First heard this song when we were just beginning to take in foster children, some of whom had been terribly abused, and it greatly impacted me. Knew we were doing what we were meant to do. Adopted eight kids...still get emotional hearing these lyrics. I was a young man then, turning 65 tomorrow. Wish I could turn back the clock and do it again.
I am a single father and though I was mentaly abused and terrorised in my young days with an alcoholic father I give my son the best love and childhood I can. He is a happy 13 year old boy now. Im glad my love for him was strong enough to make him what he is now and I broke the negative chain from the past. Love is in your genes
Wtf? Umm, ok? You’re clearly fishing for attention. Who the fuck randomly comments something like that unprovoked. Especially wording it the way you did. You’re definitely attention hungry and want people to say nice things to you. So weird.
@@closinginonclosure wtf man. Songs do these things to people. It reminds them of some old memories and feelings. Sorry to say, but your comment was stupid
@@Dreamex12 Of course music can make you feel something. But there's a difference between feeling something and typing something like this in a RUclips comment section because you want attention. If he didn't want attention he would have kept his thoughts to himself. But he wanted attention. That's the only reason he typed a comment like that on a public forum. That's the way I see it. Regardless, your opinion is obviously different. And I respect your opinion. But think about it. Why would he comment something like that if it was just a personal feeling the song gave him?
your hearing is just worse with age, its normal, and the voice is also worse with age, its also normal ..definetly not the same, or was it a playback ?
So sorry you abused by someone who should have loved and protected you. Hope you managing to cope with life it’s not easy my friend. Love to you I DO understand how you feel X
The fact that the song is written in major key makes it even more heartbreaking. Just like a child who would smile and laugh, but devastated on the inside. My eyes water every time I hear this song
An abused child stays messed up the rest of his life no matter what he accomplishes. Probably the reason Jesus Christ said it was the one sin that could never be forgiven.
My father use to abuse my 3 sisters & I terribly. I was the oldest so I took most of those beatings b/c I was a boy that tried to protect them. I guess that why I ran away to the army to be a combat medic then a dietician. Some people are broken and can't be fixed but at least I didn't turn out like him. I'm not even mad anymore but the scars inside never heal.
@@gmandersonjr sending love, mine haven't healed either but I'm hoping one day. I've managed to forgive but it's taken nearly half a century ... lol. There are so many of us it's mind blowing
@@rach2895 I rarely think about it. I think getting shot in head in the army was less traumatic than the abuse. At least I knew why the Iraqis tried to kill me. In weird way the abuse prepared me for my recovery from the TBI. I don't hate my dad, I feel sorry for him b/c I have very little to do w/ him just like my 3 sisters.
"They only hit until you cry, after that you don't ask why".... Possibly one of the rawest and most impactful lyrics ever written. Almost enough to make you actually cry, but for Suzanne's silky and warm delivery. This song is the very definition of bittersweet. What a song, what an artist!
This has always been one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. Absolutely heartbreaking. And as a former abuse victim myself, I find it resonates totally on point. The resignation and justification. The keeping up of appearances and not telling anyone. The song makes me cry even now, so many decades later. Thankyou Susan for writing this, singing it so beautifully and getting this out. God bless you.
Came on the radio as I was driving home alone just today, hence coming here now. Of course I was bawling - I’m a father and my son is a happy boy, but how can this happen? We’ve got to be vigilant on behalf of those wee souls affected, no-one else is on their side. I’m very sorry for you Hugh, what you had to endure. Absolutely heartbreaking.
When I was younger and still learning english, I thought this was a happy song. Well..the track is upbeat and real catchy. So yeah, that was my first memory of this song. 😯😯😯
This song still brings tears to my eyes. I WAS this child in the 70's and early 80's who had the welts on my ass from my dad's thin belt to prove it. It cut like a razor and I bled. I went to school with many black and blue marks all over my legs and had a gym teacher ask me what they were from. I lied and said I fell down the stairs (back in my head I knew if I told the truth, I'd get more of the same). Hey nothing broken, nothing torn...it's not your business anyways. This song came out in 1987...I wept when I first heard it as I am now. I felt like someone else knew exactly what I was going through and I was not alone. That alone gave me strength to find my way out of those times. So thank you...it's been long overdue.
I am so sad and sorry to hear about your youth. But I suppose it does not help you much, me feeling like this. All I can say is that I hope you found happiness now. xxx. From an elderly woman in the UK. Oct 2021
Beautiful song, painful meaning. I wish someone, anyone would have noticed what I was going through when I was a child and young adult. I silently cried out to teachers, doctors, etc. but no one heard me. I guess they didn't in those days. I am happy that this came to light and is addressed more. Just now have I been heard and am healing at 66yrs. old. I never hated my family and I still love and cry for them. I am learning now, who I truly am. I am not bitter and see beauty in everything. I wish all who are struggling, hope and love inside.
When I was 10yrs old, another little 10yr-old was murdered by her father - it made such an impression on me that, almost 50 years later, I can still remember her name and see her face. The first time I realised it wasn't only strangers who could do you harm. This brought back that memory - Maria Cauldwell, someone still remembers you.
@@jonoverby4079 Better yet, teach children to love Christ before the world teaches them not to love Christ. We would have a lot less monsters. I'm not at all saying Christians or those who are church inclined can not be monsters. Those people are still human, they will fall and fail miserably.. I am saying having a genuine love for Christ, someone will be a lot less likely to turn out to be a monster. That is the way it works.
This song would be playing on the radio back in 80s when I was a child growing up in a dysfunctional family. English is not my first language so back on those days I could not understand the lyrics. What is in interesting is that somehow I could sense that the song would talk about something I was going through and then I wasn't alone. It would bring me some comfort and peace. It still does. This song has a soul.
I was a bit older than you, but as a young adult, this song resonated with me as well.. I wish it hadn't, but it did and I'm still dealing with the effects now..
Suzanne I love you, loved your music since I was a teenager. I wrote you a letter that time and you answered me with an autographed postcard. :) A kiss from Italy!
There aren’t words to describe what this song did for me as a kid in the 80s. I’m 45 now and…I love you for this. So many things I could say. But “thank you” are words enough. Thank you.
I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to call this song a masterpiece. Beautiful music, powerful lyrics on a very sad and complex societal problem. The combination of both almost put you in Luka’s shoes. Suzanne Vega is one of my favorites
Fui criança/adolescente na década de 80/90 e tenho muito orgulho, pois naquela época tínhamos músicas de verdade e não essas porcarias de hj. Que décadas boas que só o RUclips pode nos lembrar. Curtiu!? Deixe o seu like aí.
Bosna. Sarajevo. Ne mogu nikada zadržati suze kada god slušam ovu pjesmu. Vanvremenska glas i vanvremenska pjesma. Sam Bog je želio da nastane ova pjesma. Divna Vega.
This is a straight up masterpiece… this should be in the top 50 greatest songs off all time…. Every aspect is perfect… and Suzanne’s voice is beautiful
I remember we learned this song's lyrics back in the days, when I was in High school in English class (I'm French). I was really touched by this woman' s voice and the lyrics. Never forgot it since...I've became a social worker and still fighting against domestic violences. "After that, you don't ask why..." Still gives me the chill man
but that's the way it is...to show strength by not crying just gives you more punishment...best thing is to cry and let them think they have won...keep strong inside
it gives me same and remind me of How My mom must have felt When My dad had beaten her half death time after time hundreds of times. until I got 7years old then I one night stood between him and my mom and claimed if he would ever touch her again then I would kill him!! 7years old? can't remember it self but my older brother was there and I been told by him
This song is a masterpiece. It always gives me chills. The arrangement and the quality of the tracks is really over the top. One of the best songs ever.
Just uploaded my cover of this song - I still cannot believe Suzanne favourited the link on Twitter - I was hoping to do it justice and I got ARTIST'S approval! Absolutely thrilled. One of the best songs ever written, I think.
Good for you!! Don't have the Honour to know this lady, but she seems an educated, integrating and intelligent person God bless both of you Greetings from México!
I grew up in a perfect little family. My parents adopted me when I was a small baby and took care of me in the best way possible. When I listened to this song for the first time while being able to understand the lyrics ( I am not a native english speaker ) , it hits me hard, because the way Suzanne Vega created this song I was able to really understand that not everyone had a childhood like I had. And it terrified me, that, in an other timeline, this could have happened to me too. I've been a lifelong fan of Suzanne Vega since then...
I heard it before I understood English and yet, the inflections in her voice, the melody and her tone conveyed something dark, something poignant, and of course, pain. Music transcends language. I was 10 back then. Still hits me today in my forties, and now that I understand English, even more so. Timeless
The fact that this video has almost 60,000,000 views shows the song's long-lasting impact. I grew up in the 80s and though I wasn't abused myself, the song helped to open my eyes and to put myself in others' shoes. Thank you Suzanne Vega!
Just a few months later 10,000 Maniacs came out with What's the Matter Here, the other classic about child abuse. Both songs are chilling. As Pat Benetar said, Hell is for Children.
Grew up listening to this song and back then I just love it for its beat. Now, I'm nearing 40s and fully understands the meaning behind the words and dang this is just too real. Such an underrated classic, this is.
I always have tears in my eyes whenever I listen to this song. It makes me remember how much I used to be happy back in those times. Unfortunately in spite of being looking for happiness and finding someone special who I could share the rest of life it seems out of question. But I haven’t given up yet. I just hope it won’t to late. Anyway I thank God for being health and still having the lust for enjoying life. Happiness to all of you.
This was on the radio a lot when I was 18. I often teared up when it came on, which embarrassed me. Although haunting and sad, it's musically catchy and lyrically thought-provoking - touching a deep nerve in those of us who had a far from perfect childhood.
One of the OG songs about abuse! Not many to follow. Shout out to those musicians who raised awareness, as there are not many still to this day! God bless 2024
I'm 24 and I do really like this 1987 song and the 1980's at all! This is REAL music with REAL feelings. Something that we almost LOST in this time!!! 😢
I heard this on the radio when I was a kid and thought that it sounded so different than other songs in that it transfers such feeling. Then I catched it again when I was like 12 and had started to understand english and I was like 'wait...' and I started really listening and instantly felt a connection that has never vanished up until today. It's a song that makes me feel lost and saved at the same time, it's truly amazing.
The song is not ahead of its time at all. It's a classic rock/accustic song as can be. But it does magic ... starting standard and not getting out of our head.
It's bad that it happens to any living thing but I think your priorities are a little skewed if you value animals above human children. Alongside, fine; ahead of, no.
Keith Wright you're right i'm just more of an animals person than a people person and I've seen some horrifying animal abuse and not such extreme people abuse but you're right it's all very bad
No problem Nan, I can't stand people who are cruel to animals either. But the only time I fell out with my mum was when she asked me this hypothetical. If a runaway bus was heading for the family's pet dog and a human child I didn't know, and I could only step in and save one of them, which would I save? She didn't speak to me for a couple of days when I said the human child :) It's all a judgement call I suppose.
Keith Wright yea, that's an interesting thought experiment. I would be torn but i'd likely save the human if it came to it... hard to say tho cuz I just love furry critters. people are just different I guess.
Heard it a million times on the radio, never bothered me, but suddenly, at some point this year, the sheer genius of this song just hit me. It just flows and concerns such a difficult subject at the same time. No wonder even Prince was impresed!
Prince wrote to Suzanne Vega, it says a lot of the greatness of the song "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."
This does not surprise me. Prince was well known for reaching out to lesser known musicians and giving them not just encouragement but respect and professional admiration. Prince was one of those musicians that if he suggested a band to you, it meant they were probably better than most crap you'd hear. It's easy to see why he expressed respect and professional admiration for Suzanne Vega. To me Vega is Kate Bush level talent. It's sad more people don't see her that way.
I'm a Metal head. I've always loved this song even though it's just a soft rock song. I didn't know English back when it came out. I had no idea about how powerful the message was, so I don't like it anymore, I love it! But let's face it no matter what music genre you like, it was better before!
late 80's...many songs focused on child abuse...and movies (after school specials is what they called it) another one...i think 1988 ruclips.net/video/7G6rYibX1kM/видео.html
Dear Suzanne, your song Luka has been in my head since the first time I heard it, it stuck to me all these years so I named my firstborn son Luca, born 6 Feb 2022. This song will be with me for the rest of my life. Love from South Africa.
I have 7 yr old twins. My 1 is named Lucá. I just showed him this song. He is named after his 4th great grandfather...but I've liked this song since it came out.
@nice my brothers names luka(luca) we lived on the 2nd floor FOR REAL and yea we did gett beat up a lot but we were wild but i forgave my parents. my brother still didnt, but they had much tougher childhood and still a common thing here in balkans, and personaly and have nothing against smacking across the head😁not beatings or slaps but a light smack its ok...
Quick comment, I was very very lucky to meet Suzanne in the 1980s working at the BBC and what a lovely person. A total joy to spend about 4 hours in her company. And me and my friend who ran the radio program went out for lunch after the show to a pub in Marylebone High Street - She was vegan but not a problem even then. (And she signed my album!) Lovely memory from a while ago.
40 years ago when this impressive 🎵 came out I was radio announcer with the ABC here in Australia.....hearing this soulful song for the first time reduced me to tears whilst on the air....now 40 odd years later this song is just as powerful!! However the realisation that this or in fact ANY physical abuse occurs at all still breaks my heart ❤️! Prior to being a DJ I was a specialist paediatric nurse in intensive care at a city children's hospital and unfortunately I encountered this type of abuse far too frequently......heart breaking!!!! My heart ❤️ goes out to ANYONE suffering ANY form of abuse!!!! Scream as loud as you can & don't be afraid to get any help you need!!!!
I love this this song, as I am a survivor of child abuse, foster care and bullying. I'm almost 60 now and the scars are still like raw open wounds. If there is anyone out there that can help me connect to this artist, I would absolutely appreciate it. Please have her contact me at miniecarr914@gmail.com and once confirmed it's her, I have a every unique proposal for her. Thank you to anyone who can help me. I will gladly compensate you.
When this music was world success, I had only thirteen years old, I was living a difficult moment , the loss of my dad , for this reason it stirs with my spirit since always !!!
Search all force , in the most deep your being , and you'll go see how you can help yourself !!! Can seem hard, but if you try , will go get because nothing is impossible in this life !!! Have trust in you .
Only a masterpiece of a song could sound so beautiful while addressing such a sordid subject. Brilliant in its subtlety, allows people to connect with a gentle voice and melody letting them know that they're not alone.
I'm listening this song for more than 20 years. Still beautiful - it's just getting better and better. Thank you, Suzanne. Your voice is in my soul, forever.
This song made me feel less alone as a kid. I grew up with domestic violence. I was happy someone was talking about it from our perspective. Music is sometimes a savior.
@Tamara -IsukiKane- Me too amd ironically my brothers name is luka and we lived on second floor i overcame that, forgave my parents bc they had much worse childhood than us so if you look at the reallity they made much better home and life then they had and considering here in balkans its normal to phisically punish kids well... My brother is still bitter about it.. But this song is great but its very wrong to listen to it constantly this type of songs will allways make you feel bad...
damn, I used to listen to this song when I was young and didn't really understand English and it felt so nice and cheerful. now when I revisited it after a long time and understood the lyrics I'm simply speechless. what a masterpiece, great combination of beautiful storytelling in lyrics with a music that is just perfectly balancing it out
Every time i hear this song it resonates with me so strongly. As a kid I was not the one who was hit/beaten...it was my mom....but it still affected me the rest of my life...maybe the bullying in later life also contributed to it.....I always identified so much with Luka.... Now many years later working on myself to deal with the hurt..... wish all of you reading this (as well myself) lots of love and strength with this thing called life and growing as a person. Don't push away the emotions...sit with these feelings and do the work.... Lots of love to you all....
@@malpete I'll tell you as a 56 year old man, that I was disciplined as a child and grew up admirably well. It was just discipline for the stupid things I did. That gave me a sense of respect for the elders and talking well to another person, and in all a great lesson in life. I know nowadays, it can be a fine line, as there are psychopaths, and pedophiles etc., but back in the day, that was how we got to be the persons with respect and goodwill to everybody we met, otherwise we would have our asses whupped. We need to get that back in the curriculum. Children are just crazy nowadays with the "child services" threat, for nothing at all most of the times, as they don't wanna do their chores.
Suzanne- I was working backstage at Riverfest in St. Paul when you opened for John Prine, David Bromberg and Joan Baez. I was struck by your courage as you performed to people waiting for others to come on stage. I thought to myself, ' she's not big, but she has guts '. I've told that story to many people over the decades - so courage to you.
Hot? Was that really necessarily? 😂 I'm not denying her physical beauty but that's irrelevant right here. Let's learn to appreciate women's work without bringing her looks
wow, I've heard this song thousands of times over the years but never really listened to the lyrics. How deep? I had no idea, a new found respect for this song!!
I get goosebumps every time I listen to this and was never even close to be beaten/abbused. To all of you out there that have suffered this and get the chance to read these lines and were able to overcome and "break the curse", I send you my most sincere respects.
Deftone 303 it doesn’t come without a price my friend make no mistake. But I wouldn’t change it unless I had a do over then I would try even harder. Cheers !
SickKent it’s OK friend two are grown men now they made their mistakes growing but they are doing good. Oh by the way for my love and time spent I get to be their hero for life not bad in my opinion. The other two are younger I’m working on that hero thing ............ check back in about ten years.
I heard this on the radio the other day and cried, it didn't affect me when in 1987 when I was 17 like it does now that I'm an single Dad who had a good childhood and raised my kids the same. There's too many Lukas in the world though, I wonder if Suzanne knows how many lives she might have saved with this song.
It's true no one really understands or knows our pain. We are with you as we have weathered this tempestuous storm and survived. We are strong because we're united and we're survivors! Peace to you all.
Suzanne, thank you for your message and powerful song. Child abuse has been an issue for many years, and this song really tells the true meaning and also, a possible solution. I think you're a wonderful songwriter, and hope and pray that this song might just change things a bit. Enough to get people to care. Love you so much.
@@theresakerlin3505 1: the lyrics. 2: Suzanne is on the record as stating unequivocally it is the topic of the song. Many interviewers have asked about this. Lots of material if you google.
I know that this song is fictional, yet it has brought me to tears over the years for many different reasons. This song has so many meanings on so many levels, and people relate to it deeply depending on how they interpret it as the lyrics can be taken personally, literally, or contextually. Recently, I’ve returned to it because I see the world pushing and turning against itself. So the song is an emotional reminder of how we live so close together in our daily lives, yet remain a universe apart on this planet. Luka is you, Luka is me, and Luka is everyone around us. That line, 'after that, you don't ask why - you just don’t argue anymore,' really hits me hard in the current context of what is happening in the world. It speaks to the exhaustion people feel when faced with repeated struggles, whether personal, professional, or societal, and how, over time, hopelessness leads to withdrawal rather than challenge. Luka could be a neighbour, a company, even a country. These are potent examples of how people, organisations, countries, and systems choose to look away - even when the problem is right next door. For me, this song is ageless and captures tension between proximity and distance so well and it will forever bring a tear to my eye.
I like your reasoning ! I think we are all like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle in someone elses life ! We may never know where we fit in but others will fill holes in their lives with pieces of us ! Take Care 😂
It's a matter of psychology and math. 1 to 2 percent of people in the world are psychopathic monsters. A much larger group is plain stupid. So. This is the subject group that you don't understand could exist. Humans are by far the sickest creatures on earth.
Me neither...I'm a mom and abuse,kidnapping & SA survivor so I know what lurks in our world or right next door. It's terrifying as a parent especially. Children are innocent.
There is a terrible beauty to this song and her voice is the perfect medium to carry it. Still as heart wrenching as the first time I heard it many years ago.
I am a teacher and I have one of my students going through a lot of shit because of bullies. I am gonna fight for her no matter what. Thank you Suzanne.
I oftentimes wonder if Miss Vega all those years ago actually understood what a profound effect she was about to have on the entire world by releasing this. Even today in 2023, still has the same effect as when I first heard it. Physical pain heals, but the emotional scars truly do last forever. It's nice to be reminded of what made you become you sometimes, even if it strips you to your bare naked soul.
Suzanne knee exactly what she was writing and as an abused kid from England in the 1950s I am grateful that she was bringing out this practice and making it known. Personally thanks SV love you ❤❤
Your words remind me of a poem I once composed: How deep they are So we soothe them with laughter And bandage them with smiles But every now and then They ooze with painful remembrance And time must treat them once again Those ugly scars of youth.
Jesus came to heal the scars and generational curses of those long after he was crucified, died and conquered death so we all could be born again. All we have to do is ask and receive Him as Lord and Savior. He renews the rest. ❤✝
I saw this lady at the Manchester Apollo in 1986 I think. Brilliant performance and it's frightening the way time flies. 2018,anyone checking in? Cheers and enjoy.
Prince loved it so much,he wrote her a note.praising her and the song plus he gave her a standing ovation at the '88 Grammy ceremony after she performed it
well deserved praise and ovations ... I wonder how much control she had over the production of the song or how much this is also the work of a producer @@nigelgoliath2839
Strangely, many people I’ve played this to just think it’s a simple ‘pop’ song! I’m a singer and you can’t sing a song if you haven’t payed as much attention to both melody and words .............. Peace ☮️
Yo viví la época de los 80s (57 años)Pero está canción poco la escuché y casi no le preste atención en su tiempo. De hecho dicen que hubo una película, tampoco la vi.
First heard this song when we were just beginning to take in foster children, some of whom had been terribly abused, and it greatly impacted me. Knew we were doing what we were meant to do. Adopted eight kids...still get emotional hearing these lyrics. I was a young man then, turning 65 tomorrow. Wish I could turn back the clock and do it again.
Absolute respect to you there mate.Folk like you are a breath of fresh air in a polluted world.
may God Bless the work you do with the children with health and prosperity, and HBD late.
Not me crying over this comment 💙 and now, I'm 34 and just now begin to process the lyrics differently 😰
Respect man
Respect. You've done great things mate.
I am a single father and though I was mentaly abused and terrorised in my young days with an alcoholic father I give my son the best love and childhood I can. He is a happy 13 year old boy now. Im glad my love for him was strong enough to make him what he is now and I broke the negative chain from the past.
Love is in your genes
It's not that easy. Only those of us that have been through it , know the struggles. You are a courageous and strong person.
It's a lesson of life. We're able to change ourselves. Thanks for sharing.
Wtf? Umm, ok? You’re clearly fishing for attention. Who the fuck randomly comments something like that unprovoked. Especially wording it the way you did. You’re definitely attention hungry and want people to say nice things to you. So weird.
@@closinginonclosure wtf man. Songs do these things to people. It reminds them of some old memories and feelings. Sorry to say, but your comment was stupid
@@Dreamex12 Of course music can make you feel something. But there's a difference between feeling something and typing something like this in a RUclips comment section because you want attention. If he didn't want attention he would have kept his thoughts to himself. But he wanted attention. That's the only reason he typed a comment like that on a public forum. That's the way I see it. Regardless, your opinion is obviously different. And I respect your opinion. But think about it. Why would he comment something like that if it was just a personal feeling the song gave him?
Pure legend. i have been tonight at the concert here in Milan. Her voice is exactly the same as 40 years ago. Pure legend of 80's
wow!!! ❤
Awesome! Had no idea she was still performing.
I have been to many concerts in my days and I’m so envious of you. I would so love to have Suzanne make tears flow down my cheeks.
That's so cool. A good friend went to see her in concert tonite at Queens College in NYC!!
your hearing is just worse with age, its normal, and the voice is also worse with age, its also normal ..definetly not the same, or was it a playback ?
For those abused , bullied , ignored and forgotten . This song is for you . Crying as l type chi’s . Suzannne , u wrote a masterpiece .
😢
I'm a guy abused by my father
Behave..
I am guy beap up by my father a years
So sorry you abused by someone who should have loved and protected you. Hope you managing to cope with life it’s not easy my friend. Love to you I DO understand how you feel X
This is a masterpiece and is never outdated, especially its lyrics. Thank you Suzanne for this gem.
The fact that the song is written in major key makes it even more heartbreaking. Just like a child who would smile and laugh, but devastated on the inside. My eyes water every time I hear this song
Same here, even after all these years!
@@adriancox8134 exactly. Even more so, ‘cause I didn’t really get the meaning back in a day..
An abused child stays messed up the rest of his life no matter what he accomplishes. Probably the reason Jesus Christ said it was the one sin that could never be forgiven.
@Steve Austin hey man just because you don't follow it you shouldn't just insult someone's religion
Very good fact!
“I guess I’d like to be alone…nothing broken, nothing thrown.” Felt that way for so long…still do at 63.
Are you OK? 💚🙏
My father use to abuse my 3 sisters & I terribly. I was the oldest so I took most of those beatings b/c I was a boy that tried to protect them. I guess that why I ran away to the army to be a combat medic then a dietician. Some people are broken and can't be fixed but at least I didn't turn out like him. I'm not even mad anymore but the scars inside never heal.
@@gmandersonjr sending love, mine haven't healed either but I'm hoping one day. I've managed to forgive but it's taken nearly half a century ... lol. There are so many of us it's mind blowing
@@rach2895 I rarely think about it. I think getting shot in head in the army was less traumatic than the abuse. At least I knew why the Iraqis tried to kill me. In weird way the abuse prepared me for my recovery from the TBI. I don't hate my dad, I feel sorry for him b/c I have very little to do w/ him just like my 3 sisters.
@@gmandersonjr it made me stronger too. Thoughts are with you
Lord knows how many kids this song helped thanks to this lady
She was so beautiful in her hat and coat. I love this song. I hear it again and again. Great thanks from Russia.
With Love from holland.
There are a few certain songs that truly made their songwriter immortal. This is one of them.
Huh all.musuc are immortal
@@magicslave3066 That's true, but not every songwriter is immortal.
@@y.r._ Hm?
@@y.r._ She has 2 immortal songs. The other being Tom's Diner and the feat of "audio compression". Look it up.
As a writer myself I agree with you . This one is so special in my mind.
"They only hit until you cry, after that you don't ask why".... Possibly one of the rawest and most impactful lyrics ever written. Almost enough to make you actually cry, but for Suzanne's silky and warm delivery. This song is the very definition of bittersweet. What a song, what an artist!
Exactly
Sums up my life from 10 to 16.
@@shirleycoward347 no good
I lived it
Yes I love this song also makes me 😢
This has always been one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. Absolutely heartbreaking. And as a former abuse victim myself, I find it resonates totally on point. The resignation and justification. The keeping up of appearances and not telling anyone. The song makes me cry even now, so many decades later. Thankyou Susan for writing this, singing it so beautifully and getting this out. God bless you.
So sorry Hugh. You are now stronger 💪, ever. You r in my prayers 💕.live in the moment now.
Strong survivors 😘
Came on the radio as I was driving home alone just today, hence coming here now. Of course I was bawling - I’m a father and my son is a happy boy, but how can this happen? We’ve got to be vigilant on behalf of those wee souls affected, no-one else is on their side.
I’m very sorry for you Hugh, what you had to endure. Absolutely heartbreaking.
When I was younger and still learning english, I thought this was a happy song. Well..the track is upbeat and real catchy. So yeah, that was my first memory of this song. 😯😯😯
Yeshua had my hand the whole way!!!!!!
This song still brings tears to my eyes. I WAS this child in the 70's and early 80's who had the welts on my ass from my dad's thin belt to prove it. It cut like a razor and I bled. I went to school with many black and blue marks all over my legs and had a gym teacher ask me what they were from. I lied and said I fell down the stairs (back in my head I knew if I told the truth, I'd get more of the same). Hey nothing broken, nothing torn...it's not your business anyways. This song came out in 1987...I wept when I first heard it as I am now. I felt like someone else knew exactly what I was going through and I was not alone. That alone gave me strength to find my way out of those times. So thank you...it's been long overdue.
😥
👍👍👍👍👍!!!!
Sorry to hear that but this is about a women
I am so sad and sorry to hear about your youth. But I suppose it does not help you much, me feeling like this. All I can say is that I hope you found happiness now. xxx. From an elderly woman in the UK. Oct 2021
@@johncrowley544 no, it’s about a child. And a little boy, at that. I’ve seen the artist talk about it.
Beautiful song, painful meaning. I wish someone, anyone would have noticed what I was going through when I was a child and young adult. I silently cried out to teachers, doctors, etc. but no one heard me. I guess they didn't in those days. I am happy that this came to light and is addressed more. Just now have I been heard and am healing at 66yrs. old. I never hated my family and I still love and cry for them. I am learning now, who I truly am.
I am not bitter and see beauty in everything. I wish all who are struggling, hope and love inside.
Masterpiece of a song that provides a sad but strong message about child abuse. This song always brings a tear to my eyes.
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
Same here 😢
Yes. I am with you.
Very underreported and reviewed topic. Thank you for bringing it to the forefront.
When I was 10yrs old, another little 10yr-old was murdered by her father - it made such an impression on me that, almost 50 years later, I can still remember her name and see her face. The first time I realised it wasn't only strangers who could do you harm. This brought back that memory - Maria Cauldwell, someone still remembers you.
Just checked - she was Maria Colwell, must have misheard the news bulletin. It was 1973 and I was 9yrs.
@@lesleytownson6421 I'm so heartbroken to read that. That must have been so traumatic; I can only imagine. God bless her precious soul.....
Monsters need to be rid of this world, Iraq vet, this song takes me bk
Thx
@@jonoverby4079
Better yet, teach children to love Christ before the world teaches them not to love Christ.
We would have a lot less monsters.
I'm not at all saying Christians or those who are church inclined can not be monsters. Those people are still human, they will fall and fail miserably..
I am saying having a genuine love for Christ, someone will be a lot less likely to turn out to be a monster. That is the way it works.
This song would be playing on the radio back in 80s when I was a child growing up in a dysfunctional family. English is not my first language so back on those days I could not understand the lyrics. What is in interesting is that somehow I could sense that the song would talk about something I was going through and then I wasn't alone. It would bring me some comfort and peace. It still does. This song has a soul.
I was a bit older than you, but as a young adult, this song resonated with me as well.. I wish it hadn't, but it did and I'm still dealing with the effects now..
Eu conheci a música nesse momento, e amei logo de cara. Música linda, melodia, letra, ela é perfeita.
@@jjrrbblinda demais
💪👍
You’ve Mastered English
Her voice in the backing track during the verse and in the guitar gives the song real texture and beauty.
Suzanne I love you, loved your music since I was a teenager. I wrote you a letter that time and you answered me with an autographed postcard. :)
A kiss from Italy!
norimaspace That is so cool! I didn't know artists could be given letters! I want a signed postcard aswell from my fave artists!
She's very kind :)
How sweet from her! You're lucky.
There aren’t words to describe what this song did for me as a kid in the 80s. I’m 45 now and…I love you for this. So many things I could say. But “thank you”
are words enough. Thank you.
@TodayFreedom Suzanne Vega Luka is one of my favorite song
1:03
I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to call this song a masterpiece. Beautiful music, powerful lyrics on a very sad and complex societal problem. The combination of both almost put you in Luka’s shoes. Suzanne Vega is one of my favorites
May I suggest the musician KNULP ... She does a wonderful version of this important song...
This song is outstanding!
Absolutely agree
It's always makes me melancholic beautifull and it hits you
The story of how this song is written is also on you tube.
Fui criança/adolescente na década de 80/90 e tenho muito orgulho, pois naquela época tínhamos músicas de verdade e não essas porcarias de hj. Que décadas boas que só o RUclips pode nos lembrar. Curtiu!? Deixe o seu like aí.
❤
esta de parabens pelo seu excelente gosto
Muy cierto❤
concordo com vc! nasci em 75 , e meu amigo só e saudades!
Bosna.
Sarajevo.
Ne mogu nikada zadržati suze kada god slušam ovu pjesmu.
Vanvremenska glas i vanvremenska pjesma.
Sam Bog je želio da nastane ova pjesma.
Divna Vega.
Ere sad krades moj tekst komisija nije fer 😂😊
This is a straight up masterpiece… this should be in the top 50 greatest songs off all time…. Every aspect is perfect… and Suzanne’s voice is beautiful
I remember we learned this song's lyrics back in the days, when I was in High school in English class (I'm French). I was really touched by this woman' s voice and the lyrics. Never forgot it since...I've became a social worker and still fighting against domestic violences. "After that, you don't ask why..." Still gives me the chill man
great life bro!
but that's the way it is...to show strength by not crying just gives you more punishment...best thing is to cry and let them think they have won...keep strong inside
I also remember our class interpreting this song in English class.
it gives me same and remind me of How My mom must have felt When My dad had beaten her half death time after time hundreds of times. until I got 7years old then I one night stood between him and my mom and claimed if he would ever touch her again then I would kill him!! 7years old? can't remember it self but my older brother was there and I been told by him
+Dennis Nielsen how are conditions now?
This song is a masterpiece. It always gives me chills. The arrangement and the quality of the tracks is really over the top. One of the best songs ever.
It is
Thanks
I agree, one of the 80's best songs
Top Notch
It is.
Awesome song 😎 nothing around anymore with such meaningful content.
Just uploaded my cover of this song - I still cannot believe Suzanne favourited the link on Twitter - I was hoping to do it justice and I got ARTIST'S approval! Absolutely thrilled. One of the best songs ever written, I think.
COOL!
Good for you!!
Don't have the Honour to know this lady, but she seems an educated, integrating and intelligent person
God bless both of you
Greetings from México!
Awesome!
I grew up in a perfect little family. My parents adopted me when I was a small baby and took care of me in the best way possible. When I listened to this song for the first time while being able to understand the lyrics ( I am not a native english speaker ) , it hits me hard, because the way Suzanne Vega created this song I was able to really understand that not everyone had a childhood like I had. And it terrified me, that, in an other timeline, this could have happened to me too. I've been a lifelong fan of Suzanne Vega since then...
❤
I heard it before I understood English and yet, the inflections in her voice, the melody and her tone conveyed something dark, something poignant, and of course, pain. Music transcends language. I was 10 back then. Still hits me today in my forties, and now that I understand English, even more so. Timeless
wow. You write sooo beautifully for someone who is a non-native writer of English. Incredible.
😍
She sings in a monotone. Inflections in her voice?
English but infectious english sounds a dam sight better tha American steeyotypical voice
I totally agree with you. Bravo from Italy.
time flies so fast. This seems just like yesterday. i cant believe Suzanne Vega is already 65 yo today.
Is she ALIVE?????
@@ezequielmca4385 heeyy.. yes shes still alive. Tho she looks older now.
Let's listen to LUKA by YASUZY ! That must make you happy!
Still alive! Read about her sister Alyson--- an artist! An amazing bio.
This track helped me know I wasn't alone in a f***ed up childhood. I still tear up when I hear it. So raw and poignant. Thank u, Suzanne Vega
Some here lisa
Im so sorry for you
You are certainly not alone.
👍
Yes
The fact that this video has almost 60,000,000 views shows the song's long-lasting impact. I grew up in the 80s and though I wasn't abused myself, the song helped to open my eyes and to put myself in others' shoes. Thank you Suzanne Vega!
Stacy CD. Your comment is so touching.😥
She deserved a Grammy for bringing attention to an issue no one likes talking about. Child abuse is as old as time.
😢😢😢😢😢😢
Just a few months later 10,000 Maniacs came out with What's the Matter Here, the other classic about child abuse. Both songs are chilling. As Pat Benetar said, Hell is for Children.
this song is about child abuse? I was totally clueless
@@basketballmaven1454 You probably had a good childhood if you didn't understand what the lyrics mean, which is great and as it should be for everyone
@@adrianhudson1116 actually I didn't
The closing instrumental just rolls up the sadness of the lyrics so beautifully.
Grew up listening to this song and back then I just love it for its beat. Now, I'm nearing 40s and fully understands the meaning behind the words and dang this is just too real. Such an underrated classic, this is.
You are the same age group
Missing those golden years 😞
I always have tears in my eyes whenever I listen to this song. It makes me remember how much I used to be happy back in those times. Unfortunately in spite of being looking for happiness and finding someone special who I could share the rest of life it seems out of question. But I haven’t given up yet. I just hope it won’t to late. Anyway I thank God for being health and still having the lust for enjoying life. Happiness to all of you.
This was on the radio a lot when I was 18. I often teared up when it came on, which embarrassed me. Although haunting and sad, it's musically catchy and lyrically thought-provoking - touching a deep nerve in those of us who had a far from perfect childhood.
Yes, it's haunting and beautiful at the same time.
Same here
One of the OG songs about abuse! Not many to follow. Shout out to those musicians who raised awareness, as there are not many still to this day! God bless 2024
I'm 24 and I do really like this 1987 song and the 1980's at all! This is REAL music with REAL feelings. Something that we almost LOST in this time!!! 😢
Grey beard here hello from down under (Australia) was an amazing time indeed.
Unfortunately it's part of the agenda
@@luisportella1760 someones a bit paranoid.
Hello young man. This is really great! You did a really good choice! Would like to hear from you. Regrads from Germany.
I'm 23 and I wholeheartedly agree.
Simply one of the best songs ever written.
I heard this on the radio when I was a kid and thought that it sounded so different than other songs in that it transfers such feeling.
Then I catched it again when I was like 12 and had started to understand english and I was like 'wait...'
and I started really listening and instantly felt a connection that has never vanished up until today.
It's a song that makes me feel lost and saved at the same time, it's truly amazing.
One of the greatest songs of the last century by one of the finest musicians.👌
Luka is a Masterpiece!
The lyrics, the instrumentals, the message, and especially Susanne’s expressions in the video!
Omg My name is luka thanks for calling ke masterpiece
This song and video was so ahead of its time!!.....its a timeless masterpiece!!
@silto9119 Suzanne Vega Luka is my number one favorite song
0:31
shes awesome
The song is not ahead of its time at all. It's a classic rock/accustic song as can be.
But it does magic ... starting standard and not getting out of our head.
@@JayJay-wg5ex she was when she was young XD
yawn no it wasnt. you are young and naive.
lovely song, its a sad thing that this happens to helpless children every single day
happens to animals too and it's even worse
It's bad that it happens to any living thing but I think your priorities are a little skewed if you value animals above human children. Alongside, fine; ahead of, no.
Keith Wright you're right i'm just more of an animals person than a people person and I've seen some horrifying animal abuse and not such extreme people abuse but you're right it's all very bad
No problem Nan, I can't stand people who are cruel to animals either. But the only time I fell out with my mum was when she asked me this hypothetical. If a runaway bus was heading for the family's pet dog and a human child I didn't know, and I could only step in and save one of them, which would I save? She didn't speak to me for a couple of days when I said the human child :) It's all a judgement call I suppose.
Keith Wright yea, that's an interesting thought experiment. I would be torn but i'd likely save the human if it came to it... hard to say tho cuz I just love furry critters. people are just different I guess.
*0* *%* *nudity* *.*
*0* *%* *violence* *.*
*0* *%* *vulgarity* *.*
💯 *%* *talent* *.*
😊😊😊
well there is some violence. like if you listen.
@@ExMortis00there was a point made by Susane Vega...violence was hidden so well and the law said don't get involved
Thank you Suzanne for this song!
I cry every time I hear this beautiful song. I don't know why.
@@jefferydowler4655 I know why I do #Speakyourtruth
Heard it a million times on the radio, never bothered me, but suddenly, at some point this year, the sheer genius of this song just hit me. It just flows and concerns such a difficult subject at the same time. No wonder even Prince was impresed!
Prince wrote to Suzanne Vega, it says a lot of the greatness of the song "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."
Puma 🎶💜🎶
A legend commenting on such a powerful song...
This does not surprise me. Prince was well known for reaching out to lesser known musicians and giving them not just encouragement but respect and professional admiration. Prince was one of those musicians that if he suggested a band to you, it meant they were probably better than most crap you'd hear. It's easy to see why he expressed respect and professional admiration for Suzanne Vega. To me Vega is Kate Bush level talent. It's sad more people don't see her that way.
Fake news.
Nope. Literally just a google away on billboard with photoevidence. Sounds like Prince. The man loved to promote what he found good.
I'm a Metal head. I've always loved this song even though it's just a soft rock song.
I didn't know English back when it came out. I had no idea about how powerful the message was, so I don't like it anymore, I love it!
But let's face it no matter what music genre you like, it was better before!
Such a sad song, it's timeless in it's storytelling of children being abused at home.
was one of them , , (been there done that, , , & still having problems) @ age 54 ??? disturbed for life???
I’m pretty sure it’s about domestic violence
2022
@@brookeecklund5203 Its probably both but mainly the singer is reciting her conversation with a child, Luka.
@@wilsonsanchez9306 yes 2022
This song is timeless.
I work in child protection, this song is our unofficial anthem. Reminds us why we are in the job.
late 80's...many songs focused on child abuse...and movies (after school specials is what they called it) another one...i think 1988 ruclips.net/video/7G6rYibX1kM/видео.html
Sad song. Too many fucktards who think it's ok to lay hands on a lady
And sometimes one parenr fasely accuses the other parent with abuse of a child.
@Joel Wallace
I think that the song was based on the child that we saw and the woman was just singing
Not trying to be mean but you all need to do a better job of it! CPS need to be fixed.
Dear Suzanne, your song Luka has been in my head since the first time I heard it, it stuck to me all these years so I named my firstborn son Luca, born 6 Feb 2022. This song will be with me for the rest of my life. Love from South Africa.
@Woodenmonster Awesome
I think this is true of all of us. Such truth.
May I suggest the musician KNULP... she does a wonderful version of this song...
I have 7 yr old twins. My 1 is named Lucá. I just showed him this song.
He is named after his 4th great grandfather...but I've liked this song since it came out.
@nice my brothers names luka(luca) we lived on the 2nd floor FOR REAL and yea we did gett beat up a lot but we were wild but i forgave my parents. my brother still didnt, but they had much tougher childhood and still a common thing here in balkans, and personaly and have nothing against smacking across the head😁not beatings or slaps but a light smack its ok...
Thanks so much for your uplifting gig in Mallorca this Wednesday! Me and my wife really enjoyed the show! Please come back to Spain soon! ❤
Absolutely brilliant song, Suzanne you are so gifted as a singer/songwriter.
Quick comment, I was very very lucky to meet Suzanne in the 1980s working at the BBC and what a lovely person. A total joy to spend about 4 hours in her company. And me and my friend who ran the radio program went out for lunch after the show to a pub in Marylebone High Street - She was vegan but not a problem even then. (And she signed my album!) Lovely memory from a while ago.
She looks like an amazing person to be around, you are indeed very lucky to have met her that day
Totally love that song. Thanks Suzanne for this.
Madre mía bers que haces aquí compañero
Ancient comment
Beeeeeerssssss que haces aquiiii
La cancion tiene mi nombre XD
Vine por una tarea de inglés y acá te encuentro xD.
40 years ago when this impressive 🎵 came out I was radio announcer with the ABC here in Australia.....hearing this soulful song for the first time reduced me to tears whilst on the air....now 40 odd years later this song is just as powerful!! However the realisation that this or in fact ANY physical abuse occurs at all still breaks my heart ❤️! Prior to being a DJ I was a specialist paediatric nurse in intensive care at a city children's hospital and unfortunately I encountered this type of abuse far too frequently......heart breaking!!!! My heart ❤️ goes out to ANYONE suffering ANY form of abuse!!!! Scream as loud as you can & don't be afraid to get any help you need!!!!
To whomever this song frees from the shackles of child abuse, I feel your pain, you are not alone.
God bless,and free all children.
abusers should be sentenced for life
I love this this song, as I am a survivor of child abuse, foster care and bullying. I'm almost 60 now and the scars are still like raw open wounds. If there is anyone out there that can help me connect to this artist, I would absolutely appreciate it. Please have her contact me at miniecarr914@gmail.com and once confirmed it's her, I have a every unique proposal for her. Thank you to anyone who can help me. I will gladly compensate you.
@@plopidrahtis7023 The sentence for abused is life with no lack of memory.
When this music was world success, I had only thirteen years old, I was living a difficult moment , the loss of my dad , for this reason it stirs with my spirit since always !!!
my dad just past away and yes its the most beautiful song to think and really makes me sad but cant help myself
Search all force , in the most deep your being , and you'll go see how you can help yourself !!! Can seem hard, but if you try , will go get because nothing is impossible in this life !!! Have trust in you .
Can you gay it up anymore pal
sorry for your loss. you're strong for being able to go through something like that at such a young age. God bless you and your dad in Heaven.
kyle lang OMG lol you're such a shit!
Only a masterpiece of a song could sound so beautiful while addressing such a sordid subject. Brilliant in its subtlety, allows people to connect with a gentle voice and melody letting them know that they're not alone.
I was moved to tears over this song back in 1987...I was 17...... And it still packs a punch even now, sometimes even moreso.
Suzanne inspires a real sense of empathy through her understated but elegant delivery. Bravo for her compassion!
I know man.........
I know man......
I'm listening this song for more than 20 years. Still beautiful - it's just getting better and better. Thank you, Suzanne. Your voice is in my soul, forever.
Cuidemos a los niños... Son nuestros mejores amigos.. verdaderos seres de alma pura... Thank you susan for this song...
Osi
I feel sorry for those who never knew this song existed. This song chooses me
Fala sobre uma criança que sofria violência doméstica. 😔
Yes, that's me.
This song made me feel less alone as a kid. I grew up with domestic violence. I was happy someone was talking about it from our perspective. Music is sometimes a savior.
@Tamara -IsukiKane-
Me too amd ironically my brothers name is luka and we lived on second floor i overcame that, forgave my parents bc they had much worse childhood than us so if you look at the reallity they made much better home and life then they had and considering here in balkans its normal to phisically punish kids well... My brother is still bitter about it.. But this song is great but its very wrong to listen to it constantly this type of songs will allways make you feel bad...
We survived it, the pain remains...
We know to not be like them...
What a pretty breathtaking girl my Beauty ?
❤
damn, I used to listen to this song when I was young and didn't really understand English and it felt so nice and cheerful. now when I revisited it after a long time and understood the lyrics I'm simply speechless. what a masterpiece, great combination of beautiful storytelling in lyrics with a music that is just perfectly balancing it out
same for me!
Same for me 😢
Every time i hear this song it resonates with me so strongly. As a kid I was not the one who was hit/beaten...it was my mom....but it still affected me the rest of my life...maybe the bullying in later life also contributed to it.....I always identified so much with Luka....
Now many years later working on myself to deal with the hurt..... wish all of you reading this (as well myself) lots of love and strength with this thing called life and growing as a person. Don't push away the emotions...sit with these feelings and do the work....
Lots of love to you all....
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
A truly haunting melody. The lyrics are heartbreaking.
It was written for a child Safety charity I believe
The golden days of great music and lyrics. She tells a haunting story.
Indeed , singing this lovely song as young teen but never knew the true meaning or story til recently
@@malpete I'll tell you as a 56 year old man, that I was disciplined as a child and grew up admirably well. It was just discipline for the stupid things I did. That gave me a sense of respect for the elders and talking well to another person, and in all a great lesson in life. I know nowadays, it can be a fine line, as there are psychopaths, and pedophiles etc., but back in the day, that was how we got to be the persons with respect and goodwill to everybody we met, otherwise we would have our asses whupped. We need to get that back in the curriculum. Children are just crazy nowadays with the "child services" threat, for nothing at all most of the times, as they don't wanna do their chores.
Suzanne- I was working backstage at Riverfest in St. Paul when you opened for John Prine, David Bromberg and Joan Baez. I was struck by your courage as you performed to people waiting for others to come on stage. I thought to myself, ' she's not big, but she has guts '. I've told that story to many people over the decades - so courage to you.
That had to be sn awesome concert!
ruclips.net/video/rtrALjg0-xQ/видео.htmlfeature=shared
I’m from St Paul. How did I miss this
Riverfest was a festival in the late 80's and early 90's.@@getmeontvnow
A song for all the broken childhoods in this cruel world.
Yeah don't ask because they already know no one will help anyway. What a shit world we live in.
@@AnnaLVajda shouldnt have to ask. People need to react. Better safe then sorry. Too many just let it pass by.. :(
Also for broken women/wives. You know wife can be clumsy too.
Big true... Thanks so much for that beautiful words... Can´t stay dry when I listen to this song... So emotional...
May be one billion child.
I remember liking this song when I was a little girl but I had no idea what it was really about back then. It really hits much harder as adult💔
It´s 2023 and Luka still one of my favorite songs. Love you, Suzanne
I’m listening to Suzanne Vega mid October 2023
And still, child abuse rages on. Thanks for sharing. October 27th, 2023. New Zealand 🇳🇿
❤ Very well said PatiClaro, we love Suzanne ❤❤❤
@greyhamlogan2255 yes it does, and mostly by the social service and religious nuts
6 de diciembre de 2023 y escuchando a suzane Vega ❤️❤️❤️🇦🇷
she was hot, confident, genius. This album is INCREDIBLE. I was so glad to be there when it landed
@musik_non_stop Suzanne Vega Luka is my number one favorite song
0:39
@@brandonmoore7497 underrated song and artist
@@Dwayndibb indeed
Couldn't agree more ❤
Hot? Was that really necessarily? 😂 I'm not denying her physical beauty but that's irrelevant right here. Let's learn to appreciate women's work without bringing her looks
wow, I've heard this song thousands of times over the years but never really listened to the lyrics. How deep? I had no idea, a new found respect for this song!!
I always loved this song. Suzanne Vega hit it at the top of the charts with this one back in 1987. A real timeless masterpiece.
I get goosebumps every time I listen to this and was never even close to be beaten/abbused. To all of you out there that have suffered this and get the chance to read these lines and were able to overcome and "break the curse", I send you my most sincere respects.
Thank you. I broke the curse by treating my son the complete opposite to how i was treated, he has been brought up with only love xx
thank you
I am a father of 4 boys. Love your children with all your heart. They need it, the return is priceless
Scott Robbins That makes me happy and sad at the same time. Good on ya for being there mate
Deftone 303 it doesn’t come without a price my friend make no mistake. But I wouldn’t change it unless I had a do over then I would try even harder. Cheers !
And it means one won't be alone when old. If anyone wants to be alone when old then just fail to love your children.
SickKent it’s OK friend two are grown men now they made their mistakes growing but they are doing good. Oh by the way for my love and time spent I get to be their hero for life not bad in my opinion. The other two are younger I’m working on that hero thing ............ check back in about ten years.
@@scottrobbins6216 good for you!!
but in the world there are millions of families dysfunctional or with problems
I heard this on the radio the other day and cried, it didn't affect me when in 1987 when I was 17 like it does now that I'm an single Dad who had a good childhood and raised my kids the same. There's too many Lukas in the world though, I wonder if Suzanne knows how many lives she might have saved with this song.
You cried. I cried too. I'm a dad and was 16 when this came out.
I said the same thing too many Lukas out here😞
Timeless.. THE absolute perfect pop song 💯
I was 11 and a song came on the radio that immediately addressed my home life. Thank you, Suzanne.
Me too. Nobody understands.
It's true no one really understands or knows our pain. We are with you as we have weathered this tempestuous storm and survived. We are strong because we're united and we're survivors! Peace to you all.
My Name Is Luka..
I named my dog Luka, after this song. And I was Luka.
Hell is For Children hits me even harder. Maybe because I had learned to live with the tears from that song before this one came out.
Suzanne, thank you for your message and powerful song. Child abuse has been an issue for many years, and this song really tells the true meaning and also, a possible solution. I think you're a wonderful songwriter, and hope and pray that this song might just change things a bit. Enough to get people to care. Love you so much.
I don't know how this song became associated w child abuse
@@theresakerlin3505 1: the lyrics. 2: Suzanne is on the record as stating unequivocally it is the topic of the song. Many interviewers have asked about this. Lots of material if you google.
@@theresakerlin3505 Have you even listened to/read the lyrics?? It's pretty obvious.
This song is timeless.
Yes
I know that this song is fictional, yet it has brought me to tears over the years for many different reasons. This song has so many meanings on so many levels, and people relate to it deeply depending on how they interpret it as the lyrics can be taken personally, literally, or contextually. Recently, I’ve returned to it because I see the world pushing and turning against itself. So the song is an emotional reminder of how we live so close together in our daily lives, yet remain a universe apart on this planet. Luka is you, Luka is me, and Luka is everyone around us.
That line, 'after that, you don't ask why - you just don’t argue anymore,' really hits me hard in the current context of what is happening in the world. It speaks to the exhaustion people feel when faced with repeated struggles, whether personal, professional, or societal, and how, over time, hopelessness leads to withdrawal rather than challenge. Luka could be a neighbour, a company, even a country. These are potent examples of how people, organisations, countries, and systems choose to look away - even when the problem is right next door. For me, this song is ageless and captures tension between proximity and distance so well and it will forever bring a tear to my eye.
I like your reasoning ! I think we are all like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle in someone elses life ! We may never know where we fit in but others will fill holes in their lives with pieces of us ! Take Care 😂
Back then John Peel played the Texas camp fire tapes and she blew us away, what a talented songwriter and individual.x
Prince wrote her a letter telling her this was the most compelling song he'd heard in a long time.
+Mary Aherns I did not know this - and to think it's seemingly forgotten except for those of us who heard and lived through that era.
@@turtleneckferret It’s also been four years. Prince is a well recognized artist.
Prince was very touched by the song --- he also realized music was becoming too flakey and superficial in the 80's and needed deeper meanings
Really? That's amazing! Aww, so cool!
I've been recently getting into Prince so it's such a coincidence to find this lovely comment.
@@Shalom64221 how can you hate Prince?
This song breaks my heart. As a parent I can't understand how anyone could hurt a child.
It's a matter of psychology and math. 1 to 2 percent of people in the world are psychopathic monsters. A much larger group is plain stupid. So. This is the subject group that you don't understand could exist.
Humans are by far the sickest creatures on earth.
Me neither...I'm a mom and abuse,kidnapping & SA survivor so I know what lurks in our world or right next door. It's terrifying as a parent especially. Children are innocent.
As a child abuse investigator in NYC all I can tell you is that no one wakes up saying, "Today I'm going to abuse my child!"
This song makes me thankful for the wonderful parents i had growing up, and gives me great incentive to nurture my kids 😊
There is a terrible beauty to this song and her voice is the perfect medium to carry it.
Still as heart wrenching as the first time I heard it many years ago.
This song breaks my heart as a father and I also love it so much.
I am a teacher and I have one of my students going through a lot of shit because of bullies. I am gonna fight for her no matter what. Thank you Suzanne.
i wish i had you as a teacher
Good job....Thanks from Italy
@@Burt472 Please do it
You’re one of a kind!
How are you?
I oftentimes wonder if Miss Vega all those years ago actually understood what a profound effect she was about to have on the entire world by releasing this. Even today in 2023, still has the same effect as when I first heard it.
Physical pain heals, but the emotional scars truly do last forever. It's nice to be reminded of what made you become you sometimes, even if it strips you to your bare naked soul.
"the emotional scars truly do last forever"
Sad, but true.
Suzanne knee exactly what she was writing and as an abused kid from England in the 1950s I am grateful that she was bringing out this practice and making it known.
Personally thanks SV love you ❤❤
Your words remind me of a poem I once composed:
How deep they are
So we soothe them with laughter
And bandage them with smiles
But every now and then
They ooze with painful remembrance
And time must treat them once again
Those ugly scars of youth.
@@sylvialawrence4431Beautiful ❤
Jesus came to heal the scars and generational curses of those long after he was crucified, died and conquered death so we all could be born again. All we have to do is ask and receive Him as Lord and Savior. He renews the rest. ❤✝
I love Suzanne Vega's original style (and meaning) in her writing. ❤
I saw this lady at the Manchester Apollo in 1986 I think.
Brilliant performance and it's frightening the way time flies.
2018,anyone checking in?
Cheers and enjoy.
Cheshire Homebrew and I was 9 when this song was originally released. It has stood the test of time. It is one of the best songs ever written 😍
I was also young - 8 I think. Auckland Town Hall with my Dad. Timeless song.
Checking in Chesire Homebrew..
Chesire Homebrew I'm checking in bro.
2018, back in agde France where I saw her live two years ago. Timeless
As a victim of childhood abuse myself this and "Runaway Train" always bring a tear to my eye
I was 18 in 1987 and a metalhead and I loved this song so much. You don't get the props you obviously deserve, Ms. Vega.
quero isso pra mim amigos
this song is a stone cold classic. People think the 80s was just Duran Duran and Madonna but there was so much much more.
I WAS ONLY 7 . . .
Prince loved it so much,he wrote her a note.praising her and the song plus he gave her a standing ovation at the '88 Grammy ceremony after she performed it
well deserved praise and ovations ... I wonder how much control she had over the production of the song or how much this is also the work of a producer @@nigelgoliath2839
Just a brilliant song. Thank You Suzanne
Almost 40 years later, this is still one of the most heartbreaking songs ever made. 😢
Strangely, many people I’ve played this to just think it’s a simple ‘pop’ song! I’m a singer and you can’t sing a song if you haven’t payed as much attention to both melody and words .............. Peace ☮️
Yo viví la época de los 80s (57 años)Pero está canción poco la escuché y casi no le preste atención en su tiempo. De hecho dicen que hubo una película, tampoco la vi.
Without a doubt
Ñ@@JennLM-nd1uu
@@JennLM-nd1uu damn... thank you.