Reptilia
Regina Spektor and The Strokes Lyrics
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"Tell us a story, I know you're not boring"
I was afraid that you would not insist
"You sound so sleepy, just take this, now leave me"
I said, please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast
You're in a strange part of our town
Our lives are changing lanes, you ran me off the road
The wait is over, I'm now taking over
You're no longer laughing, I'm not drowning fast enough
Now every time that I look at myself
"I thought I told you, this world is not for you"
The room is on fire as she's fixing her hair
"You sound so angry, just calm down, you found me"
I said please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast
You're in a strange part of our town
Yeah, the night's not over, you're not trying hard enough
Our lives are changing lanes, you ran me off the road
The wait is over, I'm now taking over
You're no longer laughing, I'm not drowning fast enough
The lyrics to Reptilia by Regina Spektor and The Strokes are cryptic, but still paint a clear picture of a tumultuous relationship. The verses seem to be an exchange between two people. The first person, perhaps the singer or protagonist, seems to be somewhat agitated, possibly on edge or in a rush. The second person, however, is more calm and collected, and perhaps a bit flat in their affect. The conversation between the two is full of tension, with each admonishing the other in one way or another. The exchange seems to be hinting at some deeper connection between the two, or perhaps a history that they are both trying to avoid.
The refrain of the song, however, provides a bleak outlook, as the second person takes control and seemingly destroys the first. The singer, it seems, was too complacent, too slow to act, and now they are paying the price. The imagery of the "room on fire" as the woman is "fixing her hair" starkly illustrates the sense of chaos and danger that the singer is experiencing. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of regret, and the haunting melody reinforces the emotional weight of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
He seemed impressed by the way you came in
You caught his attention with your entrance.
"Tell us a story, I know you're not boring"
He wants you to entertain him with an interesting story.
I was afraid that you would not insist
I thought you might give up easily.
"You sound so sleepy, just take this, now leave me"
He thinks you're too tired and is giving you something to help you sleep so you'll leave.
I said, please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast
I asked him not to hinder my progress if I'm moving quickly.
You're in a strange part of our town
You're in an unfamiliar and possibly concerning area of our town.
Yeah, the night's not over, you're not trying hard enough
You need to make more effort to fully enjoy the night.
Our lives are changing lanes, you ran me off the road
We're both moving in different directions and you caused me to veer off course.
The wait is over, I'm now taking over
I'm no longer waiting for you to lead, I'm now in control.
You're no longer laughing, I'm not drowning fast enough
You're not finding my distress amusing anymore, but I'm still not struggling enough to satisfy you.
Now every time that I look at myself
Whenever I reflect on my actions or appearance,
"I thought I told you, this world is not for you"
I remember warning you that this world is not meant for someone like you.
The room is on fire as she's fixing her hair
The situation is intense and chaotic as she's calmly grooming herself.
"You sound so angry, just calm down, you found me"
He thinks you're too worked up and wants you to relax, but he's still present for you.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CarlosSebastian-iy2ww
Lyrics:
You were
(Right) modern girls always have to go
(Right on time)
Old-fashion men always want a mistress
(You were right)
Modern girls always get their way
(I was wrong)
Modern men dream of what they can't say
(That's alright) that's alright
(I don't belong) I don't belong
(Why you sitting over there?) why you gotta say it if you know it's sounding wrong
Says that he'll apologize and it won't take too long
(Always thinking about yourself) you don't wanna trust nobody else
(Time)
There's a few things that are gonna have to change
(I'm your son)
Everyone has the same opinion
(Won't you please)
Your time is almost over
(Don't be mean)
We won't get the chance to do this over
(That's alright) alright
(I don't belong) I don't belong
(Why you sitting over there?) I don't want the imprint of your key upon my nose
We don't have to tell no one, cuz no one wants to know
(Always thinking about yourself) you don't have no hapiness at home
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
Oh yes, we're falling down (oh, yes, we're falling down)
So fuck and help me up (so fuck and help me up)
(You don't love me) always thinking about yourself
(I am an animal) always thinking about yourself
(I'm not practical) always thinking about yourself
Was I?
Was I?
@aidanbblp4308
You were
Modern girls always have to go (right on time)
Old-fashioned men always want a mistress (you were right)
Modern girls always get their way (I was wrong)
Modern men dream of what they can't say (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Why you gotta say it if you know it's something wrong? (Why're you sitting over there?)
Says that he'll apologize and it won't take too long
Well, you don't wanna trust nobody else (always thinking 'bout yourself)
There's a few things that are gonna have to change (I'm your son)
Everyone has the same opinion (won't you please?)
Your time is almost over (don't be mean)
We won't get the chance to do this over (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
I don't want the imprint of your key upon my nose (why're you sitting over there?)
You don't have to tell no one 'cause no one wants to know
That you don't have no happiness at all (always thinking 'bout yourself)
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
So fucking help me up
Always thinking 'bout yourself (you don't love me)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am an animal)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am not practical)
@COLLIE_TOONZ
Hands down. My favorite duet of all time. Favorite story telling in song form of all time. One of my favorite songs of all time.
@jamesbonavico145
So trueeeee
@EJN64
I always had a soft spot for His/Hers perspective verses
@crystal4126
my soulmate fr
@nicolaspauly5824
it's also my favourite duet. That's how I discovered Regina (which means Queen by the way) check her out on tiny desk for exemple she's special !
@Bullseye_Strength
The Strokes' live performance of this song with Mac Demarco is absolute gold.
Demarco really nailing them high notes. 🤣
@parthsingh3939
I have never connected with a band this much. Every song they make, it's just for me. It is so personal. I cannot dislike anything they make. The strokes run through my veins.
@COLLIE_TOONZ
Honestly, same. I’ve never heard a song from the Strokes I actively dislike. They’re all so amazing.
@osadoec
broooo, same :]
@HighEchoes
Amen