In the second verse, the narrator remembers asking their partner why they are so mean, attempting to understand their behavior. However, the partner's reaction to being seen and their subsequent mistreatment of the narrator further fuels a sense of vindictiveness in the narrator. The chorus introduces the metaphor of running out of "white doves' feathers" as a representation of losing the ability to absorb the hurtful words and insults that come from the partner's mouth. This signifies the exhaustion and emotional toll caused by the constant verbal attacks.
In the third verse, the narrator recalls a time when they were sick and their partner did not believe them. However, when the partner became sick, the narrator took care of them. This asymmetrical dynamic exposes the partner's hypocrisy and unwillingness to show empathy. The partner's resentment towards the narrator's caretaking role reflects their discomfort with vulnerability. The mention of seeing the "monster your mother made you to be" suggests that the partner's behavior may stem from their own troubled upbringing.
The repeated phrase "leave me alone" in the outro reflects the narrator's desire for freedom and escape from this toxic relationship. It conveys a sense of isolation and the need to establish boundaries.
Overall, "Regret" explores the destructive nature of manipulation, the lingering effects of a toxic relationship, and the yearning for liberation.
Regret
Fiona Apple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were an expert even then but not me, not yet
Now all you gotta do's remind me that we met
And there ya got me, that's how you got me, taught me to regret
'Member how I asked you why are you so mean?
You didn't know how to yet to bein' seen
I tried to be your friend, you made me seem so ?
I ran out of white dove feathers
To soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth
Every time you address me
Oh I ran out of white dove feathers
To soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth
Every time you address me
'Member when I was so sick and you didn't believe me?
Then you got sick too and guess who took care of you?
You hated that, didn't you, didn't you?
Now when you look at me, you're condemned to see
The monster your mother made you to be
And there ya got me, that's how you got free, you got rid of me
And now I ran out of white dove feathers
To soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth
Every time you address me
Oh I ran out of white dove feathers
To soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth
Every time you address me
Alone
Leave me alone
Leave me alone, leave me alone
Leave me alone, leave me alone
Alone
The lyrics of Fiona Apple's "Regret" explore the themes of regret, manipulation, and emotional abuse in relationships. The song is a reflection on a past argument between the singer and her partner, who is depicted as an expert in the concept of regret, while the singer is still learning. Apple's emotive voice, coupled with the sparse instrumental arrangement, adds to the feeling of vulnerability and raw emotions.
In the first verse, Apple and her partner argued about the concept of regret, with her partner seemingly taunting her with their knowledge on the subject. The line "and there ya got me, that's how you got me, taught me to regret" suggests that her partner used his superior knowledge to manipulate and control her emotions. The second verse then reveals that Apple tried to befriend her partner, who turned out to be emotionally abusive, teaching her to be mean to defend herself from his cruelty. The line "you made me seem so?" maybe alluding to the fact that her partner was manipulating her self-esteem and her ability to express her feelings.
The chorus repeats the line "I ran out of white dove feathers to soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth every time you address me," which is a powerful metaphor for the emotional abuse that the singer is experiencing. Dove feathers, traditionally a symbol of peace, represent the hope that this relationship can be salvaged, but they are now depleted, perhaps signifying the relationship's futility. Finally, the third verse reveals that the singer was the one who took care of her sick partner, but when she fell ill, he did not believe her. This line shows how the power dynamic in the relationship is imbalanced and that the partner is using their illness to emotionally manipulate and control her. The song ends with the singer telling her partner to leave her alone repeatedly, highlighting her desire to end the relationship finally.
Line by Line Meaning
'Member when we argued on the concept of regret?
Do you recall when we discussed the idea of regret?
You were an expert even then but not me, not yet
Back then, you were an authority on it, but I was not yet.
Now all you gotta do's remind me that we met
All you need to do now is remind me that we did meet.
And there ya got me, that's how you got me, taught me to regret
This is how you ensnared me: by teaching me to be remorseful.
'Member how I asked you why are you so mean?
Do you remember me asking you, "Why are you so cruel?"
You didn't know how to yet to bein' seen
You had not yet learned how to present yourself.
I tried to be your friend, you made me seem so ?
I tried to be your friend, but you made me feel so betrayed.
Oh I ran out of white dove feathers
Oh, I have run out of white dove feathers
To soak up the hot piss that comes through your mouth
To absorb the hot, acrid words that come out of your mouth
Every time you address me
Words you state each time we talk
'Member when I was so sick and you didn't believe me?
Do you remember when I was ill, and you didn't trust me?
Then you got sick too and guess who took care of you?
And then you became sick as well, and guess who looked after you?
You hated that, didn't you, didn't you?
You despised that, didn't you?
Now when you look at me, you're condemned to see
Now when you see me, you must acknowledge
The monster your mother made you to be
The monster that your mother molded you into
And there ya got me, that's how you got free, you got rid of me
This is how you broke free: by getting rid of me.
Alone
Solitary
Leave me alone
Let me be by myself.
Leave me alone, leave me alone
Let me be alone, let me be alone
Leave me alone, leave me alone
Let me be alone, let me be alone
Alone
Solitary
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind