Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “Cheerleader – Acoustic Version” by St. Vincent
The acoustic version of Cheerleader by St. Vincent speaks to the feelings of being an outsider, never quite fitting in, and wanting something that seems out of reach. In the song, the narrator is a cheerleader, who on the surface appears to be confident and at ease with who she is, but under the surface, she knows she doesn’t quite fit in and she is longing for something more.
The upbeat tempo and melody of the acoustic version belie the loneliness and despair in the lyrics as the narrator is trying her best to stay afloat in an environment she can’t quite fit into. This could represent someone feeling alienated in their current living situation or solely within their own thoughts and state of mind. It could also be someone in a love triangle who isn’t ready to admit it yet, or simply trying to come to terms with their own feelings.
The narrator feels trapped in a cycle of wanting to leave and feeling like no one is there to help, while at the same time remembering all the pain that comes with trying and failing. She is searching for a sense of fulfillment, for someone who can understand and love her for who she is, and ultimately find her way out of this cycle she is stuck in. Despite feeling like nothing she does matters and that no one can bring her salvation, she reminds herself to keep going and keep on believing.