My name is Luka - Suzanne Vega

I would like to tell you about yet another famous song with an interesting background story. This time I chose “My name is Luka” by Suzanne Vega, a catchy tune that seems to spread joy and happiness, but by taking a closer look at the lyrics you realize that it is actually a very sad song about a big issue.

Suzanne Vega released her highest-charting hit “Luka” in 1987. It was one of the earliest songs that dealt with child abuse and domestic violence. Contrary to the sad topic, the music is quite lively and joyful and revokes feelings of happiness. This was made on purpose and is supposed to be a metaphor for all the victims of child abuse and domestic violence, who often tend to deny their abuse.

Suzanne Vega once said about her song: “A few years ago, I used to see this group of children playing in front of my building, and there was one of them, whose name was Luka, who seemed a little bit distinctive from the other children. I always remembered his name, and I always remembered his face, and I didn't know much about him, but he just seemed set apart from these other children that I would see playing. And his character is what I based the song Luka on. In the song, the boy Luka is an abused child—in real life I don't think he was. I think he was just different.”

My favorite line of the lyrics is “I think it’s because I’m clumsy”. Not only do these words describe how too many victims of child abuse and domestic violence handle their situation (namely by lying about it or even worse - denying it), but they also emphasize how the victims feel about their mistreatment. They often think that it is their fault that they are being mistreated and they come up with various reasons for justifying the actions of their abusers. In fact, it is not at all their fault though. All in all, child abuse and domestic violence is a very complex topic that preoccupies an uncountable number of people all over the world and unfortunately many people are still afflicted by it. Susanne Vega surely succeeded in touching hundreds and thousands of people with her song, which is (according to me) the most powerful tool of a song.

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was 

I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore 

Yes I think I'm okay
I walked into the door again
Well, if you ask that's what I'll say
And it's not your business anyway
I guess I'd like to be alone
With nothing broken, nothing thrown
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was 

I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore