Regret

Album: Regret (1993)
Charted: 4 28
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the difficulty in maintaining a normal life when one is a celebrity.
  • The Afghan Whigs used to play this at their live shows. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    John - Levittown, NY, for above 2

Comments: 3

  • Locks from WestchesterApart from romance, I think he's looking back at his life, quite simply and literally. It starts with all the friends and normal markers that make up the laundry list of life, and those are the things he doesn't long for, followed by the things he wishes he had. A real home instead of a hotel room. (See video for further evidence of that) Wishing to wake up from bed/depression/the coma of substance abuse, just to have a normal morning. They say he's naive to want these things when his life has all the trappings of a huge career, but truthfully, he's not you. He's him, and he wants a little bit of simple home especially with his new boyfriend.
  • Scott from Baton Rouge, LaGreat song. One of their better ones in my opinion. Michelle,I think the meaning of this song is probably what you described or something very similar.
  • Michelle from Los Angeles, CaTo me,it expresses the tension between what we long for in terms of love (something simple and uncomplex that gives us a feeling of security--"I would like a place I can call my own, have a conversation on the telephone") and our own baggage and limitations ("I wouldn't even trust you, I've not got that much to give").

    Many of us long for a profound and pure love that is unjaded and innocent, but any time we come close to achieving it, our own fears and doubts creep in. . . ("I was upset you see, almost all the time"- "just wait until tomorrow, I guess that's what they all say, just before they fall apart") Those of us who express our faith and hope in finding and holding on to this sort of love, are often told we are just "naive" and that it does not exist, but we believe we are just different. ("You may think that I'm out of hand, That I'm naive, I'll understand
    On this occasion, it's not true, Look at me, I'm not you")

    I think the song is called "Regret" because the author allowed his own over-analyzing, doubt and fear to cause him to be moody and withdrawn with his lover--which ultimately led to the loss of what he most feared losing.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tanita Tikaram

Tanita TikaramSongwriter Interviews

When she released her first album in 1988, Tanita became a UK singing sensation at age 19. She talks about her darkly sensual voice and quirky songwriting style.

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top Proverb

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top ProverbSong Writing

How a country weeper and a blues number made "rolling stone" the most popular phrase in rock.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.