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.
Dance Anthem of the 80s
Regina Spektor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dancing to the beat
There's a meat market down the street
The boys and the girls watch each other eat
You are so sweet, so sweet
Dancing and moving to that beat, that beat
There's a meat market down the street
The boys and girls watch each other eat
The boys and the girls watch each other eat
When they really just wanna watch each other
Sleep
They want to watch, to watch each other
Sleep, sleep sleep
Sleep
They want to watch, to watch each other
Sleep, sleep, sleep
You are so sweet
You are so sweet
I'm walking through the city
Like a drunk, but not
With my slip showing a little
Like a drunk, but not
And I am one of your people
But the cars don't stop
And I am one of your people
But the cars don't stop
And it's been a long time since before I've been touched
Now I'm getting touched all the time
And it's only a matter of whom
And it's only a matter of when
An addiction to hands and feet
There's a meat market down the street
The boys and girls watch each other eat
When they really just wanna watch each other sleep
An addiction to hands and feet
There's a meat market down the street
The boys and girls watch each other eat
When they really just wanna watch each other sleep
Sleep
They want to watch, to watch each other
Sleep, sleep, sleep
They want to watch, to watch each other
Sleep, sleep, sleep
They want to watch, to watch each other
Sleep, sleep, sleep
You are so sweet
You are so sweet
You are so sweet
You are so sweet
In Regina Spektor's song Dance Anthem of the 80's, the lyrics suggest a contrast between the sweet innocence of dancing to the beat and the sexualized behavior observed at the meat market down the street. The boys and girls watch each other eat, which implies that they are consumed by their own desires and cannot resist indulging in them. The repetition of "They want to watch, to watch each other Sleep" emphasizes the sense of voyeurism and suggests that there is more to the story than what appears on the surface.
The singer, who identifies with the people watching the meat market from a distance, reveals that they have an "addiction to hands and feet". This suggests that they are longing for human connection and touch, but they are unable to find it in a meaningful way. The line "And it's only a matter of whom/ And it's only a matter of when" emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and desire to be touched by someone, regardless of who or when it happens.
Overall, the song suggests a sense of longing and loneliness, as well as a larger societal issue of objectification and voyeurism. The contrast between the innocence of dancing and the objectification observed at the meat market suggests a loss of innocence and a dark side to humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
You are so sweet
The singer addresses her dance partner, expressing how much she enjoys their presence and their movements to the beat of the music.
Dancing to the beat
The dance partner moves to the rhythm of the song, following the beat of the music.
There's a meat market down the street
The singer observes the promiscuity and sexual tension in the surrounding area, noting how it resembles a market where boys and girls are on display like meat for sale.
The boys and the girls watch each other eat
The artist sees how people are fixated on each other's bodies and sexual activity, watching each other indulge in carnal pleasures like eating.
When they really just wanna watch each other sleep
Despite their sexual fixation, the people in the 'meat market' crave intimacy and connection, longing to watch each other sleep in a state of vulnerability and comfort.
An addiction to hands and feet
The singer recognizes the way people in the area obsess over physical touch and contact, becoming 'addicted' to the sensation of hands and feet on their bodies.
I'm walking through the city
The singer describes her physical position as she moves through urban surroundings.
Like a drunk, but not
The artist may appear intoxicated or disoriented, but she maintains control over her body.
With my slip showing a little
The artist's undergarment is visible underneath her clothing.
And I am one of your people
The artist identifies with the crowd in the area, despite feeling distant or separate from them.
But the cars don't stop
The city continues to move without regard for the singer's presence, emphasizing her isolation and insignificance.
And it's been a long time since before I've been touched
The artist expresses her loneliness and desire for physical intimacy, highlighting the contrast between her experience and the sexual frenzy around her.
Now I'm getting touched all the time
Despite her isolation, the singer is now receiving physical attention and contact from others in the area.
And it's only a matter of whom
The singer reflects on the arbitrary nature of her sexual experiences and partners, emphasizing the emptiness and lack of connection in these encounters.
And it's only a matter of when
The singer is aware of the impermanence of her experiences and relationships, further driving home the sense of loneliness and transience in the song.
Sleep
The artist returns to the dominant theme of the song, reiterating the desire for intimacy and vulnerability that comes with sleeping next to someone.
You are so sweet
The song ends as it began, with the artist expressing appreciation and fondness for her dancing partner.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: REGINA SPEKTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FlargTheKitty
I fulfilled my lifelong dream of yelling "solo!" during this song at her concert...it was absolutely incredible.
@Chulpansilu
Hahahahha
@psychedlicsouljam1995
You
Are
So sweet
@Fallen2spring
That is indeed
@Fallen2spring
I just have to do it in my bedroom
@CraigMaxwell-gz3vw
I’m jealous.
@Ghost-lt4sf
This one is sooooo underrated from her repertoire. Actually one of my favorites <3
@desuordie4856
I can never seem to run out of great Spektor songs
@biffmedlokeriktigtlabbigt1451
saamee
@mikkestight
Regina Spektor is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! This song is adorable. As for the video, I think she know's what she is doing. This is awesome. It matches the song so well. I saw her live. It was just her and her piano, what an artist. She was able to capture the entire audience and we all just watched her sing and be AMAZING.