Prince wrote Suzanne a thank you note for this song. She posted it on twitter when he died.

This is my song, I was Luka growing up, as soon as I was old enough I left home and moved out, it took me years to get over the mental and physical abuse.

@monacaravetta

2 жыл бұрын

Me too, Adam. This album was very therapeutic for me at the time as a young adult.

@monacaravetta

2 жыл бұрын

I hope life is better for you. Peace and love.

@merryklascius584

Жыл бұрын

❤

@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.

Жыл бұрын

@@monacaravetta I'm sorry to hear that you suffered too. Yes, I've recovered well, and I am happy now.

@danpals7678

Жыл бұрын

So sorry! My parents were perfect but I didn't know until I went off to college and met all these people that had through so much abuse. I'm old now and I wish I didn't know what I do now!

I'm crying with you babe.

I was Luka too for all my childhood I hate my mother for a long time but now I’m happy with my life and I’m a good person.

I went to see Suzanne in concert last night. Almost 40 years since this came out, and she still sounds amazing. Yes, I blubbed like a child.

"I guess I'd like to be alone, with nothing broken, nothing thrown." Breaks my heart every time.

It's a rough song, I almost didn't want to watch your reaction because its so painful. When I was a kid I'd see other kids Dads and I would wonder what their angry face looked like. My Dad had a happy, jovial persona for his boss and our inlaws, for the outside world he was a great guy.... At home he was angry and belligerent, furled by alcohol and unresolved issues. I really appreciate this song, it reminds me that I survived and that the more we talk about child abuse and domestic violence, the closer we are to a solution. Love you Queen, even for the sad songs, there's nobody I'd rather have a good sob with.

@danlefou

Жыл бұрын

My experience exactly.

@scottcortmeister4164

Жыл бұрын

@@danlefou I hear you, and I thank you for the comment. I try to remind myself that I'm not alone, that surviving my abusers and a life well lived, are the best revenge.

@skylinerunner1695

Жыл бұрын

Got you, brother.

@damianbrink5081

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry for you. Hopefully you're fine now

@scottcortmeister4164

Жыл бұрын

@@damianbrink5081 I'm fine now, thanks for asking. You know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

This was a song that really stuck with me. So well crafted. And so real. She captures the depression and the loss of hope in this kid so well.

Back when songs often had very meaningful lyrics. Love this song

This song always brings it back. ‘They only hit until you cry’ with us, he would hit until you forced yourself to be silent.

@5of9

2 жыл бұрын

For some, it's about not giving them the satisfaction of making us cry. Perhaps that is deception on the thinker, but a false presentation of having some power. "I will not show them that they have won by crying." Yet at times there was an expense for not yielding or complying.

Sincerely KSO.......thank you for your beautiful reaction to this amazing song!! I was about 16 when this song came out..I just turned 50 in January and it makes me cry hearing this song still to this day after all these years. Suzanne Vega herself needs to witness and see your amazing reaction to her song!!!!! I have so many tears in my eyes I can hardly type this out!!!! You totally understood the concept of the song right away and your emotions showed that you knew this was a very personal and deep storytelling. This song was played on the radio when I was 16....I just turned 50 in January......I have been a devoted fan of Suzanne Vega......and this song always stands out as not only one of her most memorable songs back in the 80's.....but such an important song with its gut wrenching emotional story........that poor boy.........what he had to go through and have to try and hide it from everyone around him. How scared he must have been to tell what was happening rather than internalize it! Your reaction to this song made me cry for all the right reasons. I hope everyone else who sees this gets a dose of how real this problem is and how it truly creates an impact on lives!

@SincerelyK.S.O.

Жыл бұрын

Happy 50th Luv, wishing you many more years of joy and peace

Yeah, my eyes are wet too. It’s a tough song to listen to. You’ve got a good heart. ❤️

I keep coming back to you. We cried together . What a beautiful but haunting song . I love that you open yourself up to us. I love you❤ i love your love of God. I love your kindness. Love your heart.

I exactly knew how your reaction would b as soon as i saw which song u were going to react to. It's a punch in the stomach. I saw her in 1990 at a small club downtown Athens, she kept us on our toes for almost 2 hours just her and her guitar!!!

@skylinerunner1695

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like an amazing show, I'm glad for you

Yours is the best reaction. It wasn’t until the You Tube age that it brought me to tears when I saw the lyrics . Yes the melody is beautiful and upbeat giving the song irony along with the sadness.

When I was a child, I just figured every kid went through the same thing that was happening to me. This changed once I figured out I was constantly switching schools but my family never moved. I put up with mother doing this until I was 16. If you have to ask, “Why doesn’t she love me?” it might be time to tell someone. After mother died, several people told my wife about the life I went through as a child. They all said nor did anything. I’m a stronger man and better parent because I know everything not to do. I cry each time I hear this song. I grew up in the 80s. When this song hit, I wouldn’t listen to it in the company of anyone else. I’m crying right now. Men don’t cry, right?

@timothydugas3066

9 ай бұрын

You survived it my brother, now you have children of your own. You can teach them to be kind and to treat others like you want to be treated. Thank you so much for sharing. The shortest scripture in the Bible is John 11:35 Jesus wept. If the Savior of the world can cry, who are we not to. God Bless!

@Carrie-so3ro

Ай бұрын

@@timothydugas3066 What a PERFECT answer. I back up what you say here 100%.

@Carrie-so3ro

Ай бұрын

Yes, they DO cry. It is just that males are told this - that they TRY not to cry, OR they don't do it IN FRONT of others. Take care - & cry to let it out if/when you need. If others don't understand, then you can explain it to them or ignore them on it. You ARE allowed to cry.

A very sad song, indeed. It saddens me to think about how many children suffer through this existence. I knew this song would make you cry. Go react to a happy song now, you need it!😊

This song touches me so much. Your reaction was perfect.

When I saw the title, I knew how this would go. This was my song when it came out. I was an emotional and legal Luka. I was very tender hearted as a child. I was easily hurt by the things people said, even if it wasn’t their intention. Then there was my third grade teacher. She didn’t like me for some reason, and I became her target. It was legal to paddle children in our state. I was living with my grandmother, while my mom was working up north preparing to be able to send for me. I could do nothing right in the teachers eyes, even if it was the same thing her favorite students were doing. I got paddled often for things I didn’t do, and things she allowed others to do. I was afraid to tell my mom, or any of my family for that matter. They were protective of me, because they knew how I was. We had a family rule, that if you fought one of us, you had to fight all of us. For the most part it kept other kids from picking on use. With a rule like that, I didn’t know how it would be with the adults in the family. I didn’t tell tell after the last day of school that year. I found out the teachers dad was a pastor, and my grandmother’s church was going to visit his. That was the only person I was willing to tell,when it was going on. Unfortunately I got sick and my grandmother wouldn’t let me go. So, I waited till, after the last day, then moved states. I was a teenager when the song came out, so annexed all that.

@garyarnett1220

2 жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear you went through that.

@klb9142

2 жыл бұрын

@@garyarnett1220 Thank you! When it was all said and done, the fact that she taught us nothing turned out to be the greatest harm. She lived in the teacher’s lounge. I had to play catch-up, doubt I was the only one. My next teacher was just as bad. But my classmates told on him to my mother, she dealt with him. She hid in the cloakroom and listened to the class, without either of us knowing. As a student I wasn’t his only target. That day he made the mistake of throwing a book at me. My mother came rushing out of the cloakroom, picked up the book and threw it right back at him. Told him she better not hear of him mistreating any of his students anymore, because a thrown book would be the least of his worries. Other teachers heard the commotion going on and came rushing in. My mother told them what happened, they and my mother took it to the principal, and he was fired. The next year I had one of the greatest teachers on the planet, Miss Frantzke. Great teacher, and believed me when I defended myself from other students. Boys can be stupid at times. Hung one up in his coat cubicle in the cloakroom. I was so scared I was going to get in trouble. When she found out what he did he got in trouble. I don’t remember what trouble, but he was sent to the office. That was a big deal to me back then. A few of my paddling came from the principal, by way of recommendation from the teacher previously. The thing is, that if I had actually done something wrong the paddling wouldn’t have hurt my feelings so much. Not being good hurt my feelings, because I wanted to be good. I liked being good.

@5of9

2 жыл бұрын

@@klb9142 I am glad that you had a mother that cared, can only imagine what that is like because of my sister that held me when mother wouldn't. Best wishes as you walk your path.

@goatbut29

Жыл бұрын

I had to check that i had not wrote that myself. Was the state Kentucky? What happened to me in shop class was legendary until no one dared mention it to me. Broken. Many years ago. I so hope you've found peace. I've been blessed with nothing but loss of live's I helped create and those I loved. I don't know what to do. Hoping better for others like me.

@Carrie-so3ro

Ай бұрын

@@goatbut29 You will find a happier, more peaceful time. I just feel it/know it. (Look at where the problems are & then slowly look at a range of solutions - & try them one by one. You will get there. Even if you don't know of a solution - let that out - & a solution will come. It may take a little time but it's going to happen for you. I know it.) 💞

Suzanne Vega is such a talented musician/storyteller. She truly gets into the soul of an abused child. Tom's Diner is another great song, but on a much lighter note.

So many people have lived through this. Leaves terrible scars.

In the summer of 1987, this song played on the radio CONSTANTLY!

@scooterdooter

3 ай бұрын

Learning before the internet was different back then

You are a beautiful person...the world needs more of you

I was exactly like the child in the song, presenting an upbeat face to the world, hiding my bruises and explaining away the shouting and thumps coming from my home. I was warned to tell people I'd fallen off my bike or hurt while climbing. From the age of 5 until I was 15, I was beaten regularly and have inner ear damage from his fists and scars on my lower back from whippings with a starter cable. My childhood was by means unique and the best thing I say about it is that I survived it. So strange to look back on my younger self defending my abusers, ashamed because I believed I deserved the violence. To this day, I am uncomfortable with anyone asking me how I am and still feel safest when I'm alone. There is no healing, there is no forgiveness, there is no righting of wrongs, there is just the distance of time, and empathy for other survivors, and a desire to know who I would have been.

I felt your love and compassion for humankind, You are an amazing kindhearted person!

this song shows why suzane vega is such an outstanding artist, and your reaction was really touching as well

Thank you for your beautiful, honest, human reaction. Im sorry it hit you so hard. I break down every time I hear it. The way too many children have to live every day. I wish whoever recommended this song didnt give you a heads up so the song wouldnt be so shocking. 😢 Bless your kind & caring heart.❤

Hello Im Billy. I just subscribed. Never seen a reaction from you. didnt say never seen a reaction from you before. because that would go with the Lyrics. I just wanted to say i have been watching reactions to this song about 5 times in a row. I even watched one on the making of it was from 2000 gogo i think. where the artist told how she wrote the song. in part of that she showed where she lived. and how she felt bad playing the song in public because everyone felt bad but her manager said lets do it. I thought that was cool. later in that video she had talked to one of her neighbors and she had told her dont you realize that everyone has been abused at sometime in there life. I was like thinking to myself wow. i have been and have i done that. this is very good to talk about even to sing about it. i love your honesty I love your heart. i saw a reaction where a guy was with his wife i suppose. and he laughe because his wife walked into a sliding glass door once. i was like did her really not get the meaning of the whole song. that is what this world has come to im glad there is still love and heart in the world. If someone needs help be brave. we all mess up. its only to late if you dont try... i just subcribed. best review of the song i have found. i will share on my facebook for my daughters. ty.

I also grew up in an abusive situation… and your reaction to this song is by far the best I’ve ever seen

a song that moves me the feeling, I can not contain the tears a sad reality that should not exist.

You are one of the few reactors who grasp that this is about a little boy. Most reactors don’t pay attention to the scenes in the video to see that it’s about a little boy. Your reaction video is brilliant. Thank you for your deep thoughtful reaction video.

Once you get over the power of this song, listen to the whole album. Vega is one of the 20th and 21st century's greatest singer/ songwriter/storytellers. She deserves so much more recognition than she receives. Her entire catalog is amazing. One of my all time favorites is from this album- Ironbound/Fancy Poultry (she makes you cry singing about chicken parts- it's unreal) and wooden Horse is so intense, with it's lyrics and beautiful guitar.

I knew that hesitation at the top of the stairs.

Yeah, I had the same thing happen. Listened to this song growing up, didn't pay attention. Then I heard it years later and it all hit me. It changes your life.

I do love your big heart!

Knew this one would get you. Such a great song, juxtaposing the light beat and happy melody with the subject matter. Have you done Runaway Train by Soul Asylum? That video really tears your heart up.

I love that song and I loved what you expressed through your reaction... I recalled the shocking reaction that Luka caused in my Country. Suzanne Vega is a Great Artist... Thanks So Much... Hugs from Santiago de Chile.

Children always try to be strong and cover it up for their parents.

I didn't know you did music too. Whoever requested this owes you an apology. Like so many others here, I was Luka, too. And the poppy sound is what it is from the outside. It all looks happy and bouncy and normal.

You're a good person - with a very good reaction to this song. Thank-you. There is NO excuse for child abuse. There is NO excuse for ever hurting anyone or anything, never mind those that are more vulnerable than you ie. a child, an animal, a woman, a senior, a disabled person. There is something interesting that I learned when studying psychology - although it is STILL not an excuse: Abuse is a LEARNED behaviour. Those that abuse were once abused themselves. This STILL does NOT excuse the behaviour. If you automatically go to strike out in anger, because that is what you have learned - WALK AWAY! Walk away from whatever it is that you would strike out at. Walk OUT that anger just for the physical energy release too. Physical excercise ALSO releases endorphins - the "feel good" natural chemicals we have in our brains & helps make us feel better/good. Do SOME sort of physical activity such as walking, running, push-ups etc. to WEAR OUT that physical energy from your anger which is a strong ENERGY, (but don't do anything that could cause harm with your excessive energy such as lifting weights that could fall or mowing a lawn if your energy could tear it up) THEN if possible, do some Hatha yoga right after - look it up online or take a class if one nearby to learn how to do it. (You have to have used up the energy 1st), but then this form of yoga - esp. where you are made to focus on each body part for a bit - helps CALM down your brain & helps make your feelings less intense so that you feel capable of dealing with things. Look at other sources to help deal with anger & angry energy to use it up & then other methods to bring back your calm. (A warm cup of chamomile tea with some sugar or honey helps calm & relax some people, as does a warm cup of jasmine tea WITH a little sugar too & other relaxation blends exist.) TALK to other people to let out your frustration - so long as those people won't get you MORE angry or supported in your angry behaviour - whether friends, family members or a professional. THEN look at what you can do to solve what big thing got your anger started or else what bunch of little things grouped together pushed you over the edge. DEAL with the TRUE reason(s) of your anger so it doesn't happen again or work towards it. Keep in mind WHAT your triggers are & try to work in advance to keep from getting in a situation where you get that worked up. If it's your boss & you can't afford to quit, then maybe LOOK for another job while you still work there (& be open to different types of work if need be - to get you away from what is causing you to become an ugly person in nature - for yourself AND ESPECIALLY for those you are or are trying not to hurt. Don't be that person.) Take care. Take care - to all of those who have been in this situation that Luka is in or still are in this situation right now. 💞

Its a beautiful and heart-breaking song. Kemi, I think we all knew how your reaction would be because you are a beautiful woman with a big heart and a beautiful soul. Its a lesson to the world. Apparently, Suzanne Vega knew a boy called Luka, it was a bit apart from the other kids, however, she dos not think that the real Luka was abused (Thankfully) As you say, the instrumentation is bright and happy, but the song is dark, it was a massive hit. I'd like to think people were more aware because of it and children were saved and that those that had a difficult childhood got comfort from it. I've heard it many many times and it always makes me think, but when I saw your reaction it really got me and I had to clean my glasses too! ❤❤

Yeah, not an easy song to listen to once you realise what its about. Just listening to the audio, you get that it references domestic abuse, but the video makes it clear that the abuse is specifically directed at a child, which makes it even more heartbreaking. Suzanne wrote it about a child she actually met, I believe

@dr.burtgummerfan439

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it is.

@catschorus4684

2 жыл бұрын

It is about the boy who lived upstairs. He was called Luka like the song but the rest of the story is fictional.

Another one along these lines is “what’s the matter here” by Natalie merchant

"Voices Carry" by Til Tuesday" is a very powerful song about domestic violence. I still get shivers listening to that song and I LOVE the video. Aimee Mann has such a beautiful voice. I am not sure if this one has been reviewed by her but it would be a good one to do.

@alanparker9898

2 жыл бұрын

she's reacted to this one already

Nice vid. I am sorry to hear if this was anyones childhood. No one deserves to be abused.

Luka is up there with Little Andy by Dolly Parton for beautiful melodies contrasting with very tragic stories of children in the child's voice. storytelling that tells important stories of often voiceless children 😢

I think in many ways it is a lot like Radiohead's "Creep." They both express pain from life experiences that take a toll.

What a lovely reaction. Intelligent, sensitive and thoughtful. I have been to your channel only thrice but I subscribed straight away from the first reaction I saw you did on Gregory Porter's 'It's Probably Me.' You pondered on the words of the song and gave your thoughts on it and then you went through the lyrics again to find meaning. Wonderful reaction. Not like some other reactors who just bop along happily with the beat of the music without paying attention to the lyrics. Overall I tremendously enjoyed your reaction. 😊😊😍

This was all over the radio , summer 1987

Hugs to you

Have you been peeking at my playlist? Yet another favorite. Another favorite of mine by her is Susan's dinner. Yes it's not a happy song we just heard. If you believe it's a problem interaction should follow.

I was far too young at the time to understand the meaning of this song and what it was about. Thanks to you I looked into the matter and seeing your reaction I understood. From now on and every listening I think of all those beaten children in the whole world whose suffering is unknown, and this puts me in an incredible sadness.... and I cry and I cry again and again

@SincerelyK.S.O.

Жыл бұрын

Aww Hunni, dont cry please.

You are wonderful

This song always makes me cry

I love this artist so much, glad you finally got around to this song. She has so many great ones!Heartwrenching reaction btw

In Indonesian language, Luka means wound. I'm from Indonesia and one of your subscriber. Back then, this song was huge airplay radio in here.

@5of9

2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh, thank you for saying so! This helps things make sense. Wishing you the best as you journey along your path.

My name is Luka. ♥️♥️🙏 this song brings my past to hunts me, I call them the night raids.

Suzanne Vega is an amazing songwriter. I absolutely adore her work… and this (in my opinion) isn’t even her best song. Listen to The Queen and the Soldier or Caramel for that Another “abuse” song of hers from her first album is Marlene on the Wall

10,000 Maniacs did one on this same subject matter called “What’s the Matter Here”. I love both of these artists and appreciate the fact that they don’t shy away from their respective approaches to troubling and touchy issues such as child abuse which is more common than most people care to admit sadly.

My kids and I lived through this.. This song hits a nerve..... Every time

I Love your reaction to this masterpiece. I guess I am a minority, as I haven't experienced abuse. I know friends that have been abused. I do tear up when I hear this song. I love this song,and Suzanne Vega ' s performance.

@Carrie-so3ro

Ай бұрын

Be glad to be in the minority in this case.

As hard as this is to listen to, it was played on the radio a lot in the late eighties and early nineties, was a very popular song. I'm sure there were people who heard this song on their car radio on the drive to work or somewhere who were overcome with sobs the way you were.

That is exactly the same reaction I have every time I listen to this gem, which is often. Even after all these years, it still gets me right in the gut. Seeing you cry made me cry too. It's okay. 🙄

absolutely empathize w/your reaction.. incidentally i have a female friend w/the same name.. when we very first met, after i repeated her name she explicitly said, "just please don't ever bring up that song reference." that was in this century, but we are both old enough to recall hearing the "premiere" on the local radio play back in the 80s, & i definitely began exploring "deeper meaning" from songs at the time - this song kept evolving/building to the point that i began understanding at an age that was earlier than when i (personally) was taught about domestic child abuse (thanks to experiences in a very loving, non-abusive family setting), but ooooph, this song hit me w/its deeper meaning sooner than most began to publicize/pontificate about.. she remains one of those favorite artists whom, to this day, i buy every album from since her debut.. i dare not recommend any other songs to review at this time because i'm absolutely so moved by your honestly emotional reaction that this needs to absorbed & reflected upon as it is a subject matter that (sadly) still continues to this day in a new century.. THANK YOU for your perseverance through this difficult review w/such an emotionally honest reaction! much love...

My childhood in song form.

@5of9

2 жыл бұрын

Same.

Having watched your reactions for some time now I pretty much knew how this would affect you. You really are such a lovely and empathetic person. I know it hurts to take in the pain from such an important song however I can tell that you are a strong person and can endure it. Bless you for posting your reaction.

I first heard this song growing up in the 80s. The meaning hit me years later.

Growing up in the 80s was rough!

You are a beautiful soul KSO and I love your heartfelt reactions. I am an emotional person too. Keep being genuine. I cry every time I hear this song and video. Thank you Suzanne Vega for recording this.

Tracy Chapman also has a beautiful a cappella song called Behind the Wall that calls attention to domestic abuse And til Tuesday has another in the same theme called Voices Carry

Thanks for the re-upload. Listening to it while watching your reaction makes it even more poignant. Probably her single greatest song ever, and she has written many very good ones. Her whole first album, which this song is from, was good, but I would have to say her second (self titled) album as a whole surpasses it. I liked all her albums throughout the 80’s and 90’s, and also the one released in 2001, but after that I kind of lost track of her, as her releases became less frequent.

If everyone reacted the way you did this world will be a much much better place love you

It's a tear-jerker for sure. (Speaking of tear-jerkers, what happened to your reaction to Elvis Costello's "Veronica"? I can't seem to find it any longer. Please upload again. As well as your reaction to TMBG's "Birdhouse in your soul", which was hilarious to watch.)

I guess after thirty years of listening to this song, we get immune to it, and forget how it affects someone hearing it for the first time. Getting the meaning took a lot of people a while when it came out. Those of us who grew up in homes like that got it the first time around. I'm sorry it made you cry.

@jessieball6195

Жыл бұрын

I have been listening to this song ever since it came out in 1987, and I still get choked up listening to it. Especially when I see how it affects people who are listening to it for the very first time. I feel the pain all over again.

I remember this reaction, are these reposted videos that got blocked? also wondering if a reaction to 10000 Maniacs 'What's the Matter Here?" was ever done?

Ohhh shit, you're gonna cry!

We could immediately tell the moment you got it. The moment you realized what the song was about. We could see it in your face and in your body language. You are a lovely human being, and your concern for others is what makes you so. I was Luka once. Its taken me a long time to come to terms with the violent nature of my childhood. And it was this song that put me on the path. Prior, I would deny it, and play it off, and deny deny deny... and then I heard this song, and everything changed.

@SincerelyK.S.O.

Жыл бұрын

So sorry you went through that, sending love and kindness your way

The best reaction I’ve ever seen. I’m your new biggest fan.

Thank you so much for yours sincerely emotions and empathy.

Very moving reaction

Thank you for this reaction. The song makes me cry every time and watching your emotion made me cry too 💔😢

This song is not an easy listen. A similar song is "in your care" by tasmin archer which hits a whole lot harder 😢

I greatly appreciate your reaction to this… Love to you. (Til’Tuesday’s “Voices Carry” might be a choice to have with your unique insights)

I remember when you first posted this reaction video. I fell in love with your humanity that day - and you've remained one of my faves ever since. :-)

@SincerelyK.S.O.

2 жыл бұрын

You're the best!

❤Luka! Suzane Vega!!!❤❤😅

Such a sad song about child abuse from the child's (Luka's) point of view told effectively through song. Through music and lyrics via Suzanne Vega, Luka is trying to rationalize the abuse that has happened to him.This song touched many people when it came out in 1987 because it connected to both victims and non-victims of child abuse.The uptempo music was meant to add contrast with the harsh reality of Luka's painful situation.

I feel you .. 🙏☺️😩😥☺️☺️

EPIC

im with u on your reaction....the hurt thats soo deep .....my heart breaks for abused children.

Heartbreaking song. Concrete Angle by Martina McBride is another song that will break your heart.

This song and 10000 Maniacs 'What's the Matter Here?" are both heartbreaking if you actually listen to the lyrics.

I cried along right with you. Your reaction is so profound and hits my soul. To know the character Luka was being abused. Ugh...it makes me sick to my stomach to know some people can do this to their child.

35 years later and this song is still hard for me to listen to. It's a beautiful song, but it hits too close to home. "What's the Matter Here" by 10,000 Maniacs has the same kind of upbeat vibe until you listen to the lyrics and also about a young boy being abused by his parents.

The question that my whole life I 've hated: "How are you?" The 80% of sexual abuses are inside our homes.

If you didn't cry, I would not love you so much.

Thank you for your perspective reaction Yes, the song is totally about child abuse.

Prince wrote to Suzanne Vega to say: “Dearest Suzanne, Luka is the most compelling piece of music I’ve heard in a long time."

Even though I know for certain it’s a made-up story (about a real-life neighbor child *not* abused), it still brings tears to my eyes because I know it’s true for so many others.

She also had the hit called Tom’s diner

❤