Meaning of "Folding Chair" by Regina Spektor

The meaning of "Folding Chair" revolves around the themes of companionship, longing, and the search for happiness. The narrator sets the scene on an abandoned beach, a metaphorical representation of their isolation and yearning for connection. Their invitation for someone to open up a folding chair next to them is a plea for companionship, a desire to share their space and find solace in each other. The beach also symbolizes a place of peace and serenity, where they hope to escape their loneliness.

The mention of wanting to have a baby boy and graffitiing up his toys suggests the narrator's longing for a family. They envision a future with the person they're addressing, where they can create a happy and fulfilling life together. However, the narrator's insecurities creep in, as they confess to sometimes forgetting that they have a "perfect body." This vulnerability reflects a lack of self-confidence and acceptance.

The line "my eyelashes catch my sweat" can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the narrator's sensitivity. It implies that their emotional responses are heightened, and every small discomfort or fear is magnified. The physical discomfort caused by sweat becomes a symbol of their internal struggles and anxieties.

The reference to the tide coming in and the fear of being taken home reveals the narrator's apprehension towards change and the unknown. They are afraid of leaving their familiar surroundings and venturing into the uncertain. The dream of the dolphin song represents a longing for escape, an imaginative desire for something more magical and soothing than their current reality.

Despite these undertones of sadness and fear, the narrator implores the person to not be down and to embrace a more positive attitude. They refer to them as a "silly clown," suggesting that they should lighten up and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Ultimately, the song expresses a longing for companionship and a search for happiness in the face of uncertainties and insecurities.