Whenever I am talking to a friend who's not into Regina Spektor and I try to explain her music, it always comes down to this for me: She'll write songs where one line will make you laugh and then the next one will make you want to cry.

I really think this is one her defining qualities as a songwriter. And definitely something that makes her unique. Some examples I can think of off the top of my head:

Summer in the City: "Cleavage, cleavage, cleavage." I've always thought this was a great song about missing someone. And an opening line like that is just perfect.

Ode to Divorce: "Won't you help a brother out." I think this line is inherently funny coming from Regina Spektor, but at the same time it just gives me chills. This song has brought me to tears before, and the way she sings that line just rips into me.

Prisoners: This song is just rich with it. From the Hans Christian Anderson line to the "yo' mama was here." But when she goes into "they want to run through the air with no barriers or obstacles..." I'm hit with emotion. The way she sings it...I don't know how to describe it. The transition from the staccato piano line/lyrics about being chained into prison to the airy chords while she's singing about wishing for freedom. That song is perfect in every way.

Obviously there's tons of examples. I just thought I'd share my passion for this aspect of her songwriting with some people who know exactly what I'm talking about. Do any of you have some favorite examples of this?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: steviejansen,

Your evaluation of Regina's application of humor to her works was an exquisite read, and I agree with every word.

As for me, the exchange with Poseidon in "One-String Blues" cracks me up every time. Her voice is a divine instrument, whether she's being serious or humorous. I just love the way she recites the words to that exchange...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Henry Gale,

i agree that this is a unique aspect of her music.. it's also interresting that the same line doesn't strike you as funny every time.
For example, in Secret Stash, the first time i heard that song (on Youtube) i see that i commented "a small stash of cash and flesh.. Regina has such a great sense of humor!" But recently, whenever i listen, it doesn't sound funny to me at all.. i read more deeply into it, and get chills from the concept she presents. It's really a deep sentiment, at least the way i interpret it, you know?

the same happens, i guess, with most of these "funny" lines.. upon first listen, they strike me for various reasons, and i smile. Later on, as i become more familiar with the song and unconsciously create personal, meaningful applications of them, everything darkens a bit as i cease to take it at face value.

i agree, though, that it's a brilliant aspect of her songs. And something that i didn't take to be funny at first, will sometimes surprise me by making me smile. Like in Pound of Flesh, at first it was a dark, deep song.i came across it later, after i was more familiar with Regina's catalogue, and the "death... death, death, death DEEAAATH" made me burst out laughing... for the most part, belting out a single word in a bellowing voice just isn't how regina expresses heavy stuff.. it was just so stark and over-the-top..

and i guess it depends on my mood, too. if i was in a "DEAATH" sort of mood, then that song would have made me jump out of my chair and go, "holy cow! this song is so deep and amazing!" but other times, you're more in a bobbin for apples sort of mood, so Regina shouting death makes you grin and say, "she has the best sense of humor. i'm glad she can make fun of herself" or something to that effect


'kay, i'll stop here haha

WELCOME TO THE STIX, STEVIEJANSON! this is a very well-thought-out topic of discussion! i can never resist analysis of the many facets of Regina's music! i hope you stick around!

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Originally posted by steviejansen:
W She'll write songs where one line will make you laugh and then the next one will make you want to cry.

Sometimes i find there are lines which make me laugh, and then as soon as i've laughed i realise that that very same line (as opposed to the next one ever) is also incredibly poignant and has made me feel sad at the exact same moment that it made me laugh. That happens very rarely, and only the first couple of times i hear the line, but it always blows my mind. I'd probably list it as one of the main reasons i love reginas music. Good observation Steve. May i call you steve?