Mockingbird
Regina Spektor · Other Songs - Regina Spektor
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird don't mock real well, then
Papa's gonna buy you a freedom bell
Oh, and if that freedom bell don't ring
Papa's gonna buy you a cubic zirconia ring
Oh, and if that cubic zirconia ring don't shine
You're gonna give your papa a real hard time
Now ain't you?
Ain't you, baby, ain't you?
And if that real hard time don't pass
Papa's gonna get wrinkles all upon his face
And then he'll blend in with all the other papas then
Screw the whole mockingbird situation,
We can't even afford a medical plan
Now, can we?
Oh baby, now can we?
This song won't do, let's start this over...
Let's start this over
Hush, little baby, here comes the sandman
Papa's gonna buy you a medical plan
Oh, and if that medical plan don't cover your ass
Papa's gonna buy you a pregnancy test
Oh, and if that pregnancy test comes out positive
Well then, girl, I don't know how the hell we're gonna live
Maybe on your bright ideas
Maybe on cigarette butts
Maybe on bubblegum wrappers
Maybe on penalty shots
Hush, little baby, don't you cry
You know to you, your papa would never ever lie
Oh, hush while I sing to you this crude little lullaby
And I'll get you all that shit one day by and by
But in the meanwhile
Well in the mean, mean... meanwhile
Hush, little baby, don't say a word
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
Oh, and if that mockingbird don't sing
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
A real diamond, no cubic nothing
Like in the movies with that...
What's her name... Monroe... Marilyn...
A real diamond, a real diamond...
Hush, hush...
Hush...
Mockingbird
Regina Spektor's "Mockingbird" stands as a defining track from her 2004 debut album, *Songs in the Key of Minor*. The song blends folk and indie rock elements with a distinctive, piano-driven melody that became a signature of her early work. Released during a pivotal era for independent music, the recording captures Spektor's introspective songwriting style, characterized by confessional lyrics and a raw, acoustic approach. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to resonate with listeners seeking authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling within the folk-rock genre. The track remains a cornerstone of her discography, often cited as a key influence on subsequent artists in the indie folk movement.