Meaning of "Jessica" by Regina Spektor

The song "Jessica" portrays a sense of urgency and a plea for awakening in its lyrics. The repeated urging for Jessica to wake up suggests that the speaker is attempting to shake Jessica out of a state of complacency or denial. The mention of February reinforces the idea of the passage of time, as February is a time of transition between winter and spring. The message underlying the lyrics seems to be the inevitability and importance of growing older. The line "We must get older now" reflects a recognition that aging is an unavoidable part of life. The speaker's admission that they are unable to write a song for Jessica implies a sense of frustration or creative blockage, further emphasizing their desire for Jessica to wake up and face the reality of aging. There is a sense of urgency and a plea for Jessica to not let time slip away without acknowledging its passage.

On a deeper level, "Jessica" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fear of aging and the anxiety that comes with the passing of time. The repetition of the line "It's February again" suggests a cyclical nature, as if every February brings a reminder of the aging process. The act of waking up can be seen as a call to consciousness, to actively engage with the process of growing older rather than avoiding or denying it. The speaker's plea can also be seen as a plea for self-acceptance and embracing the natural progression of life. By acknowledging that they cannot write a song for Jessica, the speaker highlights the limitations of artistic expression in capturing the complexity and inevitability of aging. Ultimately, "Jessica" serves as a reminder to confront the passing of time head-on, to embrace the inevitability of aging, and to live fully in the present.