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.
Secret Stash
Regina Spektor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A stash of cash and flesh
For a rainy day
She said, there might come a day when you just got nothing
To say
Nothing to think
And there's nothing left to drink
Nothing to eat
And no one can take that away from you
No one can take that away from you
Away, that away
From you
No one can take that away from you
No one can take that away
That away
That away
From you
No one, no one
No one, no one
No one, no one
No one, no one
Tell me what you told me again
And I might
Believe you next time
Maybe give it another try
I open my pocket and show you my stash
A small stash of cash and flesh
Saved for a rainy day
Saved for a rainy day
I've got nothing to say
And no one can take that away from me
No one can take that away
That away
That away
From me
No one can take that away from me
No one can take that away
That away
That away
From me
No one, no one
No one, no one
No one, no one
No one, no one
No one
No one
No one
No one
No one
The song Secret Stash by Regina Spektor is a reflective piece about the concept of self-sufficiency in a world where some may lose everything unexpectedly. The song depicts two individuals showing each other their respective stashes - one consisting of a combination of cash and flesh, the other consisting of only cash. The individual who shows the combination represents the individual who is prepared for the worst, who is ready to adapt to any situation, even if it requires sacrificing a part of themself. The other individual, represented by the individual who only has the cash stash, may not be as prepared and may ultimately lose everything including their own sense of self.
The message of the song emphasizes that the most important thing one possesses in times of adversity is themselves, and that no one can take away their sense of self and survival instincts. This message is highlighted by continuous repetition of the line, "No one can take that away from you." The lyrics also suggest a degree of trust issues and self-doubt, as exemplified by the lines, “Tell me what you told me again/And I might believe you next time/Maybe give it another try.”
Line by Line Meaning
She opened her pocket and showed you her stash
She revealed something secret and valuable to you
A stash of cash and flesh
Something of both monetary and emotional value
For a rainy day
Saved for the future or difficult times
She said, there might come a day when you just got nothing
She warned that a time might come when you have nothing left
To say
No words to express your feelings or thoughts
Nothing to think
No ideas or memories to hold on to
And there's nothing left to drink
No sustenance or pleasure left
Nothing to eat
No sustenance or pleasure left
You'll be your own piece of meat
You will be left alone and vulnerable to others
And no one can take that away from you
The secret and valuable thing she showed you is permanently yours
No one can take that away from you
It cannot be taken from you by anyone
Tell me what you told me again
Recall what you revealed to me earlier
And I might believe you next time
If you reveal it again, I might trust you
Maybe give it another try
Perhaps another chance to trust you
I open my pocket and show you my stash
I reveal my own secret and valuable possession
A small stash of cash and flesh
Something of both monetary and emotional value, but smaller than hers
Saved for a rainy day
Like hers, this is saved for the future or difficult times
I've got nothing to say
Like the warning, I have no words at the moment
No one can take that away from me
My secret and valuable possession is permanently mine
No one can take that away
It cannot be taken by anyone
Contributed by Alyssa N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jordan Mertens
I wish so bad she's record this song to an album!!!
Jen W
Jordan Mertens totally
Samantha P
Favorite Regina song
leo
Love this so much
TheAshumms
This is beautiful
Emily Buchanan
She's my hero.
Wooly Cooly
I love it THANK YOU!!!!!
Anna Abramova
this song <3
carrorro.0.9 spektor
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