Suzanne played this song in front of Prince , He was so touched by this song , he wrote a hand written letter to Suzanne saying it was one of the most compelling songs he had ever heard
“Dearest Suzanne, Luka is the most compelling piece of music I’ve heard in a long time. There are no words 2 tell u all the things I feel when I hear it. I thank God 4 u, Prince."
Groundbreaking song in heavy rotation back in the day. Kudos to Suzanne Vega for writing such a catchy song about child abuse to bring attention to the matter. No easy task.
@@sawyer33 This single was released on May 1987 from an album released on April of that same year. The single you mentioned was released sometime in '88 from an album released on July of '87.
My dad was an alcoholic and drug user. I saw a lot as a kid, and as Amber said, it was constant survival mode. I’m still working through it even as an adult. Love to all of you out there who survived anything like this 💕
I’m sorry that happened!! Most of all I hope you know it wasn’t your fault!!! People do care! Talk about it!! And know you are loved!! May God Bless you in every way!!!✌️
I have a great therapist my egg donor and her 2 husband physically sexually emotionally abused me from 9 to 17 now they are hiding in another country but I shout it from rooftops so to speak
I was an abused child in the 70s. I’m a man in my mid 50s, and this song still hits me hard. I’m sitting here holding in tears. I can attest to what a lot of others have commented, that little boy is still in me, shying away from confrontation. I feel that fear whenever there’s a conflict around me. This song is beautiful. But, it brings back the feelings.
me too and still to this day refuse to talk to that man, he's in his nineties now and want me in his life now that everyone else is dead, but i still fear him even though he is no threat to me today. he was so cruel i cant forgive him for they way he was until he is dead, maybe.
I was abused by my dad. I ended up being bigger than him so he quit missing with me and started attacking my mom. We ended up in a fight and I hurt him really bad. Not bad like going to the hospital but bad like air lifting him to the hospital.
This came out 37 years ago, and back then no one spoke openly about child abuse and domestic violence - it was a taboo topic. The genius of Vega’s songwriting is that she puts out this catchy tune, but slides in a story and topic that would otherwise have never been brought to people’s attention. She’s a masterful narrative songwriter. I recommend you checkout her song The Queen and the Soldier next.
Was it really so long ago? I recall, through my own survival, this song scared me because I always lived in terror of "outsiders" could know what life was like in my life. Nearing 50 now, and this song still reaches that tortured kid that lives within me. I've tried for years to do the best that I could for him. I hope he can understand.
When I learned the words to this song …it was all over! Waterfalls… tears for days! Being a teacher I’ve gotten to know a few Luka- like kiddos! Not a good thing for me! I was always there to help though!
I know the 80s are remembered for the bright colors, synth music, wild hair and makeup, etc. But those us who grew up during the 80s remember it also for "outing" taboos that were serious problems in our world. Child abuse, date rape/victim blaming, drug and alcohol addiction, government oppression, etc.--we broke down a lot of closed doors and opened the door for future generations to do the same. Luka's a good example of that; it NEVER would have gotten airplay ten years earlier, but in 1987, it was in heavy rotation. Keep that door open!
In February 1987 I into minor trouble for singing this song to make my buddies laugh when we were on a field training deployment. I changed some of the words around to lampoon one of our sergeants. This song will always remind me of getting yelled at for being a “god damned clown”.
The one major change with Gen X is ability to acknowledge when things truly suck. My boomer mother still wants to hide away anything negative. For her, if we don't talk about it, it's not real.
For anyone who has survived a childhood of abuse this song runs deep. Regardless of how many years go by, that damaged child still lives inside us. Hugs to anyone who, like me, knows the long term effects and the constant work to repair ourselves ~
Yes. And there are many kinds of abuse. This song focuses on physical abuse and that’s enough for social services to get involved, but we don’t talk enough about emotional abuse.
remember a song from the late 80s by a little girl Shannon Batts her song Dear Mr Jesus... about a girl that was abused by her mum... her is the ideo link just on it czcams.com/video/quG-Q7iKfn0/video.html
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️ to you ,,I hope you're doing okay. My love to anyone else for whom child abuse was part of their life. Remember ... There's never an excuse for abuse !
@@brucedillinger9448 physical abuse is always combined with emotional abuse. Like the narrator in the song reveals, the abuser makes the abused feel as if they’re responsible for the abuse. If they’d behaved differently or were a different person none of the abuse would happen. In order to get a child to believe those lies, they make them feel worthless through words. It’s also a way to ensure they keep silent about what’s happening behind closed doors. Trying to overcome the damage physical abuse has done to a person is really all about dealing mainly with the emotional abuse that went along with the physical abuse. But if what you’re saying is that only experiencing emotional abuse can be just as damaging as being from a home where physical abuse has occurred, than I agree.
I could see Amber holding back tears & the unease Jay’s face. About a year before this song came out a Canadian rock group called The Payolas released a song about child abuse called, “Where Is This Love?” which is every bit as heart wrenching.
This song is so heavy, but so beautiful, and so honest. How many of us have been Luka? How many of us know a Luka? This song needed to be written, as sad as it is. A reminder to NOT look away or turn a blind eye.
As a teen this song brought my attention to child abuse. I really have empathy for anyone that has had to go thru this. Fortunately as a kid I didn't have to deal with this but this really hit hard. Opened my eyes to look around and help anywhere I could....kind smile, listen....
I remember when this came out and learning this song with an acoustic guitar. It sticks with you forever. As an abuse survivor as an adult, looking back on this song is even more painful and haunting. Fair that you were warned and heeded it.
You are a beautiful person, Amber. I grew up with this song, but it’s never been harder to listen to than while watching your face and the heartbreak written on it. Bless you, dear. The world would be better if there were more people like you! ❤
Yes it’s super sad but it did wonders for raising awareness about abuse back in the 80s. So in that sense, it has a positive aspect. Also, despite the crushing subject matter it’s a musically beautiful song.
@@juliewhite7469 Oh yes, can't forget that song. It was fantastic! Different feel from "Luka," but brought attention to the same topic through great music. No small thing.
Just want to say thanks to you guys, I survived some of the rough spots in life lately. You both have a very great amount of positive energy! Keep it going!
I come from a peaceful and loving family. There was a kid at my school who was very quiet and withdrawn. He would sometimes come into school with bruises on his face and arms and say that he fell off his skateboard. I knew he didn't have a skateboard. All the other kids would call him weirdo, but I knew there was something more to this kid. I became his only school friend and a lot of my friends abandoned me as a result. I would bring him back to my house after school sometimes and my parents would feed him. It was the only time he ever smiled or laughed. One day he confessed to me that his dad would beat his mum and and him. I told my dad and he went around to the kids house and nearly beat the guy to death. The guy moved out after that and was found 6 months later floating in a canel. Apparently he beat up another woman and someone had tied him to a concrete block and thrown him off a bridge. So this song really hits me hard and makes me cry, but it's so amazing. Thank you guys. ✌️❤️🇬🇧
My Mom and I were abused by my Dad. She was usually beaten, to protect me, once bad enough to be hospitalized. My Dad was a veteran of Vietnam and had major PTSD issues as well as bipolar disorder and manic depression. I never knew what would set him off or when, but eventually you become numb. You get punched in the nose enough times or beaten enough times, you build up defensive walls that last for years. When I was 18, my dad was killed by a drunk driver while he was coming home from work. The one thing I remember most about that day, was turning my head and laughing silently when I found out. How evil is that? I actually laughed. I laughed because I felt relief. But it was a long time before I could forgive myself for that reaction. I was in my 40's before I came to grips with the trauma of my youth. I was hiking alone and just started to cry out, "Dad, I forgive you! I'm sorry you had to endure Vietnam! I'm sorry you had no medications available to help you cope and adjust! I'm sorry PTSD wasn't taken seriously while you were here! I'm sorry that violence was your answer to everything. I forgive you! You had no right, to do what you did, no right! But I cannot carry this burden anymore and I forgive you!" And then I just fell to my knees and wept. I wept for almost an hour. It was one of the most freeing moments of my life. There is such freedom in forgiveness, even if you don't think they deserve it. I'm 56 now, and I remember my Dad with love instead of hate. I focus on the good times, which there were occasionally, instead of the bad. I got married at 45, had my first child at 46 and my second at 50. It took a long time for me to trust that I wouldn't be "him" as a husband and a father. I wish I hadn't waited so long, I love my wife and kids. They are the joy of my life. I know this was long, but if there's anyone out there who wonders if you can ever get over the trauma of child abuse, if you can ever bring yourself to forgive your abuser, the answer is yes. And I promise, the freedom it will bring your soul will be overwhelming.
Vega was always playing in my house for months when her first album came out. The upbeat music makes the words even more poignant, as if shes showing us how this abuse is played down in the mind. Every song is good. She took a lot of inspiration from kate bush too.
She is touring now. Recommending Left of Center from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack and The Queen and the Soldier from her debut self-titled album. The first a rare upbeat song from her; the second, a narrative tale, literally about a queen and a soldier.
I figured this may have been a rough one for you guys- at the time, however, this was an eye-opener, and a perfect encapsulation of kids growing up in the mid 80s, a generation essentially thrown to the wolves. Through the song, though, comes a sense of community, and an assurance that you are not alone. This song spoke to a LOT of us. (The line "walked into the door again" still stings- I had friends who used that excuse when they came to school with marks on them.)
It's time to flip off the radio and branch out - there are hundreds of great artists creating great music with incredibly difficult subject matter. Looking forward to them reacting to Hi Ren....
@@MattMuirhead It’s so true! Real, important music still exists. You just have to know where to find it. I’m lucky enough to live within range of an amazing independent radio station that plays some incredible music form young artists. Radio Woodstock WDST.
@@bsilvers1037 Still , it's kind of sad that we have to search for good music. In your case you live by a good indie station. I live by several. However there was a time when good music was often on mainstream radio. I miss those days.
Just in case you want a few suggestions... "And We Run" from Within Temptation feat. Xzibit (more for the message, but still...) "The Voice of My Father" (or, if you should know Finnish, "Isäni ääni") from Marko Hietala "Christmas Truce" by Sabaton (about one of the most incredible moments that happened during WWI) ...and for one of the biggest elephants in the room, Floor Jansen performing pretty much anything, but especially... "Dead Boy's Poem" by Nightwish (I'd recommend the live performance from Buenos Aires) "Shallow" and "Mama" (okay, covers from Lady Gaga resp. Samantha Steenwijk, the blonde woman in the video on the channel AVROTROS, but as they say, don't let Floor Jansen cover your songs, yours will only be second best from then on 😋) Seriously, if you get through this list and aren't somewhat of an emotional wreck, I question your humanity 😜
I LOVE that Suzanne wrote this song and that it was so well received. Because it's a subject that must be dealt with. But I HATE that she had to write it all. No one deserves abuse. And children certainly don't deserve it...ever!
I love this song. I love the words. I remember when this came out and the video it took me a minute before I got what she was saying but very powerful!!God bless and keep those who are dealing with this 🙏🏾🙏🏾
A group I don’t remember you reacting to yet is 10,000 Maniacs. They have a very powerful song regarding the same topic as this. Another “different view” of the topic. You should definitely check them out, any of their songs but the one I speak of is “What’s The Matter Here”
I grew up in the 80's(something I'm SO thankful for), and I remember hearing this song, and loving this song...but I was at the age where I didn't truly 'get' the meaning behind the song. When I finally 'got it'...the song held so much more meaning to me. It's a sad song, but it's a great song, as this song brought up difficult subjects that you didn't see all that often in 80's music.
"What's the Matter Here" is another great song on the same topic from the 80's. Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs song was very popular on college radio.
Beautiful but heart-breaking song. Thank you for covering it. We all know this goes on, but we need songs like this to explore the subject and not let it slip from our attention. Love from England.
i worked with children while in college. Don't ever look away when you see or notice abuse. it's a sad song but brings awareness. Very much thank you for reacting to it!
I was 25 when this came out in 1987 and it hit so emotionally hard back then and still does now when I am 61. My prayers have always gone to those being maltreated and abused. It can just seem so hopeless sometimes. It is a beautiful song and was very popular and I remember having to tell people to listen to the lyrics. I saw many people burst into tears listening to this song. Including myself.
I haven't cried in a long time, but I have tonight. Love this song, even though it's very sad, we should all be aware & help all that we can. - - Crying warning for all these songs, but I would like to see y'all react to (original videos) -1.Soul Asylum: Runaway Train -2.Pearl Jam: Jeremy -3.The Offspring: The Kids Aren't Alright -4.P.O.D.: Youth of the Nation -5.Pat Benatar: Hell is for Children -6.Linkin Park: Crawling -Thanks
I saw her open for Arlo Guthrie back around 1987. I had never heard of her before. She started out singing Tom’s Diner a cappella, which I’ve always thought was an extremely brave thing to do. Her whole set, which included Luka, was great, and I went and bought her debut album the next day. Not long after, Luka became a hit song. She’s still one of those artists who keeps me company and helps me experience life more fully. A couple of other songs of hers I would recommend are Small Blue Thing, Marlene on the Wall, and Blood Makes Noise, none of which were hits, but all of which are top notch songs. Another song of hers that made it into the Top 40 was Left of Center, which is also an excellent song.
I played her debut album into the ground back in the mid-80s. The whole record is amazing. Sat three feet away from her at a dive bar in Chicago, just her and her guitar, and she blew us all away.
This came out when my step mother was a director of The House of Peace, a domestic violence shelter in Clermont County Ohio. I used to volunteer to go in with her on snow days off at my High school since I knew the kids would not have school either. Jerry Springer went from Mayor of Cincinnati to his own show. It actually started as a serious show and my step mother was on one of the first shows talking about the shelter. This song still brings back those memories.🕊
In my head, Luka had bravery and trust to engage a neighbor, and maybe desperation. The story of the video conveys a city too big to pay attention to its smallest citizens. It's really a story you don't want to hear but Suzanne Vega's talent kept my ears open long enough to get the message on my 5th listen. We didn't have internet when she hit the radio.
I remember this! Very sad song and video. Late '80s alt rock. It was a big hit, deep message. I had friends that went through abuse when I was growing up back in the '80s and early '90s. Hits hard. Vega has more upbeat songs too BTW like "Tom's Diner", more of a hip hop feeling song.
While its beautiful and haunting, the song covers a very serious topic - child abuse. This song gave a loud voice to this serious topic and how it needs attention.
This is a very difficult song and I remember it was a big deal when it came out - it caused a lot of discussion about child abuse. This song and Runaway Train always hit me hard!
Nearly 40 years after I bought the album with this on, I finally got to see Suzanne live last week. Her voice hasn't changed at all. I held it together, until man next to me started blubbing. I lost it 🤣
From memory Suzanne wrote this in the 3rd person, so to protect the actual child that lived in the same building as herself. There is a video of Suzanne Vega explaining about writing the song and all the stuff that it raises.
From the Late 50s thru Mid 70s Child abuse was Considered the Family's Private Problem & For Outsiders it Was None Of Their Business. Child Abuse Was Difficult to Near Impossible to Prosecute thru the Courts. The Instrumental Melody of this Song are Amazing. It's Simple Lyrical Message is Awesome. This song came out in my Early High School Years
Powerful song. Another song in this sort of genre is by Simon and Garfunkel called "Save the Life of My Child". A sad reality for sure, you guys. Nice reaction. Thanks.
Haven’t heard that song in long! Still remember every word. It was about suicide; nothing pointed to abuse. A guess in the song was perhaps he was high. This song, which came out on Bookends, when I was 14 (I was already in love with S&G, this was their 3rd album). I was very creeped out at the end. Not the suicide, but that the crowd cheered. All these decades and I still don’t understand human’s cruelty. And how in a crowd, it can easily escalate. He flew away…. Love many many Suzanne Vega songs. Saw her very early on in her career, and much later, performing with her adult daughter.
@@foxandscout Right. Bookends. There was a spate of reports of people yelling "Jump!" to possible jumpers , at the time. That's, as you say, was what Paul was writing about. Hmm. I was 18 at the time. Now, a buddy of mine from back in the day, look at each other and say, "How terribly strange to be 70", lol.
@@waltw4537 I’ll be saying that in 15 months. I remember thinking “when I’m 64” (Beatles) seemed so impossibly far into the future. Well, we’ve passed that marker. I was in high school when Neil Young’s Old Man was released and post college, a few years into my first job and first apartment, when I reached that marker (24 and there’s so much more). And I so loved Judy Collins’s album Who Knows Where The Time Goes: I was 14 and it was already her 7th album. The song First Boy I Loved, said “…when I was 17…” Well the first boy I loved, and fell for so deep, was when I was 17. He transferred to another college the following term and we continued non-exclusively for a few years, encouraging each other’s new experiences (Ah the early ‘70s). I played that song often for a few years. We are still friends. Funny how lyrics of songs affected us throughout our lives, and our experiences as we grew changed the way we reacted to those beloved songs. I love so many genres and I continue to listen to new artists, but some of the older songs and artists will always have a permanent place in my heart.
Unrelated to this but if you want to be blown away you got to do Dazed and Confused by Zeppelin from song Remains the Same. Remember Stairway live. This is crazier than that for 25 minutes. Yes 25 minutes.
I hope the heavy (but important) subject matter of this song doesn't put you off reacting to more Suzanne Vega songs in the future. She is a very talented singer and musician and the vast majority of her songs are much lighter in tone, although still just as meaningful in other ways.
Two more great songs about this horrible topic (and both can be done on Female Friday) are “Hell is for Children” by Pat Benetar, and “What’s the Matter Here?” by 10,0000 Maniacs, a great band you really need to react to, and Natalie Merchant, both with the group and later solo, is phenomenal!
I'll second 10,000 Maniacs, although if y'all want to start your 10,000 Maniacs journey with something more uplifting, I'll suggest "These are days". They played it at Clinton's inauguration ball in 1993, right after the first family took the stage, and it was as if they wrote it for Chelsea, and sang it to her. I don't care what your politics are; being a 12 year old girl and being thrown into being a global celebrity must have been scary as hell, as well as exciting, and this song was the perfect thing for that moment. (That said, I'd say react to the original music video, not that performance. The studio version of the song is quite a lot better than the live version in performance quality, even though the video is nothing special as a video.)
Her name is pronounced to sound like Diane. This song was so popular and was mentioned in schools by some teachers, to let kids know that it was okay to talk to them about unsafe homes.
When Jay started to realise what the song was about, there were a couple of times when Jay looked over at Amber in such a protective way. We need musicians like Suzanne Vega to shine a light on uncomfortable topics unlike the vapid, commercialised dross that is pumped out today.
The 10,000 Maniacs song What’s the Matter Here is a similar song, from the same year 1987, sung by the wonderful Natalie Merchant. But sounds a little more upbeat. You should do a reaction to that one.
This is not an easy song, but it is an important one and very well executed. For a future female Friday song please consider "Hello" by Walk Off The Earth featuring Myles and Isaac! This is the most unique and clever musical group you have ever seen or heard, so why not give them a try?
I remember when this song came out, too. It was not common back then to have a song about child abuse. Suzanne has such a lovely voice. If you like this one, I have two other recommendations for you: “Tom’s Diner” Suzanne Vega w/ DNA (early 1990s jam) and “Left Of Center” w/ Joe Jackson on piano. The latter is from the “Pretty In Pink” soundtrack and is my favorite song from it.
@@xzonia1 Indeed. It’s also featured in the movie “Untamed Heart” with Marisa Tomei and Christian Slater. That would be a really good movie for Amber and Jay to watch someday.
You two should review Pat Benatar's song 'Hell is for Children'. Thanks for reviewing "Luka", sad story and unfortunately happens more often than it ever should.
Back then in Indonesia, this song was very frequently played in the radio. One of the reason is, Luka, the name of the child and the title of the song, in Indonesian language means wound. And the song happens to be about child abuse. Greetings from Indonesia guys. Glad your channel is growing. Been a subscriber for quite some time.
Suzanne played this song in front of Prince , He was so touched by this song , he wrote a hand written letter to Suzanne saying it was one of the most compelling songs he had ever heard
“Dearest Suzanne, Luka is the most compelling piece of music I’ve heard in a long time. There are no words 2 tell u all the things I feel when I hear it. I thank God 4 u, Prince."
Prince was a true gentleman.
He is missed.
I had no idea about this. Great piece of trivia from the 80s!
@jasoncaldwell5627 not that much of a gentleman.
Thanks for the tidbit, that’s very interesting. Of course, we know Prince himself had an abusive childhood, so it probably hit a chord with him.
Groundbreaking song in heavy rotation back in the day. Kudos to Suzanne Vega for writing such a catchy song about child abuse to bring attention to the matter. No easy task.
Not sure if it's true, but heard she wrote this about a conversation she had with a little boy who lived in her apartment complex.
Groundbreaking? “What’s the matter here” was released the very same year.
Not that Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs can get any love here.
Song about child abuse and youre concerned about Natalie Merchant getting love on a song reaction channel. Priorities in order.
@@sawyer33 This single was released on May 1987 from an album released on April of that same year. The single you mentioned was released sometime in '88 from an album released on July of '87.
Pat Benatar did Hell is for children in 1980, way before this, THAT was groundbreaking
My dad was an alcoholic and drug user. I saw a lot as a kid, and as Amber said, it was constant survival mode. I’m still working through it even as an adult.
Love to all of you out there who survived anything like this 💕
Mine too I'm 50 now and still have ptsd
I’m sorry that happened!! Most of all I hope you know it wasn’t your fault!!!
People do care! Talk about it!! And know you are loved!!
May God Bless you in every way!!!✌️
I have a great therapist my egg donor and her 2 husband physically sexually emotionally abused me from 9 to 17 now they are hiding in another country but I shout it from rooftops so to speak
@@vanessawebster2163 I'm sorry but I always thought the song was about spousal abuse
❤ stay strong ♥️
They only hit until you cry. That line gets me every time
And I always refused to cry. I knew they wanted me to. I still don't cry. Not even when they died.
@@joycemiller7908 They've won.
@@davelister2961 nope. They never did.
I have been told I never cried by my sisters.
@@davelister2961 That was an insensitive comment.
A beautiful song about a difficult subject. Her voice has a child like quality that makes this an even more haunting song.
Very well stated 🙋🏻♀️
I think it’s interesting how the video is shit also, the camera angles make her seem small, almost childlike herself
@@richards8107 The actor who played the young boy in the video played Jackie Aprile Jr in the Sopranos.
One of the most quietly devastating songs ever written.
Good video about her writing it 👌
I was an abused child in the 70s. I’m a man in my mid 50s, and this song still hits me hard. I’m sitting here holding in tears. I can attest to what a lot of others have commented, that little boy is still in me, shying away from confrontation. I feel that fear whenever there’s a conflict around me. This song is beautiful. But, it brings back the feelings.
me too and still to this day refuse to talk to that man, he's in his nineties now and want me in his life now that everyone else is dead, but i still fear him even though he is no threat to me today. he was so cruel i cant forgive him for they way he was until he is dead, maybe.
@Anthony Fisher I hope you can forgive him for the sake of your peace and healing, not for his sake.
cry its good for u
I was abused by my dad. I ended up being bigger than him so he quit missing with me and started attacking my mom. We ended up in a fight and I hurt him really bad. Not bad like going to the hospital but bad like air lifting him to the hospital.
This came out 37 years ago, and back then no one spoke openly about child abuse and domestic violence - it was a taboo topic. The genius of Vega’s songwriting is that she puts out this catchy tune, but slides in a story and topic that would otherwise have never been brought to people’s attention.
She’s a masterful narrative songwriter. I recommend you checkout her song The Queen and the Soldier next.
Was it really so long ago? I recall, through my own survival, this song scared me because I always lived in terror of "outsiders" could know what life was like in my life. Nearing 50 now, and this song still reaches that tortured kid that lives within me. I've tried for years to do the best that I could for him. I hope he can understand.
Oh, God, don't tell me this was that long ago. I thought it was pretty modern at the time. Oh, such is life. Great song to expose Abuse.
After all these years this song still hits hard. Thanks for choosing this one today.
When I learned the words to this song …it was all over! Waterfalls… tears for days! Being a teacher I’ve gotten to know a few Luka- like kiddos! Not a good thing for me! I was always there to help though!
I know the 80s are remembered for the bright colors, synth music, wild hair and makeup, etc. But those us who grew up during the 80s remember it also for "outing" taboos that were serious problems in our world. Child abuse, date rape/victim blaming, drug and alcohol addiction, government oppression, etc.--we broke down a lot of closed doors and opened the door for future generations to do the same. Luka's a good example of that; it NEVER would have gotten airplay ten years earlier, but in 1987, it was in heavy rotation. Keep that door open!
In February 1987 I into minor trouble for singing this song to make my buddies laugh when we were on a field training deployment. I changed some of the words around to lampoon one of our sergeants. This song will always remind me of getting yelled at for being a “god damned clown”.
The one major change with Gen X is ability to acknowledge when things truly suck. My boomer mother still wants to hide away anything negative. For her, if we don't talk about it, it's not real.
Janie's Got A Gun dealt with SA.
Martika - child soldiers!
For anyone who has survived a childhood of abuse this song runs deep. Regardless of how many years go by, that damaged child still lives inside us. Hugs to anyone who, like me, knows the long term effects and the constant work to repair ourselves ~
Yes. And there are many kinds of abuse. This song focuses on physical abuse and that’s enough for social services to get involved, but we don’t talk enough about emotional abuse.
@@shannonn9575agree. Emotional abuse can be more difficult to detect as physical abuse will likely reveal itself more readily.
remember a song from the late 80s by a little girl Shannon Batts her song Dear Mr Jesus... about a girl that was abused by her mum... her is the ideo link just on it czcams.com/video/quG-Q7iKfn0/video.html
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️ to you ,,I hope you're doing okay. My love to anyone else for whom child abuse was part of their life. Remember ... There's never an excuse for abuse !
@@brucedillinger9448 physical abuse is always combined with emotional abuse. Like the narrator in the song reveals, the abuser makes the abused feel as if they’re responsible for the abuse. If they’d behaved differently or were a different person none of the abuse would happen. In order to get a child to believe those lies, they make them feel worthless through words. It’s also a way to ensure they keep silent about what’s happening behind closed doors. Trying to overcome the damage physical abuse has done to a person is really all about dealing mainly with the emotional abuse that went along with the physical abuse. But if what you’re saying is that only experiencing emotional abuse can be just as damaging as being from a home where physical abuse has occurred, than I agree.
Pat Benetar's "Hell is for Children" is another powerful song about this sad topic. The lyrics are equally gut-wrenching.
Been waiting for Amber to pick that for female Friday!
I really hope they react to this Pat Benatar song.
Suzanne is an amazing songwriter and singer. She is also very kind and considerate.
A child should never have to go through that kind of pain, Like always Jay and Amber your loving kindness shines through 🌞
In true folk song tradition, Suzanne Vega doesn't shy from hard topics. Still an amazing song!
I could see Amber holding back tears & the unease Jay’s face.
About a year before this song came out a Canadian rock group called The Payolas released a song about child abuse called, “Where Is This Love?” which is every bit as heart wrenching.
Don't forget Aerosmith's "Janie's got a gun" and Babyface' "How come, how long?"
Payolas’ song is great.
This song is so heavy, but so beautiful, and so honest.
How many of us have been Luka?
How many of us know a Luka?
This song needed to be written, as sad as it is. A reminder to NOT look away or turn a blind eye.
As a teen this song brought my attention to child abuse. I really have empathy for anyone that has had to go thru this. Fortunately as a kid I didn't have to deal with this but this really hit hard. Opened my eyes to look around and help anywhere I could....kind smile, listen....
Same here with the song "What's the Matter Here" by Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs 🥰
I remember when this came out and learning this song with an acoustic guitar. It sticks with you forever. As an abuse survivor as an adult, looking back on this song is even more painful and haunting. Fair that you were warned and heeded it.
You are a beautiful person, Amber. I grew up with this song, but it’s never been harder to listen to than while watching your face and the heartbreak written on it. Bless you, dear. The world would be better if there were more people like you! ❤
Suzanne Vega's soft conversational voice gives this song and video impact. She's telling a story without being loud.
Yes it’s super sad but it did wonders for raising awareness about abuse back in the 80s. So in that sense, it has a positive aspect. Also, despite the crushing subject matter it’s a musically beautiful song.
Same for "What's the Matter Here" by Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs. More upbeat tempo and serious subject. Definitely helped to raise awareness.
Perfectly stated!
@@juliewhite7469 Oh yes, can't forget that song. It was fantastic! Different feel from "Luka," but brought attention to the same topic through great music. No small thing.
I loved this song my whole life always gave me a reminder to have compassion
I remember her performing this many years ago as an acoustic ballad. Prince was in the audience and gave her a standing ovation.
Just want to say thanks to you guys, I survived some of the rough spots in life lately. You both have a very great amount of positive energy! Keep it going!
Beautiful song, but so, so sad. I can relate to it. Blessings to all of you out there that know first hand what she's singing about! 💙💜💙
I come from a peaceful and loving family. There was a kid at my school who was very quiet and withdrawn. He would sometimes come into school with bruises on his face and arms and say that he fell off his skateboard. I knew he didn't have a skateboard. All the other kids would call him weirdo, but I knew there was something more to this kid. I became his only school friend and a lot of my friends abandoned me as a result. I would bring him back to my house after school sometimes and my parents would feed him. It was the only time he ever smiled or laughed. One day he confessed to me that his dad would beat his mum and and him. I told my dad and he went around to the kids house and nearly beat the guy to death. The guy moved out after that and was found 6 months later floating in a canel. Apparently he beat up another woman and someone had tied him to a concrete block and thrown him off a bridge. So this song really hits me hard and makes me cry, but it's so amazing. Thank you guys. ✌️❤️🇬🇧
The simplicity of this song added with the content of the writing is what makes this song so strong.
Solitude Standing is a song that needs a listen. Suzanne Vega writes wonders.
My favorite song by her.
My Mom and I were abused by my Dad. She was usually beaten, to protect me, once bad enough to be hospitalized. My Dad was a veteran of Vietnam and had major PTSD issues as well as bipolar disorder and manic depression. I never knew what would set him off or when, but eventually you become numb. You get punched in the nose enough times or beaten enough times, you build up defensive walls that last for years. When I was 18, my dad was killed by a drunk driver while he was coming home from work. The one thing I remember most about that day, was turning my head and laughing silently when I found out. How evil is that? I actually laughed. I laughed because I felt relief. But it was a long time before I could forgive myself for that reaction. I was in my 40's before I came to grips with the trauma of my youth. I was hiking alone and just started to cry out, "Dad, I forgive you! I'm sorry you had to endure Vietnam! I'm sorry you had no medications available to help you cope and adjust! I'm sorry PTSD wasn't taken seriously while you were here! I'm sorry that violence was your answer to everything. I forgive you! You had no right, to do what you did, no right! But I cannot carry this burden anymore and I forgive you!" And then I just fell to my knees and wept. I wept for almost an hour. It was one of the most freeing moments of my life. There is such freedom in forgiveness, even if you don't think they deserve it. I'm 56 now, and I remember my Dad with love instead of hate. I focus on the good times, which there were occasionally, instead of the bad. I got married at 45, had my first child at 46 and my second at 50. It took a long time for me to trust that I wouldn't be "him" as a husband and a father. I wish I hadn't waited so long, I love my wife and kids. They are the joy of my life. I know this was long, but if there's anyone out there who wonders if you can ever get over the trauma of child abuse, if you can ever bring yourself to forgive your abuser, the answer is yes. And I promise, the freedom it will bring your soul will be overwhelming.
This song always hits me hard. Growing up, I lived that life.
I'm sorry you had to go through that.
I can relate to that - sam ehappened to me.
I've heard of Suzanne Vega, but never listened to any of her music. I teared up with this one.
Glad you waited...this song is rough but one that has to be heard. Sending love to all Lukas 🫂
I love you guys for doing songs like this and speaking on them honestly.
Vega was always playing in my house for months when her first album came out. The upbeat music makes the words even more poignant, as if shes showing us how this abuse is played down in the mind. Every song is good. She took a lot of inspiration from kate bush too.
Sometime, we really don't realise just how lucky some of us are. 😪❤
Every1 of you will live his own "Luka".
She is touring now.
Recommending Left of Center from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack and The Queen and the Soldier from her debut self-titled album. The first a rare upbeat song from her; the second, a narrative tale, literally about a queen and a soldier.
Great songs
Yup. Just saw her Thursday night in Cambridge UK. She still sounds great.
"Left of Center" is probably my favorite song of hers. It has sort of a mysterious vibe that's unique.
@@Johnny_Socko I was always partial to "Undertow." Lover her music.
A song that reminds me of "every breath you take" by the police. Something serious and dark wrapped in beautiful melodies. A classic.
A great song, good times, i love so much this song.
I figured this may have been a rough one for you guys- at the time, however, this was an eye-opener, and a perfect encapsulation of kids growing up in the mid 80s, a generation essentially thrown to the wolves. Through the song, though, comes a sense of community, and an assurance that you are not alone.
This song spoke to a LOT of us. (The line "walked into the door again" still stings- I had friends who used that excuse when they came to school with marks on them.)
The music is beautiful in this song, but the lyrics tear at your heart.
I miss artists with this level of creativity ability and ability to make real songs that really pull on your emotions.
It's time to flip off the radio and branch out - there are hundreds of great artists creating great music with incredibly difficult subject matter. Looking forward to them reacting to Hi Ren....
@@MattMuirhead It’s so true! Real, important music still exists. You just have to know where to find it. I’m lucky enough to live within range of an amazing independent radio station that plays some incredible music form young artists. Radio Woodstock WDST.
@@bsilvers1037 Still , it's kind of sad that we have to search for good music. In your case you live by a good indie station. I live by several. However there was a time when good music was often on mainstream radio. I miss those days.
Just in case you want a few suggestions...
"And We Run" from Within Temptation feat. Xzibit (more for the message, but still...)
"The Voice of My Father" (or, if you should know Finnish, "Isäni ääni") from Marko Hietala
"Christmas Truce" by Sabaton (about one of the most incredible moments that happened during WWI)
...and for one of the biggest elephants in the room, Floor Jansen performing pretty much anything, but especially...
"Dead Boy's Poem" by Nightwish (I'd recommend the live performance from Buenos Aires)
"Shallow" and "Mama" (okay, covers from Lady Gaga resp. Samantha Steenwijk, the blonde woman in the video on the channel AVROTROS, but as they say, don't let Floor Jansen cover your songs, yours will only be second best from then on 😋)
Seriously, if you get through this list and aren't somewhat of an emotional wreck, I question your humanity 😜
I LOVE that Suzanne wrote this song and that it was so well received. Because it's a subject that must be dealt with. But I HATE that she had to write it all. No one deserves abuse. And children certainly don't deserve it...ever!
Luka from Suzanne Vega is such a beautiful song. Great reaction🆒🆒👍👍
Very deep and sad song and Susan Vega needs a hug.
This song brings tears every time. Love yalls genuine reaction.
I only heard this song once, 30 some odd years ago. Ive never forgotten it. Its stayed with me this long
I love this song. I love the words. I remember when this came out and the video it took me a minute before I got what she was saying but very powerful!!God bless and keep those who are dealing with this 🙏🏾🙏🏾
A group I don’t remember you reacting to yet is 10,000 Maniacs. They have a very powerful song regarding the same topic as this. Another “different view” of the topic. You should definitely check them out, any of their songs but the one I speak of is “What’s The Matter Here”
I agree. It’s a beautiful song.
Natalie Merchant is another great voice of that era. Great suggestion.
Such a deep song. Surprised you guys got around to it!
You guys are so beautiful. I'm glad this touched you. Such a heartbreaking song. x
This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I remember working at A&M & getting the advance tape of this in 1986 ish, ….. still hits as hard as it did the first time.
Amazing song.......God Bless Everyone in 2023...xx
I grew up in the 80's(something I'm SO thankful for), and I remember hearing this song, and loving this song...but I was at the age where I didn't truly 'get' the meaning behind the song. When I finally 'got it'...the song held so much more meaning to me. It's a sad song, but it's a great song, as this song brought up difficult subjects that you didn't see all that often in 80's music.
"What's the Matter Here" is another great song on the same topic from the 80's. Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs song was very popular on college radio.
Pat Benatar recorded Hell in For Children to bring attention to child abuse too.
The 80s had a lot of songs with a pleasant sound and a serious background. Just think about "Another Day in Paradise - Phil Collins"
This is going to crush them.😢❤️
Yes A very sad, disturbing song.
Beautiful but heart-breaking song. Thank you for covering it. We all know this goes on, but we need songs like this to explore the subject and not let it slip from our attention.
Love from England.
I taught an early childhood class for a community college about preventing child abuse and we started the semester with this one.
i worked with children while in college. Don't ever look away when you see or notice abuse. it's a sad song but brings awareness. Very much thank you for reacting to it!
I was 25 when this came out in 1987 and it hit so emotionally hard back then and still does now when I am 61. My prayers have always gone to those being maltreated and abused. It can just seem so hopeless sometimes. It is a beautiful song and was very popular and I remember having to tell people to listen to the lyrics. I saw many people burst into tears listening to this song. Including myself.
I haven't cried in a long time, but I have tonight. Love this song, even though it's very sad, we should all be aware & help all that we can. - - Crying warning for all these songs, but I would like to see y'all react to (original videos) -1.Soul Asylum: Runaway Train -2.Pearl Jam: Jeremy -3.The Offspring: The Kids Aren't Alright -4.P.O.D.: Youth of the Nation -5.Pat Benatar: Hell is for Children -6.Linkin Park: Crawling -Thanks
Korn- Crawling Away From me, and Daddy.
@@gwendolenyoung4198 I love Korn -but I'm not sure they could handle hearing Daddy
My favourite song from Suzanne Vega. I used to sing it in karaoke with friends. Thanks for this. Happy Weekend to you guys
Suzanne Vega is an under appreciated performer and writer, love heer❤
I saw her open for Arlo Guthrie back around 1987. I had never heard of her before. She started out singing Tom’s Diner a cappella, which I’ve always thought was an extremely brave thing to do. Her whole set, which included Luka, was great, and I went and bought her debut album the next day. Not long after, Luka became a hit song. She’s still one of those artists who keeps me company and helps me experience life more fully.
A couple of other songs of hers I would recommend are Small Blue Thing, Marlene on the Wall, and Blood Makes Noise, none of which were hits, but all of which are top notch songs. Another song of hers that made it into the Top 40 was Left of Center, which is also an excellent song.
What a beautiful but haunting song. In your face and very emotional. If this does not touch your heart, then nothing does!
I played her debut album into the ground back in the mid-80s. The whole record is amazing. Sat three feet away from her at a dive bar in Chicago, just her and her guitar, and she blew us all away.
This came out when my step mother was a director of The House of Peace, a domestic violence shelter in Clermont County Ohio. I used to volunteer to go in with her on snow days off at my High school since I knew the kids would not have school either. Jerry Springer went from Mayor of Cincinnati to his own show. It actually started as a serious show and my step mother was on one of the first shows talking about the shelter. This song still brings back those memories.🕊
I worked at the clermont recovery center which was by the shelter I believe
Jerry's show was great when he first started...hate how it deteriorated.
In my head, Luka had bravery and trust to engage a neighbor, and maybe desperation. The story of the video conveys a city too big to pay attention to its smallest citizens. It's really a story you don't want to hear but Suzanne Vega's talent kept my ears open long enough to get the message on my 5th listen. We didn't have internet when she hit the radio.
I agree with you. I think Luka was reaching out, testing the water to see if he could trust this person with his secret.
I remember this! Very sad song and video. Late '80s alt rock. It was a big hit, deep message.
I had friends that went through abuse when I was growing up back in the '80s and early '90s. Hits hard.
Vega has more upbeat songs too BTW like "Tom's Diner", more of a hip hop feeling song.
Excellent review people - you got the the theme of the song. A tough song but very elegently arranged and produced. A powerful message, a great song.
While its beautiful and haunting, the song covers a very serious topic - child abuse. This song gave a loud voice to this serious topic and how it needs attention.
This is a very difficult song and I remember it was a big deal when it came out - it caused a lot of discussion about child abuse. This song and Runaway Train always hit me hard!
The upbeat tempo makes it more "palatable" but she did an acoustic version of this - just her and the guitar - and it's just heartbreaking.
Nearly 40 years after I bought the album with this on, I finally got to see Suzanne live last week. Her voice hasn't changed at all. I held it together, until man next to me started blubbing. I lost it 🤣
*Pat Benatar - "Hell is For Children" is one I hope you two check out. It's along the same lines and haunting the way Pat sings it.*
This song haunted me as a kid. But I understood that it was purposely unsettling. And that’s why I’ve always liked it.
This is a powerful song, a sad subject and she has great voice.
One of the great old unique voices and songs!
And you don't need to be hormonal for it to break you, but of course it doesn't help.....
I can relate to this song, my dad died in 94 and I still haven't forgiving him. I don't know why but I acted like it wasn't happening
I remember crying when I heard this as a kid. Suzanne Vega is such a great musician. Her Retrospective album is absolutely amazing ❤
From memory Suzanne wrote this in the 3rd person, so to protect the actual child that lived in the same building as herself. There is a video of Suzanne Vega explaining about writing the song and all the stuff that it raises.
From the Late 50s thru Mid 70s Child abuse was Considered the Family's Private Problem & For Outsiders it Was None Of Their Business. Child Abuse Was Difficult to Near Impossible to Prosecute thru the Courts. The Instrumental Melody of this Song are Amazing. It's Simple Lyrical Message is Awesome. This song came out in my Early High School Years
Damn! Between Glory and this song you guys are tackling some seriously tough subject matter.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing!
Female Friday Suggestion---
Joan Osborne - “One Of Us”.
Beautiful, meaningful song and it was written by PRINCE!
Check it out.
Powerful song. Another song in this sort of genre is by Simon and Garfunkel called "Save the Life of My Child". A sad reality for sure, you guys. Nice reaction. Thanks.
Haven’t heard that song in long! Still remember every word. It was about suicide; nothing pointed to abuse. A guess in the song was perhaps he was high.
This song, which came out on Bookends, when I was 14 (I was already in love with S&G, this was their 3rd album). I was very creeped out at the end. Not the suicide, but that the crowd cheered. All these decades and I still don’t understand human’s cruelty. And how in a crowd, it can easily escalate.
He flew away….
Love many many Suzanne Vega songs. Saw her very early on in her career, and much later, performing with her adult daughter.
@@foxandscout Right. Bookends. There was a spate of reports of people yelling "Jump!" to possible jumpers , at the time. That's, as you say, was what Paul was writing about. Hmm. I was 18 at the time. Now, a buddy of mine from back in the day, look at each other and say, "How terribly strange to be 70", lol.
@@waltw4537 I’ll be saying that in 15 months. I remember thinking “when I’m 64” (Beatles) seemed so impossibly far into the future. Well, we’ve passed that marker. I was in high school when Neil Young’s Old Man was released and post college, a few years into my first job and first apartment, when I reached that marker (24 and there’s so much more). And I so loved Judy Collins’s album Who Knows Where The Time Goes: I was 14 and it was already her 7th album. The song First Boy I Loved, said “…when I was 17…” Well the first boy I loved, and fell for so deep, was when I was 17. He transferred to another college the following term and we continued non-exclusively for a few years, encouraging each other’s new experiences (Ah the early ‘70s). I played that song often for a few years. We are still friends. Funny how lyrics of songs affected us throughout our lives, and our experiences as we grew changed the way we reacted to those beloved songs. I love so many genres and I continue to listen to new artists, but some of the older songs and artists will always have a permanent place in my heart.
Unrelated to this but if you want to be blown away you got to do Dazed and Confused by Zeppelin from song Remains the Same. Remember Stairway live. This is crazier than that for 25 minutes. Yes 25 minutes.
I hope the heavy (but important) subject matter of this song doesn't put you off reacting to more Suzanne Vega songs in the future. She is a very talented singer and musician and the vast majority of her songs are much lighter in tone, although still just as meaningful in other ways.
Two more great songs about this horrible topic (and both can be done on Female Friday) are “Hell is for Children” by Pat Benetar, and “What’s the Matter Here?” by 10,0000 Maniacs, a great band you really need to react to, and Natalie Merchant, both with the group and later solo, is phenomenal!
Both are fantastic -
I'll second 10,000 Maniacs, although if y'all want to start your 10,000 Maniacs journey with something more uplifting, I'll suggest "These are days". They played it at Clinton's inauguration ball in 1993, right after the first family took the stage, and it was as if they wrote it for Chelsea, and sang it to her. I don't care what your politics are; being a 12 year old girl and being thrown into being a global celebrity must have been scary as hell, as well as exciting, and this song was the perfect thing for that moment. (That said, I'd say react to the original music video, not that performance. The studio version of the song is quite a lot better than the live version in performance quality, even though the video is nothing special as a video.)
Her name is pronounced to sound like Diane.
This song was so popular and was mentioned in schools by some teachers, to let kids know that it was okay to talk to them about unsafe homes.
"Sooze-Ann" is how I conveyed it to them.
@@greglegakis4177
I started to hyphenate as "Sues-Ann", but thought they might pronounce it with the break in-between like I typed it.
When Jay started to realise what the song was about, there were a couple of times when Jay looked over at Amber in such a protective way.
We need musicians like Suzanne Vega to shine a light on uncomfortable topics unlike the vapid, commercialised dross that is pumped out today.
The 10,000 Maniacs song What’s the Matter Here is a similar song, from the same year 1987, sung by the wonderful Natalie Merchant. But sounds a little more upbeat. You should do a reaction to that one.
Came here to suggest the same. Great song 🥰
Lived it, my dad drank.
Same for me. Even all these years later, it’s not easy.
Mine too. Traumatized for life. I’m sorry.❤
This is not an easy song, but it is an important one and very well executed. For a future female Friday song please consider "Hello" by Walk Off The Earth featuring Myles and Isaac! This is the most unique and clever musical group you have ever seen or heard, so why not give them a try?
I remember when this song came out, too. It was not common back then to have a song about child abuse. Suzanne has such a lovely voice. If you like this one, I have two other recommendations for you: “Tom’s Diner” Suzanne Vega w/ DNA (early 1990s jam) and “Left Of Center” w/ Joe Jackson on piano. The latter is from the “Pretty In Pink” soundtrack and is my favorite song from it.
Tom’s Diner is fantastic! I love that song so much ❤❤❤
@@xzonia1 Indeed. It’s also featured in the movie “Untamed Heart” with Marisa Tomei and Christian Slater. That would be a really good movie for Amber and Jay to watch someday.
You two should review Pat Benatar's song 'Hell is for Children'. Thanks for reviewing "Luka", sad story and unfortunately happens more often than it ever should.
Pat Benatar's He'll is for Children is also about child abuse. At that time people did not speak of "it."
Similar theme but also very good song is What’s the Matter Here - 10,000 Maniacs.
Uncomfortable and sad listen, but beautifully crafted song.
To all of us Gen X’ers who grew up in an abusive home, this song was our anthem.
Back then in Indonesia, this song was very frequently played in the radio. One of the reason is, Luka, the name of the child and the title of the song, in Indonesian language means wound. And the song happens to be about child abuse. Greetings from Indonesia guys. Glad your channel is growing. Been a subscriber for quite some time.