Regina Spektor Performs 'Samson'

[@annafrench4821]

that moment after she finishes her final note of the song where the audience is completely silent. that is the sign of a true artist. the audience didn’t want the song to be over

[@atrijitdas1704]

Anna French yesss you're left searching for that last syllable with utmost attention

[@merna5685]

Honestly no in every live recording that I have of regina the audience always cheers before and after the beginning/end of the song. I guess they were asked to stay silent

[@tsumusicguy09]

It could be that. The song also ends without traditional chordal resolution, so they might have been expecting something more to resolve. It’s just great song-writing.

[@PerkiReport]

Additionally the majority of the audience likely never heard of her.

[@adamsdan1]

It was certainly a respectful audience, but the song composition ends intentionally unresolved. There is simply no cue for the audience to believe that the song is over... except the prolonged silence.

[@toughlikerocks]

You know, it's not just the fact that she can write such simple yet profoundly gut-punching lyrics as " I loved you first beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads but they're just old light, they're just old light." It's that she could write them age 21 and record them (along with every other song on the album) in a single take. The woman is an absolute generational talent, it's a shame she's not as well-known as she should be.

[@peanutismint]

Aah she's such a treasure!!! And this song is a classic. Cheers Stephen & co.

[@Ballee18]

For all those who are shocked that she played such an old song: I have a feeling Stephen asked her to play it instead of something off of her new album. He probably loves this song as much as everyone commenting, and she did it at his request. That’s why he was thanking her and hugging her so much at the end.

[@-XxM.DxX-]

He’s a nominal Christian, he asked her to play the song for the name mentioned in the song

[@pmsavenger]

I had forgotten how much I love this song. I haven't even listened to her for years. She is amazing.

[@doswillrule]

Her recent album is really really good! Back to more stripped down production, some beautiful tracks

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

doswillrule that's good to know

[@hurbyvore]

Same!!! Glad to have heard this song again. It has never failed to tear me up. T-T

[@leonardolim1662]

Im in prison when i hear this song and i promise to look for it,surprisingly great and how good she is..love from philippines..

[@TheOfficeIsBananas]

Hold up. She released this song almost two decades ago and is just now on the late show. We stan a legend.

[@darrenriccs]

She's ahead of our time so it's not as if they've missed out so much anyway

[@toughlikerocks]

Written two decades ago when she was barely 21 years old. Recorded in a single take on Christmas Day. A legend indeed!

[@Paint]

I grew up with this GD song. I get so emotional hearing it any time ah

[@zacharyadler3225]

You grew up well. Tell your parents thanks

[@maxrawling6991]

Stupid song to grow up to

[@robertrichman6873]

I'm confused, Paint. THIS song was written by Regina, who first recorded it in 2001. If by GD, you perhaps mean 'Grateful Dead', their's is an entirely different song with the title "Samson and Delilah", derived from the early 20th century blues spiritual "If I Had My Way" made popular by Rev. Gary Davis who influenced & taught a number of folk artists his finger picking guitar style during the 60s.

[@batterybroken]

Sameeee, love this song 😭👏🏽

[@leinardesteves3987]

@@robertrichman6873 I think he just means GOD DAMN 😂 cause that's how good it is

[@junjalapeno7773]

The smile before she played reminds me of someone who is about to talk about something they love.

[@KS-es5nh]

I clicked this so damn fast. She's my favourite artist and one of the reasons I learned piano years ago. I'm so glad more she's becoming more well known.

[@supertrexandroidx]

Good performance, but this song is pretty old. Hasn't she released anything more recently? I'll have to take a look...

[@Sharkyea]

Her last album was in 2016. I checked it out recently and the songs were pretty good. I hope she can release something new soon.

[@Onatakosha]

No offense but RS is pretty big. Lol.

[@merna5685]

She's released 5 albums since Samson... Sadly as time passes Regina gets more and more irrelevant and boring which is sad because she started out so brilliantly

[@Martel1946]

My view is the opposite of yours. Maybe your perception is becoming more and more irrelevant and boring.

[@ElvisEckardtRecruitment]

She is so underrated.

[@enlathestrange]

I’ve loved this song for years, I remember crying over my first broken heart to this song well over 10 years ago now.

[@thenostalgiabusiness]

Similar story for me, but it was Fidelity.

[@BothHands1]

Yeah, i got this CD from an ex before she was an ex. It's still in my car, though i haven't listened to it in years, i still felt that twinge in my chest listening to this performance.

[@gwenythlechnar1782]

Only 10? For me it's 40.

[@murderhill1947]

Gwenyth, my first broken heart goes back sixty years and the performance that tore at my young impressionable heart was Roy Orbisn's "Crying".

[@gwenythlechnar1782]

T Trust Roy! Every time. He's either crying or dreaming. John Lennon said that Roy Orbison was the kind of singer that if you were driving around London and actually spotted a parking space when he was on the radio,, you'd drive on by it, keep driving til Roy finished singing.

[@rebeccac324]

i cry the second i hear this song. when my childhood dog was about to die, i listened to this on repeat on the drive home from vacation. my first word was his name. i miss you zach :,(

[@DarkSali]

Damn she's amazing live.... Really impressive.

[@MrJagad123]

this song arrangement is unique

[@AustinNebbia]

I was in the audience for this and it was so simple and tingly and electrifying. Love her so much.

[@RyanPennington87]

Top 50 best songs ever written

[@imh9]

not with the word wonderbread in it it isnt

[@Ela.elizabeth]

Dillon Cardiel - Shut up your face

[@stormydayolivia]

@@imh9 lol. Point is the man has cancer and can only stomach a plain piece of cheap bread.

[@mrmister5846]

Nope. Top 500,000 maybe.

[@maxwellerickson7066]

I second William

[@joeblankenship377]

Wow. I love how she didn't resolve the final note. She just lets the tension hang in the air for a moment before the audience applauds.

[@konekomicio]

So much talent

[@AdrianLikesFlags]

At first I was mad thinking: "She's not singing live... there's no way she's singing live... OMG she's singing live, what a VOICE!"

[@lou_sassole]

Adrian Rodriguez how/why would u ever think that....?

[@AdrianLikesFlags]

Perhaps because it initially sounds EXACTLY like the studio version and only after a few vocal variations made me realize is not lip sync? Maybe?

[@thorbre577]

Now that you mention it, there is a live performance on YT where some smartypants in the comments HAS to pull the autotune card, it's hilarious, because the uploader, who happens to be the freaking Warner Sound people, y'know, the guys who filmed and produced the content, had to go out and say "Guys, srsly, this is legit" (I may be paraphrasing). Regina has proven herself time and time again. I have bootlegs dating back to the early 00's. She's the real freaking deal.

[@fabiolamachuca]

That only makes sense if this is your first time listening to her live. Otherwise, anyone that knows her knows that she is great, maybe even better live than recorded.

[@fabiolamachuca]

Thorbre, what performance is that?

[@Troopscoop]

Samson...used to play that song on repeat in high school. And now she's on one of my fave late night host's show? Perfect.

[@MarkShepard]

I love it when actual talented musicians play on this show. She's the real deal not just some well marketed "latest thing". bravo!

[@sam-iq9mt]

Only recently discovered this talented artist. Fantastic.

[@shelby8474]

Everyone talks about her singing but I am also always in awe of how beautiful her piano playing is

[@CraigMaxwell-gz3vw]

Not to mention her songwriting

[@iantuition]

!!!!! And it's usually not very complex either! That's artistry.

[@tiredbunny15]

This song gets better with age tbh

[@HomoNeuraxis]

Anelle Savares This song gets better with memories*

[@YarrBr0]

I was trying to figure out if her choosing to play this song was meant to be any sort of political commentary

[@gagahusband]

"Better... Better... we'll be better... "

[@ekurtisofficial725]

100% agree

[@dexterjohn7632]

So true.. I heard the song decades ago, but hits more different (in a good way) to date. 2024. ❤️ I guess the goodness of the song comes from the story of its lyrics plus of course the story telling and magical way of singing of Regina. That was just perfect. 🫶

[@theawesomer]

We love Regina. Amazing.

[@fryry72]

Im seeing her tommorow in brooklyn and this is just hyping me up so much

[@dannymorrison9738]

Ryan Sprout Root how was it she’s a goddess up there with Florence

[@coornz]

She played Scotland once and I missed it

[@pEAcEgrL8]

So much talent!! She is flawless live!

[@AndreAckermann]

I will never not love this song.

[@jordansullivan5764]

Incredible how much emotion she still puts into a song she's been playing for over 15 years.

[@Alfalfa_Male]

Man, I can't believe how long it's been since I heard that song for the first time. My heart is all over the place listening to this.

[@ceebee18]

A voice that transports.

[@alair9286]

All her songs are so nostalgic to me because my mom would always play them in the car when I was younger. She's so talented

[@konekomicio]

Soulful

[@marieblue]

“Samson” (2006) is all about love. And it is told through the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. Samson had tremendous strength, but he lost it when Delilah betrayed him and had his head shaved. In the song, Regina Spektor uses this comparison to show how she feels, how even after she did something so horrible to her loved one, he kissed her until the morning light and told her that she had done alright. It demonstrates the unconditional forgiveness you have for someone you love. The lyrics, “The history books forgot about us and The Bible didn’t mention us” is the idea that they are nothing extraordinary : love can strike anyone at any time, and not being miraculous people doesn’t diminish their worth or their feelings, as love is for everyone who has a beating heart. Spektor recorded several versions of the song before she found the perfect one to include on this album* - after she already sent a different one to her record label❕ The singer-songwriter-pianist recalled : “I kept saying, ‘Please, just one more day. I know this is crazy. You have deadlines. But this is my record, and if it’s not going to be how I want it, then it’s not going to be on the record.’ And they were like, ‘Okay, you can try one more time.’ And then I got it how I wanted it. It’s exactly how I wanted it. And some people wouldn’t even hear the difference. Or some people will like the other one better. But I have it how I want it.” NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENCE‼️ 💚🎵💙 * “Samson” also appears on Spektor’s debut album, with a slower arrangement.

[@AmberAmbwee]

**Lyrics** You are my sweetest downfall I loved you first, I loved you first Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth I have to go, I have to go Your hair was long when we first met Samson went back to bed Not much hair left on his head He ate a slice of wonder bread, and went right back to bed And history books forgot about us and the Bible didn't mention us And the Bible didn't mention us, not even once You are my sweetest downfall I loved you first, I loved you first Beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads But they're just old light, they're just old light Your hair was long when we first met Samson came to my bed Told me that my hair was red Told me I was beautiful, and came into my bed Oh, I cut his hair myself one night A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light And he told me that I'd done alright And kissed me till the mornin' light, the mornin' light And he kissed me till the mornin' light Samson went back to bed Not much hair left on his head He ate a slice of wonder bread, and went right back to bed Oh, we couldn't bring the columns down Yeah, we couldn't destroy a single one And history books forgot about us And the Bible didn't mention us, not even once You are my sweetest downfall I loved you first

[@jonthebru]

Absolutely awesome writer and performer, the whole package!

[@MrArchibaldwitwiki]

I saw her live at the The Greek in LA. It may sound cheesy, I would think it does if I was reading someone elses say this, but damn her singing gave me goosebumps.

[@NoMalarkey]

Seeing her live is one of my top five human experiences. She is such a genuine, lovely person and an incredible talent.

[@MrArchibaldwitwiki]

yes, she does have that air about her that she is sweet and kind.

[@Ela.elizabeth]

MrArchibaldwitwiki still does for me.

[@Ela.elizabeth]

Regina's the best. I saw her 10 years ago almost now at the Phoenix in Toronto. The security guy tried to throw a guy out for some silly reason - he didn't do anything - and Regina stopped the concert mid song to tell them to lay off. She's exquisite. I fell in love with her from the first note she sang that night. 😍

[@lettersandnumbers30]

This can't be real life. 👏👏👏 Thanks for bringing her back to the show. She needs to be heard by all

[@DanielBloom1]

that song will always bring back amazing memories for me.

[@sparkss4]

Interesting that she chose to play such an old classic. Still liked 10 seconds in.

[@natedavies954]

It's her best song she's never played for TV. Knowing Stephen's faith and preference for intricate lyrics and complex song structures, it makes more sense.

[@barbells_and_guitars]

Her voice seems more rich and full, but still retains the sweetness. Incredible performance.

[@malibu64]

She's just getting more and more beautiful.

[@MoonsickStridor]

When she played this as an unexpected encore (I only saw her for my first time last year), I was so overwhelmed that I could not control the tears streaming down my face. This video accomplished that, too.

[@chrisellis250]

A lot of good friends in Denton Texas just lost our good buddy this week. Regina's voice has helped console,heal, and cry it out. God has blessed us with another good friend ❤️thanks Miss Spector and Mr Colbert

[@joanneolson6300]

Beautiful voice!!

[@jimlawton4184]

I love her! I'm so glad I'm not the only one that massages piano keys to coax vibrato out of them!

[@OpusTheLeftie]

Do you mean tremolo, or does it actually trigger a vibrato?

[@wandanderisha]

Her voice is angelic 😍💖💖💖

[@lordbyron0850]

I had bladder cancer but still fighting this song is my inspiration 💪🙏

[@batterybroken]

Oh man, this song came on my iPod while I was building something and I just sat on my ladder and listened. 💕

[@guylikesthings]

Further proving Stephen Colbert has the best musical guests

[@kcheban]

every live performance touches my soul and reminds me how I love her

[@Lisa_Evers]

I'm speechless.

[@rutiancoren]

Whenever I hear Regina sing, I feel like I've been cleansed in some way. Such an angelic voice...

[@Valindie]

I’ve been to her concert and the reason it was one my most favorite experiences was the ambience. The audience was in complete awe and taken aback of her talent. We were all silenced by her.

[@Steadfish]

Truly one of the greatest songwriters alive. Love this song!

[@thedanalcantara]

This song gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME.

[@mikejang]

this was an amazing performance by an amazing artist. i'm just a bit shocked that for a 12 year old song, this was the first time on broadcast television!

[@johnpena656]

dammit. its 4 am and i somehow ended up here. honestly, its too early for these ninjas to cut onions 😭

[@murderhill1947]

What an excellent rendition of that song. So much more to it. She has matured well in her appearance and in her presentation of her music. Very nice.

[@pgtto]

Love is the most powerful weapon we have.

[@lurategh]

I MISSED THIS?!?!? Regina is my favorite ever and I love this song so much 😭😭

[@drivebybodypierce]

Breathtaking…

[@LasDivine]

I'm glad she's still performing. She definitely made new fans with Samson*

[@christanoel3524]

... the way she plays & sing ... What an artist

[@kittydreamz86]

One of the greatest artists there has ever been. She is so purely brilliant.

[@Cerevisi]

DAMN! I want a double hug from my favorite Ruski-American! I love, love, love Regina Spektor. I've seen her once in concert, she definitely always flourishes her artistry, she's Sooooooo good live! What a talent.

[@JudahOwen]

Aeoster she's my second favorite Ruski-American after the President

[@earthandwind820]

JudahOwen I hope you’re as passionate about denouncing our brutal political interference in her motherland during the 90’s,too.

[@MWGScorp]

Ka Gala lol, uh, yeah, we haven't been involved in shit there. It's terrible for a variety of reasons not related to the US

[@o0Theresa0o]

Her voice always gives me goosebumps.

[@booknerd5738]

“You are my sweetest downfall, I loved you first” The end part always gives me the feels

[@cubethesquid3919]

This is the first song I ever heard her sing, and I immediately fell in love with her voice. Even now, I have more of her music on my phone than any other single artist.

[@Kit-se3zs]

We've loved her music since hearing "Us" many years ago. Thanks Stephen! 😍

[@thorbre577]

Just wanna urge people to get her latest album (Among all her previous work) and get the live albums while you're at it. It is VERY much worth it. Her latest live album (Live on Soundstage) is a treasure.

[@lurategh]

I have the blu-ray of Live on Soundstage and I watch it far too often. ☺️

[@thorbre577]

I have listened to it many times during my long walks, it's a great travel companion.

[@dlm8763]

One of my favorite songs and performers

[@patrickhobbs3962]

Beautiful. I am so very happy they invited her on the show. I have loved this song since the first time I heard it and it sounds even more wonderful now. Thank you, Late Show!

[@diamondgi9389]

Such a treat...

[@maegandaniels162]

Ah!!! I love her so much and am super glad she's still performing this amazing song after a decade. Such a beautiful song and very well performed- like always.

[@australien6611]

Wow ! I'll admit it's the first time I've heard her so I had no preconceptions. I've been missing out, what a beautiful talent. And nice work from the studio crew too, the lighting and camera work did her justice

[@smol_chilli_pepper]

Regina Spektor is honestly so underrated

[@galenhawkins1459]

Used to listen to this song a lot in a previous, better life. Forgot about it completely for fifteen years until tonight. Why is my face leaking?

[@neymeyfeyhey9511]

I have tears rolling down my face. She's an absolute gift to humanity.

[@ava-kl9ch]

She’s an absolute treasure live. I saw her two years ago and she was wonderful!

[@msh2093]

What a beautiful enchanting song!

[@WHYtheband]

Inspired. Stephen books so many great artists.

[@diphz]

Mesmerizing... her voice, beauty, everything about her is just mesmerizing

[@abbyschneider4644]

Her voice is amazing, she sounds just as good here as she does on her official recording

[@MehreenHassan225]

Love her so much! 💜

[@Bino_Sleevelesssocks]

Chills. Saw her live in London and is one of my favourite gigs I’ve ever been to

[@frannylicuous5650]

Regina Spektor is heaven on earth

[@icangicung20]

Damn this is perfect

[@jade4232]

Sounds just like on the album. Great voice

[@Blue8embers-2012]

LOVE HER SO MUCH. So glad she's getting some of the spotlight and people are discovering her talent.

[@mariazippy233]

Love love love this song. Been listening to this since I was younger. Never gets old

[@arregull]

She was never forgotten. ❤️❤️❤️

[@savannahjones123]

One of my favorites by Regina and favorite song overall. So happy to see her here ❤️❤️❤️

[@monicareyes1655]

I always feel chills down my spine whenever i hear this song! BRAVO 👏👏👏

[@EM-is9ti]

This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world Regina.

[@daniellamorrow]

One of the very first songs I memorized on the piano at 14, it wasn’t intentional either, it was really big deal for me considering It was nearly impossible for me to memorize any piano pieces. Fast forward 8 years later got to see her live and this was the last song she played cause everyone in the audience was requesting it 😊. She forgot how to play the very end so we all ended up singing it acapella with her, she had the biggest smile on her face at the end. It will forever remain one of the most magical memories I have 💕. Thank you Regina for constantly inspiring me and being the beautiful person that you naturally are 🙌🏽

[@beomyous]

I have LOVED this song for so long ❤️

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Such a talent beautiful song performed beautifully 😍

[@bartwilson2513]

I have loved this song for years. Brilliant.