Suzanne
Hope Sandoval The Warm Inventions Lyrics
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But all she does is waste your time
And she looks just like my sister
But she feels just like my man
And all the times I mean to tell her
The cats in here are over-flowin'
She pulls aside a four leaf clover
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne is waiting at your doorway
But all she does is waste your time
And she looks just like my sister
But she feels just like my man
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne, Suzanne
Suzanne, Suzanne
In "Suzanne," Hope Sandoval and The Warm Inventions deliver a dreamy and hauntingly beautiful tune that encapsulates the feeling of being stuck in a situation where you're spending time with a person you don't necessarily want to be around. The titular character is waiting at the singer's doorstep, but all she does is waste their time. However, despite this, the singer can't help but feel a connection to her. Suzanne resembles their sister in appearance, but she feels like the singer's man. This ambiguity highlights the complex and uneasy nature of the relationship.
Throughout the song, there's a sense of detachment and resignation. The singer feels like Suzanne wastes their time, but they don't seem to have any agency to do anything about it. Even when the cats are overflowing and they have an opportunity to leave, they feel helpless and stuck. This sense of resignation is further emphasized by the repetition of "Suzanne, Suzanne" in the chorus. It's as if the singer is caught in a loop, unable to escape from the situation they find themselves in.
Overall, "Suzanne" is a haunting and evocative song that captures the feeling of being stuck in a situation where you're simultaneously attracted to and repulsed by someone. The vocals are ethereal, and the instrumentation perfectly complements the dream-like quality of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Suzanne is waiting at your doorway
There is a woman named Suzanne waiting outside of your residence
But all she does is waste your time
However, her presence is not beneficial and instead causes you to lose valuable time
And she looks just like my sister
Suzanne bears a striking resemblance to my sibling
But she feels just like my man
Despite her appearance, being around Suzanne elicits the same emotions as when I am with my male partner
And all the times I mean to tell her
On multiple occasions I have wanted to speak to her directly
The cats in here are over-flowin'
However, there is an issue with too many cats being present and in need of attention
She pulls aside a four leaf clover
In spite of this, Suzanne seems to have a knack for finding good luck or positive outcomes
And makes me feel right on my own
Being around Suzanne has a comforting effect that makes me feel at ease when I am alone
Suzanne, Suzanne
Repetition of Suzanne's name
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind