Fiona Apple, an alternative artist known for her very personal and very raw illustrations on life released her second studio album titled “When The Pawn.” Originally inspired by a poem she wrote, the album introduced the listener to the various versions of Apple that have digressed into her self continuity. The poem reads: 

“When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King. What He Knows Throws the 

Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He’ll Win the Whole Thing ‘Fore He Enters the Ring. There’s No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might! So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights. And if You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land And if You Fall It Won’t Matter, ‘Cuz You’ll Know That You’re Right!”

Apple, known for her very limited expression of interest in fame, dedicated a lot of her performances and curations to an audience who “Are not shy, but just do not speak when they have nothing to say.” Her poem (turned into a studio album) has become the mantra for many individuals for almost 2 decades. 

The poem begins with Apple speaking about her need and ability to defend herself, similar to a King piece used in a game of chess. 

This speaks to many songs on her album. “I know” , one of Apple’s most played songs on the album, discusses her time spent with a married man. She goes on to in the introduction of the song to say “So be it, I’m your crowbar.” Describing how during the affair the man describes Apple as something of new possibilities. Although Apple knows her relationship with this man is unrealistic and wrong she counts to play her part and pretend she is unaware of his true intentions–letting the man believe she is a pawn in his game when in reality Apple knows her next play and her needs in their relationship. She sings “And I’ll pretend that I don’t know of your sins, until you’re ready to confess. But all the time. I know, I know.” 

The end of the Apples poem, is often what is a fan favourite. 

“And if you know where you stand, then you know where you land. And if you fall it won’t matter because you’ll know your right.” 

This last statement speaks to a very important aspect of Apple, her discography, and views on what it means to be a woman, a girl, and someone that is considered outside the social norm. It gives a bit back to her audience, reassuring them that regardless of who you are, where you stand or come from, all that matters is you believe firmly in your own ideologies, because if you do fall (because it is inevitable) it won’t matter because you have been authentic to yourself. 

You can watch Apple recite the album and poem here

You can listen to the studio version of When the Pawn here

Image Credits: 

Feature Image: Matheus Cenali on Unsplash