Luka

Suzanne Vega

About Luka

"Luka" is a song written and recorded by Suzanne Vega, released as a single in 1987. It remains her highest-charting hit in the United States, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Worldwide, the song charted the highest in Poland and Sweden, peaking at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, and reached the top 10 in Austria, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Shawn Colvin sings background vocals on the record."Luka" earned Vega nominations at the 1988 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Vega also recorded a Spanish-language version of the song, included on the single release. 


Year:
1996
3:52
976 
#2

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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
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
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

And they only hit until you cry
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

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Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Nadine Vega (born July 11, 1959) is an American songwriter and singer known for her eclectic folk-inspired music. more »

5 fans

Written by: Suzanne Vega

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition and Rhythm
"Luka" is written in the key of E-flat Major with a tempo of approximately 180 beats per minute. The song combines elements of folk-pop and has a melodic, catchy chorus, making it easy for listeners to remember and relate to.
Lyrics and Theme
"Luka" deals with the issue of child abuse. Suzanne Vega wrote the song from a child's perspective, aiming at encouraging the public to end this societal evil. The name 'Luka' was inspired by a real boy who lived in Vega's building, although she later clarified that the boy was not a victim of abuse.
Chart Performance
Released in 1987, "Luka" successfully climbed to No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was Vega's highest-charting single. It hit the top of the charts in several other countries such as New Zealand, Canada, and Poland.
Critical Reception
The song received considerable critical acclaim for its topicality and Vega's sensitive handling of a dark subject. Many reviewers appreciated Vega's soft-spoken vocal style that echoed the innocence of the song's protagonist, Luka.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1988, "Luka" earned Vega nominations for three Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. While it didn't win, the nominations solidified Vega's place on the global music stage.
Impact on Society
"Luka" spurred many discussions about child abuse and helped bring this critical issue to light. It remains one of the few pop songs to engage directly with this topic, ensuring its importance in the history of socially conscious music.
Cover Versions
"Luka" has been covered by various artists worldwide, contributing to the song's relevance and longevity. Artists from different genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and even punk, have made their own renditions of the song.
Music Video
Vega's music video for "Luka" featured actor Jason Cerbone, who later went on to star in the hit TV series “The Sopranos.” The video was nominated for the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 1988.
Album Release
The song "Luka" features in Vega's second studio album 'Solitude Standing,' which was released in 1987. The album was Vega's most commercially successful release and garnered positive reviews from music critics.
Enduring Presence
Despite being released over three decades ago, "Luka" continues to be a popular song and is widely recognized for its haunting melody and poignant storytelling. Vega often performs it at her live shows, revealing the song's enduring appeal.

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    Luka

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #3


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