in 1987, I was with a woman one evening, and had this song on a mix-tape (cassette!) playing in the background. Not familiar with it, she was listening quietly and halfway through started crying, to full-blown sobs. Turned out she had a very abusive childhood and even years later, with a son of her own, it was still very raw to her. I wonder if now, 35 years on, probably a grandmother, she ever hears this and remembers that evening.
Speaking from a musician's view, I have always been very impressed with the structure of this song. It is so well produced. Great lead guitar which is so complimentary to the song. And of course, Suzanne Vega's voice is angelic. A good platform for the message of abuse. Way to go Suzanne!
Me. First time I heard this song was this same line up playing at DAR Constitution Hall...she opened with an a Capella Toms Diner and then they broke into this and just nailed it.
This is one of the most beautiful yet saddest songs ever, sang by one of the best singers with the sweetest voice & a most angelic face. Used to ask my then & now late beautiful daughter (RIP Princess) to sing it for me. At the time I didn't know &/or understand what the lyrics really meant. A sad & cry for help for abused children & all who suffer abuse in silence. Suzanne Vega is the G.O.A.T.
This is one of those rare songs that i can listen to over and over and over again. and never tire of it. Her voice takes my breath away, it's mesmerising. Then you have the superb musicians. What a song.
Whilst the lyrics are brilliant, the reality is that the instrumental of this song is just out of this world. One of the very best ever and extremely underrated.
Very few songs stand the test of time...this one does about as well as any. Luka sounds as innovative and fresh today as it did in 1987. Love the guitar solos!
This is such a beautiful song in so many ways. I was a teenager in the 1980s when this song came out. I didn't appreciate its full meaning until a few years later when I "grew up." My wife and I enjoyed Ms. Vega when she performed at a county venue in Maryland a few years ago.
First time I heard her voice was on a song called I’m in a Lonely Place Without You by the Smithereens.. I went to the album liner notes to see who she was.. about 2 months later is when I first heard Luka, and I said to myself I know that voice, lol
Julio 26 2024 verano caluroso en Denia-Alicante -España Escuchando estas hermosas canciones que traspasan el tiempo y la distancia Grande Suzanne Vega 👻👻💪💪👏👏👏
I was only in elementary school when this song came out and was strangely drawn to it even though I didn't know fully understand what it meant. Grew up in an abusive home, and now I know why I was drawn to the lyrics.
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Brian Swezey Well, isn´t it always so, that every new generation believes, that the "music" they hear in their "teens" is the only real music ever made. And everyting else is just worse? My "teens" were between 1968 and 1974, so most rock music after mid 70s means very little to me. Now I am more into Jazz, folk, world and indeed more accoustic music like this.
@Kurt.Dk-55 I understand what you're saying,and i'm a lot younger that you sir,but to be fair,most of the things we have today suck big time or are a shaddy remake of what was made in the past.
I am 55 years old, I am autistic and this song describes my childhood, it speaks to me. Too quiet, too passive, never in the right place, always annoying, but above all not crying, not screaming, being invisible, trying to no longer exist Every day was a victory, wait for the next day, just survive.
Nothing but positivity from me. I love Suzanne Vega's music and this song 'Luka' won a Grammy award. One of my favourite songs of the 1980's. Here she's performing 'Luka' on Wogan. I watched Suzanne Vega live with June on 21st of June 2007 at the New Tyne Theatre, Newcastle. A fantastic concert.
QUE MARAVILLOSA CANCION Y VOZ!!! CUANTOS/AS LUKA HAY EN EL MUNDO QE SUFREN VIOLENCIA INTRAFAMILIAR Y ABANDONO PIDO POR ELLOS QE DIOS NO LES ABANDONE Y AYUDE ...SIEMPRE HAY GENTE DE BUEN CORAZON QE DIOS LOS BENDIGA TODOS LOS DIAS TODOS LOS DIAS GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR ESTA BELLISIMA CANCION
prince adored that song !!! he gave his props to Susan way back in the 80s Talk about “praise from Caesar.” Suzanne Vega recently posted an unearthed letter she received from Prince on Facebook, and it’s a doozy. “Dearest Suzanne,” the letter begins. “Luka is the most compelling piece of music I’ve heard in a long time. There are no words 2 tell you all the things I feel when I hear it. I thank God 4 u.” (“Luka” was released in 1987 and reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains her highest-charting song in the U.S. and earned nominations for record of the year, song of the year and best female pop vocal performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards.)
I was abused as a child. When I was around 8 or 9 I decided I wouldn't cry no matter how much it hurt, This seemed to make the beatings worse. But I never cried in front of my father. At 15 I ran away for good.
I loved this song as a kid, it's only now that I'm older and wiser that l understand what the song is about and how powerful the words are. I have the most respect for anyone in this situation that finds the strength to get away. I really hope that things are better for you now
The hardest thing I ever had to overcome(except maybe quitting smoking😁) was the desire to spank my boy. Growing up in a society where it was the done thing to apply the strap I never could see the point of it when all it did was make me angry. I even did stuff KNOWING I was gonna get a hiding! ....I smacked my son once on a padded backside and the look he gave me reminded me of how I used to feel. The cycle has to stop somewhere and frankly he made me a better person figuring out alternatives....like waterboarding😳
Lovely music, a deeply sad story. I almost did not understand it when it was released back in the 80's, I only loved the music. Visiting it back now is great. Love Suzanne for this amazing great song.
This is from the 'Wogan' show in 1987 (I remember recording it on VHS)! The other guest is the legendary broadcaster and cricket commentator Brian Johnston. The musicians are miming (as was the BBC way back then), but I have seen Suzanne Vega sing this live many times, and she is one of those rare artists that sound better live than on record.
This song makes me cry every time. Child abuse is horrible every time and always and everywhere. People who abuse children are cowards and need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Growing up in the 60’s there were those of us who got beat by their mothers and there were those who got hit by their fathers.I was beat by Both and I’m not complaining
Suzanne Vega, one of my all time favorite albums, so many beautiful songs, The queen and the soldier, Small blue thing, Freeze tag, Marlena on the wall, all brilliant.
Still listening to Suzanne periodically. I saw her in an up-close and personal concert at The Boathouse in Norfolk some years ago. Best acoustic concert I ever heard. I attended with a college buddy of hers so we got to chat with her for a while afterwards. That was a nice bonus to a great concert.
Terrific songwriter and still has one of the most seductive voices in music. This is a great song and when she sings 99 Fahrenheit degrees and Caramel I melt into my chair.
I work in a Child Abuse Investigation Unit, this song has so much meaning for my colleagues and me. The lyrics read so much like so many of our cases. We work closely with Children's Services and we each have about 70 cases on the go at any time. I've been doing the job for over 15 years and it can be very rewarding, it can also be very stressful and probably contributed to my heart attack and subsequent by pass surgery 18 months ago. Back at work now and still motivated. I could have retired 3 years ago at 60, I may well go on to 65.
This is a good song!!! An the biggest thing is that she sang about domestic abuse.!!! That was something back in the 70s an 80s that wasn't talked about but she did... Thankyou for doing it.....
Natalie Merchant; 10,000 Maniacs." Look at What They Did" 'In My Tribe', equally as powerful! The lyrics and music share a common bond of which so many people "so-called" fans couldn't tell you the meanings.
Suzanne you are the best! I have this album. One of my favourites. You are such a warm person its easy to see by your Lyrics, your face tells so much when you sing. You really feel it! Beautiful. Burton Trent
in 1987, I was with a woman one evening, and had this song on a mix-tape (cassette!) playing in the background. Not familiar with it, she was listening quietly and halfway through started crying, to full-blown sobs. Turned out she had a very abusive childhood and even years later, with a son of her own, it was still very raw to her. I wonder if now, 35 years on, probably a grandmother, she ever hears this and remembers that evening.
.. y quizás llora aún ...
One of my favourite songs from the 80's. Still going strong in 2023.
Just heard the Spanish version of this song for the first time ,worth a listen
Sadly the song may be popular for a long time to come.
Its a good song
Speaking from a musician's view, I have always been very impressed with the structure of this song. It is so well produced. Great lead guitar which is so complimentary to the song. And of course, Suzanne Vega's voice is angelic. A good platform for the message of abuse. Way to go Suzanne!
Who is still listening in 2021
Timeless classic. 👏👏👏
Me. First time I heard this song was this same line up playing at DAR Constitution Hall...she opened with an a Capella Toms Diner and then they broke into this and just nailed it.
I do
Me, in Ireland
just don't ask me how i am
Of course me .🕊🌻❤🌻🕊
Her aura of innocence is mesmerizing. She's childlike, and it makes the song even more moving.
Yes, i thought same...
But, she stays with sad look, when is singer this song. I think what is because of Lyrics of song.
I listen that emotional song Now , thanks to the technology , Excellent song, singer and composer (I know is the same)👏🏼👏🏼
absolutely
This is one of the most beautiful yet saddest songs ever, sang by one of the best singers with the sweetest voice & a most angelic face. Used to ask my then & now late beautiful daughter (RIP Princess) to sing it for me. At the time I didn't know &/or understand what the lyrics really meant. A sad & cry for help for abused children & all who suffer abuse in silence. Suzanne Vega is the G.O.A.T.
I am sorry for your loss :(
@@thisismonitor4099 Thank you.
This is one of those rare songs that i can listen to over and over and over again. and never tire of it. Her voice takes my breath away, it's mesmerising.
Then you have the superb musicians. What a song.
I was a child abuse investigator, in NYC. My very first case was in front of Judge Judy, of TV. The song still makes me cry, after all these years.
MONSTER HIT!!! It's one of those songs when I heard it I knew it was a classic. Classics don't fade away but stay in memory.
One of my favourites when I was small. I didn't know at the time it was about a child being beaten though.
Of course
@@pauljordan4452 Eu, já tinha ouvido falar, já na época! Linda música, apesar de ser triste! Fez muito sucesso aqui no Brasil em 1988.
Whilst the lyrics are brilliant, the reality is that the instrumental of this song is just out of this world. One of the very best ever and extremely underrated.
She doesn't need auto tune.. her voice in the original song is the voice she used when singing live. And that's fantastic!! 💖💖💖
auto tune did not exist in those days
@@cowboys360 sure it did
@@cowboys360 it did. it was used by avant-garde and experimental artists.
its playback
@@PATBATEMAN187 maybe? But her voice live is VERY close to what she sounds like on the record.
This was such a huge hit in 1987. It sounds great even today.
This song breaks my heart. It's very telling, Highlighting the help abused women need. My mother was one.
Not just women, but children and men.
It's about an abused child, though that is often a part of women being abused as well.
It's only a song. About nothing
It's about a little boy abused by his parents.
@@ashleyhall2359 you must be blind or really insensitive to what this about. You reckon all songs are just songs about nothing? How utterly bizarre.
Very few songs stand the test of time...this one does about as well as any. Luka sounds as innovative and fresh today as it did in 1987. Love the guitar solos!
This is such a beautiful song in so many ways. I was a teenager in the 1980s when this song came out. I didn't appreciate its full meaning until a few years later when I "grew up." My wife and I enjoyed Ms. Vega when she performed at a county venue in Maryland a few years ago.
@TealCircle 87
So many poor little Lukas in this world. Thanks to my mum and dad for being such loving parents. I miss you both so much :-(
So great o hear you speak well of your parents!
I’m luka
You were definitely blessed. I didn't have that growing up.
@@QUINTUSMAXIMUS - it makes me cry to see how many parents treat their kids badly. I hope you've found people in life who have made up for it.
She has a great voice
First time I heard her voice was on a song called I’m in a Lonely Place Without You by the Smithereens.. I went to the album liner notes to see who she was.. about 2 months later is when I first heard Luka, and I said to myself I know that voice, lol
Lots of people are still listening! Ms Vega is an amazing and talented singer and songwriter! I love her!
Julio 26 2024 verano caluroso en Denia-Alicante -España
Escuchando estas hermosas canciones que traspasan el tiempo y la distancia
Grande Suzanne Vega
👻👻💪💪👏👏👏
How wonderfull was to be young in the 1980's!!
Anos 80 e uma verdadeira mina de ouro de grandes e talentosos artistas.Linda demais cantora e canção.
Do not regret growing older, It’s a privilege denied to many ...🙏
So true ❤️
Not true at all
A wise man in his eighties was asked how it felt growing older.
He answered: "Wonderful, especially when you consider the alternative".
But nostalgia and loneliness are disgusting poisons making you envying people that are denied that privilege
@@maza9191 ...the fuck is wrong with you?
Born in 82 and remember this song on the radio. I remember thinking how beautifully sad she sounded.
Me too
Yes it's like she is Luka very moving song and she sings it beautifully ❤
I was only in elementary school when this song came out and was strangely drawn to it even though I didn't know fully understand what it meant. Grew up in an abusive home, and now I know why I was drawn to the lyrics.
She doesn't get the credit she deserves as a great story teller.
love luka amazing
big words for a 1-hit wonder
This is here one good song though unless you include the Smithereens' I'm in a Lonely Place duet?
chris westerfield She got four singles that entered the top 40 chart 😊
Yes I Do it remind me my childhood
Painting pictures with words. A true masterpiece. Love it!
The kindest and most considerate thing ever said to me was "I'm sorry you had to go through that". That's it. Someone finally understood.
She is great
Yeah the song never gets old
It's a dude
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@@barryw169 It's obvious that you aren't.
@@willsalach3807 Not a gentleman. Obviously.
Like many here, I had the happiness to live my adolescence in the 80's, when I heard good songs, lyrics and eternal songs like this ...
ua-cam.com/play/PLWy59Z-3uoGGurVSXkud6dQjKkosot0rN.html
Haven't heard this in years. So many good songs I forgot about. I lived during the best years in music not like crap of today.
Brian Swezey Well, isn´t it always so, that every new generation believes, that the "music" they hear in their "teens" is the only real music ever made. And everyting else is just worse? My "teens" were between 1968 and 1974, so most rock music after mid 70s means very little to me. Now I am more into Jazz, folk, world and indeed more accoustic music like this.
Brian S
Yes indeed “Crap of today” for sure.
If you truly like music, then it's worth listening to all styles, new and old. Who knows, you may even discover you like some of it.
Totally agree with you !!!
The 80's are the best!!!
@Kurt.Dk-55 I understand what you're saying,and i'm a lot younger that you sir,but to be fair,most of the things we have today suck big time or are a shaddy remake of what was made in the past.
A gifted storyteller in music-form. I didn't get enough of this musician.
I cry whenever I hear this. Such a tragic song. But yes she’s a consummate story teller.
she's so relaxed while singing yet her voice is sooo angelicc
Who’s still listening to this in 2020. ❤️
80’s will ever prevail...
It doesn't sound like like an 80's song at all, so fresh sound
very pretty girl, attactive voice 💖💞💝💟
I am for sure.
❤️ i love it still
Her voice is so angelic...beautiful
I am 55 years old, I am autistic and this song describes my childhood, it speaks to me.
Too quiet, too passive, never in the right place, always annoying, but above all not crying, not screaming, being invisible, trying to no longer exist
Every day was a victory, wait for the next day, just survive.
Entra en tu dolor, quédate ahi, y desaparecerá. Un abrazo
Sad to hear this, I hope you overcome it .
As fresh and unfortunately relevant today as it was 30 years ago it was a genius song.
Tenho 47 anos e essa música me leva a 1988 quando estudava no Senai, cheio de sonhos...
A vida passa rápido...
The 80s was a blast ,I was 24 1980 ,and I thought it was never going to end now I'm nearly 68 ready to travel to Cancun ,in Mexico , keep on living
Suzanne is a pure angel. I love her and get goose bumps listening to Luka. Bobby
Nothing but positivity from me. I love Suzanne Vega's music and this song 'Luka' won a Grammy award. One of my favourite songs of the 1980's. Here she's performing 'Luka' on Wogan. I watched Suzanne Vega live with June on 21st of June 2007 at the New Tyne Theatre, Newcastle. A fantastic concert.
QUE MARAVILLOSA CANCION Y VOZ!!! CUANTOS/AS LUKA HAY EN EL MUNDO QE SUFREN VIOLENCIA INTRAFAMILIAR Y ABANDONO PIDO POR ELLOS QE DIOS NO LES ABANDONE Y AYUDE ...SIEMPRE HAY GENTE DE BUEN CORAZON QE DIOS LOS BENDIGA TODOS LOS DIAS TODOS LOS DIAS GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR ESTA BELLISIMA CANCION
prince adored that song !!! he gave his props to Susan way back in the 80s
Talk about “praise from Caesar.”
Suzanne Vega recently posted an unearthed letter she received from Prince on Facebook, and it’s a doozy.
“Dearest
Suzanne,” the letter begins. “Luka is the most compelling piece of
music I’ve heard in a long time. There are no words 2 tell you all the
things I feel when I hear it. I thank God 4 u.”
(“Luka” was released in 1987 and reached number 3 on the Billboard
Hot 100. It remains her highest-charting song in the U.S. and earned
nominations for record of the year, song of the year and best female pop
vocal performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards.)
🎼1988 - Isso é um clássico musical!
😄✌🎸🇧🇷
What can I say? A big super star since the 80' till now.
Saw you a few times live and was amazed. So good!!!
never forget when i first heard this song. decades later 2019 still love this song.
Her voice and this story are just heartbreaking!
Beautiful production work for a song that is unfortunately still is part of our reality. Great song!
I was abused as a child. When I was around 8 or 9 I decided I wouldn't cry no matter how much it hurt, This seemed to make the beatings worse. But I never cried in front of my father. At 15 I ran away for good.
I loved this song as a kid, it's only now that I'm older and wiser that l understand what the song is about and how powerful the words are. I have the most respect for anyone in this situation that finds the strength to get away. I really hope that things are better for you now
😔
Wow, that sooo sux
The hardest thing I ever had to overcome(except maybe quitting smoking😁) was the desire to spank my boy. Growing up in a society where it was the done thing to apply the strap I never could see the point of it when all it did was make me angry. I even did stuff KNOWING I was gonna get a hiding! ....I smacked my son once on a padded backside and the look he gave me reminded me of how I used to feel. The cycle has to stop somewhere and frankly he made me a better person figuring out alternatives....like waterboarding😳
I am sorry, TheCraig!
Always liked this song ... powerful.
That's a 33 years old song. 33 years of a timeless song.
Didn't expect her voice to sound SO GOOD live, I loved this song since I heard it as a kid, took me a long time to find It
JawJX I think this is lip synced. Guitars are unplugged.
@@vinnielalumia ouch
@@JawJX but if you hear live versions her voice sounds exactly like this.
I’ve been listening to her songs for over 40 years, great singer and songwriter and cute !
"Cute" is too cerebral for my brain!
Lovely music, a deeply sad story. I almost did not understand it when it was released back in the 80's, I only loved the music. Visiting it back now is great. Love Suzanne for this amazing great song.
One of my favorites...well done!!
A very beautiful song! Beautiful interpretation! I did not know it could be a so well done song before choosing this video.
This is from the 'Wogan' show in 1987 (I remember recording it on VHS)! The other guest is the legendary broadcaster and cricket commentator Brian Johnston. The musicians are miming (as was the BBC way back then), but I have seen Suzanne Vega sing this live many times, and she is one of those rare artists that sound better live than on record.
It's too bad that it's not live, it's the studio version of the song. If you look, there are no cables on the stage.
Charles Knutzen Yeah, That is so obvious to anyone watching this that many overlook it.
This is a really well written song. Stellar performance too, by everyone. Love the lead chops.
Timeless.. On the RADIO in NZ in 2022.. thanks👍🇳🇿
This should of went to #1 in America! Such a powerful song that gives me tears to this Day!
This song makes me cry every time. Child abuse is horrible every time and always and everywhere. People who abuse children are cowards and need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Growing up in the 60’s there were those of us who got beat by their mothers and there were those who got hit by their fathers.I was beat by Both and I’m not complaining
Excellent singer and songwriter. We sure could use a LOT more of that today.
Suzanne Vega, one of my all time favorite albums, so many beautiful songs, The queen and the soldier, Small blue thing, Freeze tag, Marlena on the wall, all brilliant.
Belle chanson, belle voix, belle musique, bon rythme. J'ai écouté cette chanson quand j'étais en France à Toulouse. Spécial Suzanne. 👍💋💋
what a voice without constantly yelling and song with a story.
sorely missing these days
Beautiful eyes and a beautiful voice. This song is a haunting memory of so many people.
Boone Docker.......well said & SOOO true!!!💔🌺🙄😿🌺🤍💙🤍💔🌹
Still listening to Suzanne periodically. I saw her in an up-close and personal concert at The Boathouse in Norfolk some years ago. Best acoustic concert I ever heard. I attended with a college buddy of hers so we got to chat with her for a while afterwards. That was a nice bonus to a great concert.
Truly gifted lady with a good heart x
What a strong song! Brilliant. Love it. ❤️🇩🇰
Terrific songwriter and still has one of the most seductive voices in music. This is a great song and when she sings 99 Fahrenheit degrees and Caramel I melt into my chair.
Nossa...
Saudade de minha adolescência!!!
Que nostalgia, top!
I work in a Child Abuse Investigation Unit, this song has so much meaning for my colleagues and me.
The lyrics read so much like so many of our cases.
We work closely with Children's Services and we each have about 70 cases on the go at any time. I've been doing the job for over 15 years and it can be very rewarding, it can also be very stressful and probably contributed to my heart attack and subsequent by pass surgery 18 months ago.
Back at work now and still motivated.
I could have retired 3 years ago at 60, I may well go on to 65.
Another great piece of music that measures up to any eras best.
Great song - timeless and pertinent as ever.
Outstanding rendering EVER VERSION. Merci beaucoup from Paris France. Take care ! Emmanuel
Love how she showed off her eyes at the end looking to the upper right ( for her, artist, actor ), love you!
This song was revolutionary when it came out and still is today 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Yeah... child abuse is not a usual topic u.u It should be more important, that's why I love this song.
... ist was and is a great song, but not revolutionary ...
Great posting-Susanne looks fab
A 12 anni studiavo inglese ascoltando l'audiocassetta con Luka e la sua traduzione in italiano. Per sempre nel mio cuore Suzanne Vega
Magnifique chanson , et si bien interprétée , je ne me lasse pas de l'écouter !
Uma bela voz!! Que saudades desse tempo!!!
Just a perfect marriage of words and music. Wouldn't change a single note.
Luka, no lo puedo creer, hacia mucho tiempo no la escuchaba y es la primera vez q veo tu video, es maravilloso
marvelous song and beautiful singer!!!!
This is a good song!!! An the biggest thing is that she sang about domestic abuse.!!! That was something back in the 70s an 80s that wasn't talked about but she did...
Thankyou for doing it.....
Natalie Merchant; 10,000 Maniacs." Look at What They Did" 'In My Tribe', equally as powerful! The lyrics and music share a common bond of which so many people "so-called" fans couldn't tell you the meanings.
"What's The Matter Here?" sorry, massive brain freeze! Anyway, if you don't know it, you need to, give it a listen!
Yeah, that just hit me, right now.
And i've only been listening to it for the last 30+ years :')
Guess i just didn´t hear it
It's more about child abuse than domestic..
? They've been talking about domestic abuse forever. I was born in 1963.
Haunting lyric "just don't argue anymore"
I was 16 when I first heard this in 1988 as a sophomore in HS, now I'm 49 here in July 2021 still loving it, such a sad and beautiful song.
Moc pěkné video,díky👍
Linda música inesquecível...😘❤🌷.
Most amazing!!
Suzanne you are the best! I have this album. One of my favourites. You are such a warm person its easy to see by your Lyrics, your face tells so much when you sing. You really feel it! Beautiful. Burton Trent
Solitude Standing is an absolute fantastic recording it sounds amazing
2021 aquí escuchando esta maravilla de mi niñez. Que diferencia monumental con las porquerías de hoy. Grande Luka!!!
I remember I listened that song on cassette tape tens of years before
What a wonderful musician!!!😃😃😃
Excellent singer and excellent song. God bless you and keep you!
Excelente. Show. Linda.
Still listening to this incredible song in 2020. Really good things never get old.
Unbelievable sounding mix. Well done to the audio engineers or post production.
Superbe Suzanna Vega,avec une voix touchante,appuyée par bien belle musique..à ne pas oublier. Comme un remède. Bravo