Regina Spektor, I’ve written before, sings with such sweeping beauty that “it’s almost paralyzing.” Yet most of the world has no idea who she is.
Samson demonstrates this beauty more than most songs, and it’s her song that generates the most chatter, as a quick Google search would reveal.
In casual conversations, when people learn that I like her, I undoubtedly get questioned about this song: What does Samson mean? Is it about Samson and Delilah of the Bible? If anyone knows Regina Spektor, they puzzle over this song. And rightfully so.
To me, it’s clear. It’s about lost love. It’s about love that is so deep, and so powerful, and yet because it didn’t last, it was never written about. It can’t be found in the Bible and it can’t be found in the history books. The references to the Bible (i.e. the name) are allegorical, a relationship that ended. But the song is about someone that is still deeply in love with someone that has moved on.
Sit down in a quiet place and listen to it a couple of times. In time, you too will fall in love with Regina Spektor, the private, quiet, and shy new mother.
The incomparable Regina Spektor.