Baobabs

Regina Spektor · Begin to Hope [2006]

You have tamed me

Now you must take me

How am I supposed to be

I don't have my thorns now

But I feel them sprouting

They'll grow right through if I don't watch them

They'll grow right through even if I watch them

And a sunset couldn't save me now

These baobabs, and baobabs, and baobabs some more

But you can't outweight fate

You have tamed me

Now you must take me

T-t-ta-t-t-ta-t-t-ta-tt-ta-t-t-ta-tt-ta-t-t-ta-t-t-ta

And I wouldn't raise my child inside the city anyway

They grow up too savvy

And they grow up too fast

And they know about buying shit

And they know about sex

And they know about investment banking

And also about brokerage burns

And they know about the numbers

And they know about the words

And they know about the bottom lines

And also about stones

And they know about careers

And about the real deals

And they all grow up and become people's people with people skills

But you have tamed me

Now you must take me

How am I supposed to be

I don't have my thorns now

You have tamed me

Now you must take me

How am I supposed to be

I don't have my tho-or-or-or-orns

Baobabs

Regina Spektor's "Baobabs" stands as a poignant centerpiece on her 2006 album *Begin to Hope*, exemplifying her signature blend of folk and pop sensibilities. Recorded with a raw, intimate acoustic approach, the track reflects the lyrical depth characteristic of her early career, where personal narrative often intertwines with broader social commentary. The song's melodic structure and vocal delivery capture the emotional resonance found in her work from the mid-2000s, contributing to a discography known for its lyrical precision and atmospheric quality. As part of her broader catalog, "Baobabs" remains a notable example of Spektor's ability to craft songs that balance melodic accessibility with substantive storytelling, solidifying her place within the indie folk landscape.