Though born in California, Vega has lived most of her life in New York City. There, she attended the High School of the Performing Arts (the school seen in the feature film musical Fame), where she studied modern dance. Vega realized that her talent in dance was not sufficient to make her living. While pursuing a degree in English at Columbia University, she penned many songs, and performed in college and community coffeehouses inside and outside the New York City area.
She was discovered in 1984, releasing her eponymous debut the following year. However, it was not until her 1987 sophomore effort, Solitude Standing, that Vega entered the U.S. mainstream with the lyrically unlikely hit Luka. Three years later, a remix of the album's opening track "Tom's Diner" became an American and European hit for "DNA Featuring Suzanne Vega."
Having continuously built and maintained a loyal fanbase since her fame's peak, Vega has a prolific catalogue, and in 2003 she released a retrospective collection. Beauty & Crime, her seventh album, was released in 2007. Inspired by the city where Vega grew up and still currently resides, Beauty & Crime revolves around her experiences in New York.
Vega has a daughter, Ruby Froom, with her ex-husband Mitchell Froom. In early 2006, Vega remarried to a man named Paul Mills.
For additional information, including photographs, visit Suzanne Vega's official website, www.SuzanneVega.com.
Book Of Dreams
Suzanne Vega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
I took your urgent whisper
Stole the arc of a white wing
Rode like foam on the river of pity
Turned its tide to strength
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
The spine is bound to last a life
Tough enough to take the pounding
Pages made of days of open hand
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
Number every page in silver
Underline in magic marker
Take the name of every prisoner
Yours is there my word of honor
I took your urgent whisper
Stole the arc of a white wing
Rode like foam on the river of pity
Healed the hole that ripped in living
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
In my book of dreams
In Suzanne Vega's song 'Book of Dreams', the singer is in possession of a book that is a testament to all the experiences they've gone through in life, both good and bad. The song begins with the repetition of the line, "In my book of dreams," which sets the tone and creates a sense of intrigue about the book itself. The singer then describes how in the book, they've taken someone's "urgent whisper" and used it to empower themselves, becoming strong enough to "ride like foam on the river of pity." This can be interpreted as the singer using someone else's pain and weakness to become stronger and overcome their own issues.
The singer then goes on to describe the book's resilience, claiming that the spine is "tough enough to take the pounding." They compare the pages to "days of open hand," which could be interpreted as a reference to both openness and the passing of time. The pages are then numbered in silver and underlined in magic marker, creating a sense of permanence and importance. Finally, the singer claims that the book contains the names of every prisoner, with the addendum "Yours is there my word of honor." This can be interpreted as a suggestion that the singer has been through experiences that many others have gone through, making them feel less alone.
Overall, 'Book of Dreams' is a song that seems to be about the resilience and power of the human spirit. The singer owns a book full of their own experiences, and has used it to become stronger and empower themselves. The book itself is unyielding and permanent, making it a symbol of the enduring nature of our experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
In my book of dreams
Throughout my imagination and hopes, where anything is possible and forever preserved.
I took your urgent whisper
I recognized your heartfelt plea for aid and understanding.
Stole the arc of a white wing
Borrowed the power and grace of an angel to rise above the fray and see things more clearly.
Rode like foam on the river of pity
Embraced sorrow and pain to empathize with others and find strength in helping them.
Turned its tide to strength
Transformed suffering into fortitude, and used it to overcome adversities.
Healed the hole that ripped in living
Mended the wounds that life dealt, and recovered from setbacks and misfortunes.
The spine is bound to last a life
The core of my being and identity is built to endure the trials and tribulations of existence.
Tough enough to take the pounding
Resilient and tenacious, able to withstand the challenges and tests of living.
Pages made of days of open hand
Each sheet is a representation of the days where giving and kindness prevailed.
Number every page in silver
Mark each chapter and incident with a special significance, reflecting the value it has brought to my life.
Underline in magic marker
Highlight the moments and achievements that defined me, and made me into who I am today.
Take the name of every prisoner
Remember the people who struggled and suffered, and carry their burden with me as a reminder of the fragility of life.
Yours is there my word of honor
Your name and impact in my life is etched in my soul and forever preserved in my book of dreams.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTON SANKO, SUZANNE VEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rtncg
I'm obsessed with this song and video.
@brandonmoore7497
Suzanne Vega Book Of Dreams is one of my favorite song
@deoetpatria8477
Suzanne Vega is just fascinating ! I am 50 years old and 30 years of fascination for her !!! ❤️❤️❤️ from 🇫🇷
@esmerylan
Never understood why this wasn't as big a hit as "Luka" or "Tom's Diner", it's such a great song and the entire album is an underrated masterpiece.
@arnoldjack7956
Omg I agree whole heartedly, infact 31 yrs later (yikes) I still consider this album Suzanne Vegas masterpiece and I love it to death ❤️❤️
@larryj2416
This is one of my most favorite of her songs. I consider this song up there with all the other hits. I remember in Spring 90 in college hearing this and was the first song from this album following up to Solitude Standing. I knew right away it was a great song.
@jamiemb17
Those two songs are very unique and quirky. This one is somewhat generic-sounding in comparison, I would say.
@joshuasmith1680
The "Days of Open Hand" album by Suzanne Vega is my favorite of hers. And, definitely one of my all-time faves amongst my whole cd collection as well.
@invernessfan3017
Love this song. Vega is a music genius.
@godindepression
At least for me, Days of open hand by Suzanne Vega is the most underrated album of the history, she made a incredibly beautiful Folk-pop album