Love Me Or Leave Me
Regina Spektor Lyrics

Down on Bowery they lose their Ball-eyes and their lip-mouths in the night
On the rough streets of Bowery, people become exhausted to the point where they can no longer keep their eyes open or keep their lips from hanging open as they wander aimlessly in the darkness.

And stumbling through the streets they say 'Sir, do you got a light?'
As these aimless wanderers stumble through the streets, they ask strangers if they have a lighter they can borrow to light their cigarettes.

And if you do then you're my friend
If you have a lighter, they will consider you a friend because it means you've given them a small favor.

And if you don't then you're my foe
If you don't have a lighter, they will see you as an enemy because you can't do them this small favor.

And if you are a deity of any sort Then please don't go
Any kind of god or higher power would be regarded as a source of good news on this dark and dreary street, and the person speaking would prefer that they don't leave.

And down on Lexington they're wearing New shoes stuck to aging feet
On Lexington Avenue, the people are wearing new shoes, but their feet are old and worn out, making it difficult for them to walk.

And close their eyes and open And they'll recognize the aging street
They close and open their eyes and are immediately reminded of the reality of their surroundings, which is a decaying, old street.

And think about how things were right When they were young and veins were tight
They think and reminisce about their youth when everything was perfect and easy, and their blood was still flowing with the fullness of life.

And if you are the ghost of Christmas past Then wont you stay the night?
They invite the ghost of Christmas past to stay and keep them company on this old and dreary street, even if it's just for one night.

Down in Bronxy-Bronx the kids go Sledding down snow-covered slopes
In the Bronx, children go sledding on hills covered with snow.

And frozen noses, frozen toes The frozen city starts to glow
Despite the cold, the city lights up with a serene beauty because of the snow on the ground and the excited children playing in it.

And yes, they know that it'll melt And yes, the know New York will thaw
The children know that this snow will eventually melt, and that the city will return to its busy and normal state, but they still enjoy the moment while it lasts.

But if you are a friend of any sort Then play along and catch a cold!
If you're a friend, you are invited to join in the fun and catch a cold with the children.

I love Paris in the rain I love Paris in the rain I love, I love, in the rain
The singer expresses their love for the beauty of Paris in the rain and how it makes them feel, which inspires them to love even more.