After self-releasing her first three records and gaining popularity in New York City's independent music scenes, particularly the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village, Spektor signed with Sire Records in 2004 and began achieving greater mainstream recognition. After giving her third album a major label re-release, Sire released Spektor's fourth album, Begin to Hope, which achieved a Gold certification by the RIAA. Her following two albums, Far and What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, each debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200. 2016's Remember Us to Life peaked at 23 on the Billboard 200.
Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaimed June 11, 2019, Regina Spektor Day in New York City. Spektor was also inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on May 18, 2019, by Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.
02-Uh-merica
Regina Spektor Lyrics
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La, la, la
Mrs. E. Roosevelt didn't even knew I owned one
La, la, la
Somewhere between the cobblestone floor and the slated wooden ceiling
La, la, la
Cuddling my semi-automatic what a very fuzzy feeling
La, la
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Ohhh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Oh, we're born alone and then we're covered by m-m-m-mothers' kisses
The mind has already forgotten what the body still misses
Somewhere between the sticky floor and the cracks in the ceiling
Cuddling my semi-automatic dash what a very fuzzy feeling
Oh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Oh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
One more time!
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Uh! Merica
Oh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
La, la, la
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
La, la, la
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Regina Spektor's song "Uh-merica" is a satirical look at American culture, particularly the country's fascination with guns and violence. The lyrics are filled with irony and sarcasm, highlighting the absurdity of some of the cultural values in the United States. The opening lines, "Mrs. E. Roosevelt never heard me shoot my gun, Mrs. E. Roosevelt didn't even knew I owned one" suggest that even the former first lady, who championed gun control, would be surprised by the number of people in the country who own guns.
The chorus of "Uh! Merica" reinforces the idea that violence and firearms are a central part of American culture, with the repeated refrain "There's nothing like emptying a cartridge at the sun." The second verse, "Oh, we're born alone and then we're covered by m-m-m-mothers' kisses, the mind has already forgotten what the body still misses" suggests that the love and attention we receive from our families can't make up for the underlying loneliness and isolation that many people feel.
Overall, Regina Spektor's "Uh! Merica" uses biting wit and irony to comment on some of the more paradoxical aspects of American culture, from gun violence to the pursuit of happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Mrs. E. Roosevelt never heard me shoot my gun
I am someone who owns and fires a gun, but one of the most famous First Ladies in American history has never heard me fire it before.
Mrs. E. Roosevelt didn't even knew I owned one
Mrs. Roosevelt, who was known for supporting gun control measures, was unaware that I possessed a firearm.
Somewhere between the cobblestone floor and the slated wooden ceiling
In an undisclosed location with old-fashioned architecture, neither too rich nor too poor.
Cuddling my semi-automatic what a very fuzzy feeling
Holding my semi-automatic firearm feels comfortable and soothing, like being hugged, despite the fact that it is designed for shooting and killing.
Oh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
There is no experience quite like firing a gun into space and shooting at the sun.
Ohhh, there's nothing
Like
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Repeating the message that there is no greater thrill and satisfaction than firing at the sun and letting its glory seep into your soul.
Oh, we're born alone and then we're covered by m-m-m-mothers' kisses
Humans are born alone, but quickly wrapped in love and care by mothers who provide nurturing and support.
The mind has already forgotten what the body still misses
Even as we grow up and mature, our physical body may continue to crave the safety and comfort we felt with our mothers, even if we forget consciously.
Somewhere between the sticky floor and the cracks in the ceiling
In another unremarkable location, a place that is not particularly clean or well-maintained.
Cuddling my semi-automatic dash what a very fuzzy feeling
Once again feeling secure and safe holding a semi-automatic gun, despite the harm it can cause.
One more time!
Continuing the mantra-like repetition of the phrase 'Uh! Merica,' highlighting a sense of pride and enthusiasm for the country.
Emptying a cartridge at the sun
Concluding with the same message, emphasizing the idea that there is nothing more fulfilling than the act of shooting a gun at the sun.
La, la, la
A meaningless refrain that breaks up and separates the song's various ideas and images.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: REGINA SPEKTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lee Snider
she was so young yet tapped into the very essence of being an American. absolutely brilliant!