I woke up with this song in my head. Literally a propos of nothing. As usual. There are worse things to have living rent-free in one’s brain than the music of Suzanne Vega, though, especially the tracks from Nine Objects of Desire, which might be her best album? Maybe? I do love it so.
Also, fun trivia fact for you Pulp Fiction fans: Vincent Vega is Suzanne Vega’s cousin. And fun fact for you Ani diFranco fans: her song “Napoleon” is about Suzanne Vega.
Cheers!
This is an exceptionally good album for listening to as you drive across the country, particularly between Houston and Los Angeles. This song always reminds me of the late morning sun on the path down I-10 through west Texas into New Mexico and finally Arizona, the light subdued by the mountains.
I have no idea why “The Queen and the Solider” by Suzanne Vega is stuck in my head this morning, but please, share it with me. This is lauded as one of her most popular old songs, even though I don’t think it ever had a wide reception. (This particular concert clip has a bonus track afterward of “World Before Columbus.”)
And look, I like Suzanne Vega. A lot. Her music is really enjoyable. I don’t think she has the lyric genius or musical complexity of, say, Ani diFranco, but wow, I will almost never turn down Vega’s music in exchange for something else. It’s fun to listen to, makes an excellent soundtrack for driving across the desert southwest, and even works well as background music. It’s just good stuff.
Opinions on what the main theme of this song is are varied. What do you think it is? Leave your idea in the comments below.
Anyway, this one is stuck in my head. Maybe it’s because I’m finishing up edits on a novel in which a very young queen contends with power dynamics and struggles of agency and sovereignty in her relationships. Maybe it’s because I love Johansen’s Tearling trilogy, and this song reminds me of those books. No idea. But here, enjoy.
In honor of its being Columbus Day here in the States — or rather, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or even Columbus-Was-A-D-bag Day (I know, I know, tomato, tomahto) — I thought I’d post Suzanne Vega’s song “World Before Columbus” for today’s earworm. But seeing as how it contains some questionable lyrics, I’m instead going to post one of her other songs which I love. Enjoy!
And if you’re in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you’re having a wonderful time. It’s probably snowing there, and I’m jealous. I have to admit, though, the idea of having Thanksgiving before Hallowe’en might just be a cultural bridge too far for me to handle. I guess I’ll keep living here for now, at least to see how the midterms pan out.
Wish us luck…
Sappho's Torque 