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Suzanne Vega — It Makes Me Wonder
Album: Songs In Red And Gray
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1006









Released: 2001
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Virgin Mary on a chain
Has hit me in the mouth again
As we explore the carnal score
Of sacred and profane

Sulky boy won't drink his milk
So mother's breast below the silk
Remains untouched it's way too much
Reject all of that ilk

I have to say it makes me wonder
If you are holding me
To the same blue flame that you're under
'Cause I feel you scolding me

It makes me wonder
It makes me wonder

Virgin Mary's in the way
Hallucinate her face by day
Obscure the view in front of you
It's me here made of clay

You're playing near that line so thin
Austerity or just give in
To endless appetite
embrace that white oblivion

I have to say it makes me wonder
If you are holding me
To that cold blue flame that you're under
When you are holding me

Why so high the expectation?
Who could live up to this?
And there's no time now for explanation
Cold as an angel's kiss

And I have to say it makes me wonder
If you are holding me
To that cold blue flame that you're under
When you are holding me

It makes me wonder
I have to say
It makes me wonder
I have to say
It makes me wonder
Comments (68)add comment
This is the album she made post divorce.  A strong album from beginning to end.
 planet_lizard wrote:

She is the sort of artist that I'm sure Amazon would tell me 'people who bought what you like also bought Suzanne Vega' and when I look at my collection I think I ought to like her, but for some reason I cannot put my finger on, she irritates me. I think this may have been magnified by RP's huge crush on her. But that's not a complaint - I'm sure it's my problem...



I wouldn't say it's a problem, just a difference is taste.  You hear differently, there is nothing wrong with that.
NO MORE VEGA!!!!!!!
Transposition mid track is glorious! One of my all ime consistent,exploratory wonder, yet as all suvors know! We’re all wonders ... and esss value! I’m here!!!
These are lyrics that merit pondering...
 Hannio wrote:


Yeah, it was obviously over-the-top sarcasm.  It's very telling that TJS took it as genuine.  People like that eventually display their own hate, bigotry and prejudices, projected onto others in a sanctimonious tirade.

 
Perhaps.  Or maybe it's simply that the post TJS responded to didn't actually quote the one you think it's referencing, so any connection between the two was easily missed in a quick perusal.  That's not necessarily on TJS.  I mean, in that context ... *you* might even be engaging in some projection.
 dragon1952 wrote:

Not sure what difference it makes. You can find a hundred great artists that sing in a similar manner.

 
I think you're missing the takeaway. There may be a hundred who sing in this style, but he said this one is REALLY GREAT. :)
 smackiepipe wrote:

I read the original comment as sarcasm directed at the previous poster who stated he was 'sad to hear she was a bitch to work with,' so he cranked it up a few notches. I mean, it's Suzanne Vega. Maybe she is a bitch to work with in the studio, but it's not like it's Michael Vick doing a song about his dogs.

 

Yeah, it was obviously over-the-top sarcasm.  It's very telling that TJS took it as genuine.  People like that eventually display their own hate, bigotry and prejudices, projected onto others in a sanctimonious tirade.
 KaraokeVox wrote:
really great for a singer who just talks.
 
Aw, come on, man; you just resent her because she never shows up at your karaoke bar.
Love this song, exhibiting her rare gift with lyric and rhythm.

Also, people noting that her singing style is a little "talky" - I quite agree - to me it's one of the things I love about Suzanne Vega - she has a pleasant, but really (for a recording artist) pretty limited voice, but you rarely focus on that in her music, because as a rule it's so well crafted. Knowing how to write effectively for your own voice is a skill I admire!
The way she gets her voice and breath humming along with the drums and strings, and then...holds it...is nothing short of exhilarating!
 KaraokeVox wrote:
really great for a singer who just talks.
 
Not sure what difference it makes. You can find a hundred great artists that sing in a similar manner.
 kcar wrote:

I missed out on Damian on HFS but friends who lived in DC during his heyday spoke of him reverentially. 

Does anyone listen to FM rock stations anymore? 

 
Yes I do. And Weasel is on WTMD on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
 WonderLizard wrote:

I was going to ream you one for suggesting that Damien was a liability to the station, but you proved that he wasn't in your second paragraph. Yes, Damien's speech was badly damaged, but he was a smart, insightful DJ—and when was the last time you heard those two words to describe a disc jockey? (sorry, Bill)—whose eclectic taste, especially for out-of-the-way blues, was one of the hallmarks 'HFS was known for. For all the limitations of his physical speech, he never got it wrong.
 
I missed out on Damian on HFS but friends who lived in DC during his heyday spoke of him reverentially. 

Does anyone listen to FM rock stations anymore? 
 TJS wrote:


It's not disagreement that bothers me, it's hate.  Read his comment again and if you are actually defending him then you might want to take a look at your own priorities.  I swear I don't know how you hate mongers can even look at yourselves in the mirror every day.

 
This may be the most IRONIC statement i have heard in a while.

Here is your first response:

"Clearly you're one of the devout christian Republicans that preach bigotry and intolerance in the name of god. "

HOW DID YOU DECIDE FROM THE RESPONSE THAT HE WAS A CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN? 
I am a Christian Republican.  Christianity is about love acceptance and tolerance in the name of God.
Matthew 7:5 - How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

I'm not saying that there are not Self Righteous Christians that give us all a bad name, but some of the most hateful people I have met have been Liberal Democrats.  It's just you have a group of people that it is acceptable to hate. -
Black Republicans
Woman Republicans
Wealthy White Men
Christians

Jesus said "He who is without sin, cast the first stone"



really great for a singer who just talks.
 smackiepipe wrote:

I read the original comment as sarcasm directed at the previous poster who stated he was 'sad to hear she was a bitch to work with,' so he cranked it up a few notches. I mean, it's Suzanne Vega. Maybe she is a bitch to work with in the studio, but it's not like it's Michael Vick doing a song about his dogs.

 
As a sage landscaper once said: "Can't we all just get a lawn?"  However, it wasn't clear why he cultivated so much sage.
 TJS wrote:


It's not disagreement that bothers me, it's hate.  Read his comment again and if you are actually defending him then you might want to take a look at your own priorities.  I swear I don't know how you hate mongers can even look at yourselves in the mirror every day.

 
I read the original comment as sarcasm directed at the previous poster who stated he was 'sad to hear she was a bitch to work with,' so he cranked it up a few notches. I mean, it's Suzanne Vega. Maybe she is a bitch to work with in the studio, but it's not like it's Michael Vick doing a song about his dogs.
This woman can really string the old English words together in interesting ways, can't she? Love her skill.
{#Bananajumprope} Top  Totty 
 oldsaxon wrote:
On a different note...This song has amazing lyrics!

 
She is an excellent lyricist - 'blood makes noise' for instance, what an incredible line.
On a different note...This song has amazing lyrics!
 TJS wrote:


It's not disagreement that bothers me, it's hate.  Read his comment again and if you are actually defending him then you might want to take a look at your own priorities.  I swear I don't know how you hate mongers can even look at yourselves in the mirror every day.
 

.. or maybe you need to lighten up a bit
 MiracleDrug wrote:


this clearly explains why the LEFT can't tolerate dissent...
 

It's not disagreement that bothers me, it's hate.  Read his comment again and if you are actually defending him then you might want to take a look at your own priorities.  I swear I don't know how you hate mongers can even look at yourselves in the mirror every day.
 TJS wrote:


Clearly you're one of the devout christian Republicans that preach bigotry and intolerance in the name of god. 
 

this clearly explains why the LEFT can't tolerate dissent...
 MotorSkills wrote:
Nice song. But damn, Suzanne Vega is such a bitch.  And that Tracy Chapman, she's so f**kin' ugly! Tom Waits can't sing for sh*t and does Elvis Costello think that playing guitar like a three year old is music? And what's up with carpet muncher K.D. Lang! I'm just not listening to music anymore unless these people straighten their sh*t out!
 

Clearly you're one of the devout christian Republicans that preach bigotry and intolerance in the name of god. 
Bumped to 8, has stood the test of time well.  Love her voice . . .
 WonderLizard wrote:

I was going to ream you one for suggesting that Damien was a liability to the station, but you proved that he wasn't in your second paragraph. Yes, Damien's speech was badly damaged, but he was a smart, insightful DJ—and when was the last time you heard those two words to describe a disc jockey? (sorry, Bill)—whose eclectic taste, especially for out-of-the-way blues, was one of the hallmarks 'HFS was known for. For all the limitations of his physical speech, he never got it wrong.

 
His name is spelled "Damian". I know because I was named after him. He was a brilliant DJ and, on the occasions our paths crossed, has proven to be a kind, gentle man, too.

Exquisite! Love this tune and Suzanne.
 WonderLizard wrote:

I was going to ream you one for suggesting that Damien was a liability to the station, but you proved that he wasn't in your second paragraph. Yes, Damien's speech was badly damaged, but he was a smart, insightful DJ—and when was the last time you heard those two words to describe a disc jockey? (sorry, Bill)—whose eclectic taste, especially for out-of-the-way blues, was one of the hallmarks 'HFS was known for. For all the limitations of his physical speech, he never got it wrong.

 
who are you people and do you ever leave your computer?  {#Think}
 nate917 wrote:

Damien's dad all but ruined that station over his insistence that they continue to employ Damien after a bad traffic accident that left Damien with a speech impediment.  They felt it was a matter of employing the disabled, but others, including myself, took the view that his occupation required a certain diction and comprehensibility that he no longer possessed. 

To his credit, Damien gave me one of those moments when I had to pull the car over and listen to a song.  It has only happened a handful of times.  He got an early copy of "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor and played it before anyone played it, before MTV got ahold of it, i.e., he played it first.  Perhaps sensing that some people might be pulled over at the side of the road, blown away by this new artist, he let it fade to silence, and then finally spoke up:  "A compelling song."  It sure as hell was.

 
I was going to ream you one for suggesting that Damien was a liability to the station, but you proved that he wasn't in your second paragraph. Yes, Damien's speech was badly damaged, but he was a smart, insightful DJ—and when was the last time you heard those two words to describe a disc jockey? (sorry, Bill)—whose eclectic taste, especially for out-of-the-way blues, was one of the hallmarks 'HFS was known for. For all the limitations of his physical speech, he never got it wrong.

Purchased via RP - Thanks for getting this one on - nice change of pace and a pleasant voice :-)


The first majestic song on radio paradisetoday (it's 17:21 overher).
Not her strongest song. Let's give it a 7 for now.
Zep wrote:
So many tracks of hers on RP, and yet each one underscores her wide talent and abilities. I've never really heard this one before, and it stands out nicely. Another observation: Many folks write in these comment boards about how they used to listen to 'HFS - Weasel, Bob, Damien - damn we could have a reunion of just the listeners. I used to have a bunch or air check tapes dating from the 80s, but alas they're departed unfortunately to that great Teac in the sky. My favorite 'HFS air guy was Milo, who ran a lot of modern stuff late at night. Theme from the Boiler, Rhoda and the Special AKA, remember it? Early Cure, Wire, Bongos, Bunnymen, Banshees, Bush - man those were some tunes.


Yep, Milo was good.  I heard a lot of Weasel's show during a brief period of unemployment; he was great with the facts regarding the song or artist.  Damien's dad all but ruined that station over his insistence that they continue to employ Damien after a bad traffic accident that left Damien with a speech impediment.  They felt it was a matter of employing the disabled, but others, including myself, took the view that his occupation required a certain diction and comprehensibility that he no longer possessed.  If LeBron James gets his legs run over by a train and the Cavaliers release him, it is not discrimination against the disabled; it is recognition that he can no longer perform what his job requires.

To his credit, Damien gave me one of those moments when I had to pull the car over and listen to a song.  It has only happened a handful of times.  He got an early copy of "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor and played it before anyone played it, before MTV got ahold of it, i.e., he played it first.  Perhaps sensing that some people might be pulled over at the side of the road, blown away by this new artist, he let it fade to silence, and then finally spoke up:  "A compelling song."  It sure as hell was.

Nice song. But damn, Suzanne Vega is such a bitch.  And that Tracy Chapman, she's so f**kin' ugly! Tom Waits can't sing for sh*t and does Elvis Costello think that playing guitar like a three year old is music? And what's up with carpet muncher K.D. Lang! I'm just not listening to music anymore unless these people straighten their sh*t out!
 EssexTex wrote:
sad to hear she's bitch to work with....I love her voice though
 
How strange: I heard the person that you heard this from was a bitch. It makes me wonder... what the point of such an inane comment like this might be!


 toonces wrote:
It seems that almost everyday I hear at least 2 Suzanne Vega songs on RP. Unfortunately, she suffers from musical sameness sickness and I feel like I am hearing the same song over and over. Given the incredible depth of the RP musical collection, it is disappointing that this same artist gets such daily play.
 
delete disappointing and insert terrific.

I'll be damned.  According to Wikip. she's 2 weeks older than me (7/59).  I'd have thought she was MUCH younger.  Love her music, and she's very good live.
It seems that almost everyday I hear at least 2 Suzanne Vega songs on RP. Unfortunately, she suffers from musical sameness sickness and I feel like I am hearing the same song over and over. Given the incredible depth of the RP musical collection, it is disappointing that this same artist gets such daily play.
So many tracks of hers on RP, and yet each one underscores her wide talent and abilities. I've never really heard this one before, and it stands out nicely. onomasticator wrote:
Driving on the GW Parkway at night in the mid-80s, listening to WHFS ("Baltimore, Washington, Annapolis"), her voice brings it back . . .
Another observation: Many folks write in these comment boards about how they used to listen to 'HFS - Weasel, Bob, Damien - damn we could have a reunion of just the listeners. I used to have a bunch or air check tapes dating from the 80s, but alas they're departed unfortunately to that great Teac in the sky. My favorite 'HFS air guy was Milo, who ran a lot of modern stuff late at night. Theme from the Boiler, Rhoda and the Special AKA, remember it? Early Cure, Wire, Bongos, Bunnymen, Banshees, Bush - man those were some tunes.
Tree_Hugger wrote:
My favorite track from this disc!
Mine too!
My favorite track from this disc!
Driving on the GW Parkway at night in the mid-80s, listening to WHFS ("Baltimore, Washington, Annapolis"), her voice brings it back . . .
She is the sort of artist that I'm sure Amazon would tell me 'people who bought what you like also bought Suzanne Vega' and when I look at my collection I think I ought to like her, but for some reason I cannot put my finger on, she irritates me. I think this may have been magnified by RP's huge crush on her. But that's not a complaint - I'm sure it's my problem...
Hmm I had this album at one time and don't remember this one! Good though.
i like this album... a lot
pretty perky little ditty from her...
sad to hear she's bitch to work with....I love her voice though
miahfost wrote:
This guy I know toured with her for a while, he was the opening act. He said she was a bitch on wheels. Whatever, her music is great.
Yeah, I gotta lot of clients like her. Go figure.
...she narrates this really great series on the development of modern music called american mavericks...
abbefaith wrote:
i can only think of "luka" when i hear her voice.
Exactly what it does to me, too. Just like watching Julie Andrews do anything but Mary Poppins...
I preferred this song when it was by The Sisters of Mercy and called "Alice". Oh, hang on, the chorus is different...
miahfost wrote:
This guy I know toured with her for a while, he was the opening act. He said she was a bitch on wheels. Whatever, her music is great.
Kinda what the picture on the cover looks like...
This guy I know toured with her for a while, he was the opening act. He said she was a bitch on wheels. Whatever, her music is great.
denizenusa wrote:
She's weird but I love her...
I want to marry her.
She's weird but I love her...
B-dub wrote:
her best album to date.
Absolutely I agree-cover to cover....this album is so smoooooooooth.
Hey, she's actually singing here...
B-dub wrote:
agreed. her best album to date.
Yup, I agree with that sentiment too.
i can only think of "luka" when i hear her voice.
slawjam wrote:
It's worth the effort to get this album, but it is an effort - you have to listen deep into this one to bring out its nuances and subtleties. The time spent is well rewarded though!
agreed. her best album to date. I understand she was recently dropped from her label... anyone know if she has signed on with another one?
tom4513 wrote:
I like it. Nice. it makes me wonder about the rest of the album. I want more tastes prior to consuption.
It's worth the effort to get this album, but it is an effort - you have to listen deep into this one to bring out its nuances and subtleties. The time spent is well rewarded though!
JokesandJokesandJokes wrote:
repitition leads to contempt
Great. Now you've ruined it for me! :)
veegez wrote:
I'm so addicted to the chord changes in the chorus of this particular song that I sometimes hit repeat 2 and 3 times. Another great piece of music from one of my favorite songwriters.
repitition leads to contempt
I like it. Nice. it makes me wonder about the rest of the album. I want more tastes prior to consuption.
I'm so addicted to the chord changes in the chorus of this particular song that I sometimes hit repeat 2 and 3 times. Another great piece of music from one of my favorite songwriters.