norah Jones. I checked out her website. She is a hotty!
Super cool.
Sigh...I wish her last one was as good as this one.
denmom wrote:
She does -- but she sounds like a little girl imitating a woman to me. Sort of the musical equivalent of wearing mommy's high heels.
How demeaning. At least she writes and produces her own music. What have you done lately?
yawn
If you like Fiona, check out \"Never is a Promise\" from her visit to KCRW. It never fails to give me chills. In a good way.
I love her stuff. She has an incredible gift.
maxmox wrote:
Bet she's a Capricorn
she's a Virgo
hell yeah. i know being a crowbar is so sexy to y`all. f` that.
MartyD wrote:
I have a not so guilty soft spot for Fiona Apple since her very first release several years ago...the minute her music starts to play you can almost feel her presence. Outstanding.
Ditto, and agreed.
I have a not so guilty soft spot for Fiona Apple since her very first release several years ago...the minute her music starts to play you can almost feel her presence. Outstanding.
parrothead wrote:
One of my best friend's brother is named Alan Allen. Now that's cruel!!!
Why? I find it a pretty cool name. A catalan writer is Ponç Pons (pronounced: Pons Pons). Never heard he's unhappy with his name.
agnes wrote:
It's her middle name. Parents can be cruel; look at mine.
One of my best friend's brother is named Alan Allen. Now that's cruel!!!
awesome!!
This is a gem off an entirely great CD.
zipper wrote:
Why don't I have this CD?
because the title won't fit on your shelf? lol no, really, its a good one, grab it however, sleep to dream and slow like honey has Tidal on higher rotation for me
Bet she's a Capricorn
MatClarke wrote:
Is Apple her real name or did she choose it? It's a hilarious name.
It's her middle name. Parents can be cruel; look at mine.
Is Apple her real name or did she choose it? It's a hilarious name.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Languid. Stop over my place Fiona, I gotta steak and a bottle of wine ....
I believe she's a pretty strict vegetarian....might want to offer some tofu or seitan...
she just creeps me out too much to get into the music
karlaanne wrote:
fiona apple is an effing moron. remember this brilliant moment? "I didn't prepare a speech and I'm sorry, but I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm not going to do this like everybody else does it. You see, Maya Angelou said that we, we as human beings at our best can only create opportunities and I'm going to use this opportunity the way that I wanna use it. So what I wanna say is, everybody out there that's watching, everybody that's watching this world, this world is bullshit and you shouldn't model your life - wait a second! - You shouldn't model your life about what you think we think is cool and what we're wearing and what we're saying and everything. Go with yourself. And it's just stupid that I'm in this world, but you're all very cool to me."
Wanna read the index page of this website, think for a moment and reconsider your opinion? This music and her statement are pretty much perfectly centered.
Why don't I have this CD?
I'm not a big fan of Fiona but the woman has a boatload of talent and artistic integrity. She's just not my cup of tea. Guess I'm more of a Patty Griffin / Neko Case kinda of male listener. I am Horstman.
Languid. Stop over my place Fiona, I gotta steak and a bottle of wine ....
wally42 wrote:
A fake what? This women has talent.
She does -- but she sounds like a little girl imitating a woman to me. Sort of the musical equivalent of wearing mommy's high heels.
I am not sure I would've followed "Shadowboxer" with anything else. Just fade. Make people wonder where you went. Get mentioned on VH1 specials.
denmom wrote:
Yup. Only, it's a hate thing for me...she just sounds like a fake to me.
A fake what? This women has talent.
Shesdifferent wrote:
With Fiona...it's a love it or hate it thing. Love it...at least the first two CD's.
Yup. Only, it's a hate thing for me...she just sounds like a fake to me.
mooseisadick wrote:
"I'm a self hating white kid so I quote sophmoric drivel from a black woman in an attempt to give myself credibility"--- Fiona Apple on truth serum.
Except I think Fiona can spell sophomoric? maybe... And I think Fiona's songs are pretty good examples of Fiona on truth serum. Just my opinion.
physicsgenius wrote:
Errrr...what's moronic about that? She doesn't think the music industry is "all that". So?
I agree with physicsgenius too. It is amazing.
With Fiona...it's a love it or hate it thing. Love it...at least the first two CD's.
"I'm a self hating white kid so I quote sophmoric drivel from a black woman in an attempt to give myself credibility"--- Fiona Apple on truth serum.
karlaanne wrote:
fiona apple is an effing moron. remember this brilliant moment? "I didn't prepare a speech and I'm sorry, but I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm not going to do this like everybody else does it. You see, Maya Angelou said that we, we as human beings at our best can only create opportunities and I'm going to use this opportunity the way that I wanna use it. So what I wanna say is, everybody out there that's watching, everybody that's watching this world, this world is bullshit and you shouldn't model your life - wait a second! - You shouldn't model your life about what you think we think is cool and what we're wearing and what we're saying and everything. Go with yourself. And it's just stupid that I'm in this world, but you're all very cool to me." everytime i hear this girl i always think of maya angelou, somewhere in winston salem, shaking her head thinking... "damn, white girl, why'd you have to quote ME?? what a moron!"
holy hell. granted, it wasn't quite as awesome as that "soy bomb" dude as far as statements during awards shows go, but it meant something. instead of thanking mom and dad, she said "this is dumb." and i agree with her.
physicsgenius wrote:
Errrr...what's moronic about that? She doesn't think the music industry is "all that". So?
gack!!! I agree with physicsgenius! Shoot me now!
catmaven wrote:
I rerated this a 1. If this is what the playlist says, it is tuneless jazz. I will try to listen a third time and edit this comment.
You're full of it.
Always liked her stuff
I just saw her in Southern California.. she was far from goofy.. she seemed tired and angry... a good mood for her songs though, it was a great concert! DarkStar wrote:
what isn't goofy about Fiona? She's an awsome talent but quite excentric
karlaanne wrote:
fiona apple is an effing moron. remember this brilliant moment? "I didn't prepare a speech and I'm sorry, but I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm not going to do this like everybody else does it. You see, Maya Angelou said that we, we as human beings at our best can only create opportunities and I'm going to use this opportunity the way that I wanna use it. So what I wanna say is, everybody out there that's watching, everybody that's watching this world, this world is bullshit and you shouldn't model your life - wait a second! - You shouldn't model your life about what you think we think is cool and what we're wearing and what we're saying and everything. Go with yourself. And it's just stupid that I'm in this world, but you're all very cool to me." everytime i hear this girl i always think of maya angelou, somewhere in winston salem, shaking her head thinking... "damn, white girl, why'd you have to quote ME?? what a moron!"
Errrr...what's moronic about that? She doesn't think the music industry is "all that". So?
gandalfbmg wrote:
I never understood why everyone got all up on her case about that. Even reading it now, I don't see anything really all that bad in what she said.
I think people misunderstood her because of her use of the phrase "this world". I think she meant the music industry and if so her entire speech makes perfect sense and has a really valid point. BUT I think many people took it as "the world" in general and her point gets very confused and sounds whinny. I think people really over reacted. It seems the people who got all snooty about it aren't satisfied unless the awardee thanks JESUS...
gandalfbmg wrote:
I never understood why everyone got all up on her case about that. Even reading it now, I don't see anything really all that bad in what she said.
Because she's biting the hand that feeds her. Anyone jealous of the fame and success she has is quite understandable in resenting her "whinyness". But ya know, she was speaking off the cuff, and trying to tell kids not to buy into other people's bullshit definition of material success as the end-all be-all of life, and I commend her for it. Even if she came off as an awkward, whiny kid when she said it.
gandalfbmg wrote:
I never understood why everyone got all up on her case about that. Even reading it now, I don't see anything really all that bad in what she said.
I agree. May not have been eloquently said, but she still had some valid points.
karlaanne wrote:
fiona apple is an effing moron. remember this brilliant moment? "I didn't prepare a speech and I'm sorry, but I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm not going to do this like everybody else does it. You see, Maya Angelou said that we, we as human beings at our best can only create opportunities and I'm going to use this opportunity the way that I wanna use it. So what I wanna say is, everybody out there that's watching, everybody that's watching this world, this world is bullshit and you shouldn't model your life - wait a second! - You shouldn't model your life about what you think we think is cool and what we're wearing and what we're saying and everything. Go with yourself. And it's just stupid that I'm in this world, but you're all very cool to me." everytime i hear this girl i always think of maya angelou, somewhere in winston salem, shaking her head thinking... "damn, white girl, why'd you have to quote ME?? what a moron!"
I never understood why everyone got all up on her case about that. Even reading it now, I don't see anything really all that bad in what she said.
Sweet! This has been a mainstay for me since I first heard it...I love the story in the song, and how it's hopeful and defeated at once...a great song, sung beautifuly.
i like her stuff. it's quite singable. :)
fiona apple is an effing moron. remember this brilliant moment? "I didn't prepare a speech and I'm sorry, but I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm not going to do this like everybody else does it. You see, Maya Angelou said that we, we as human beings at our best can only create opportunities and I'm going to use this opportunity the way that I wanna use it. So what I wanna say is, everybody out there that's watching, everybody that's watching this world, this world is bullshit and you shouldn't model your life - wait a second! - You shouldn't model your life about what you think we think is cool and what we're wearing and what we're saying and everything. Go with yourself. And it's just stupid that I'm in this world, but you're all very cool to me." everytime i hear this girl i always think of maya angelou, somewhere in winston salem, shaking her head thinking... "damn, white girl, why'd you have to quote ME?? what a moron!"
catmaven wrote:
I rerated this a 1. If this is what the playlist says, it is tuneless jazz. I will try to listen a third time and edit this comment.
Tuneless? I'm not a jazz fan at all, but i love this TUNE.
Tritter wrote:
i NEVER tire of this album----it is brilliant!
Agreed! "A Mistake" is my personal theme song.
Succulent.
Jacksonstat wrote:
That was a new Fiona tune for me and I thought it was beautiful. (Goofy album cover though.)
what isn't goofy about Fiona? She's an awsome talent but quite excentric
I rerated this a 1. If this is what the playlist says, it is tuneless jazz. I will try to listen a third time and edit this comment.
Can't help myself, just keep swaying long to the left and long to the right, tick tock, tick tock, it's hypnotic. Good stuff RP
i NEVER tire of this album----it is brilliant!
This is cool, it reminds me of Holly Cole stuff
That was a new Fiona tune for me and I thought it was beautiful. (Goofy album cover though.)
I love the implied "I know" at the very end of this song. Powerful words, without even saying them...
Strange, I was just talking about Fiona Apple with a buddy, and lo and behold, here she plays.
Love the music, love the lyrics, love the feel, love to sing it. Love.
Beautiful.
This world is bullshit!
Soulful. I'm liking this a lot.
This song is really sweet, but a little sad. I LOOOOOOVE Fiona. I can't wait for the new record!
Fiona Apple: Amazingly gifted, astoundingly weird. Like most great musicians I guess.