Caramel
Suzanne Vega Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It won't do
To dream of caramel,
To think of cinnamon
And long for you.

It won't do
To stir a deep desire,
To fan a hidden fire
That can never burn true.

I know your name,
I know your skin,
I know the way
These things begin;

But I don't know
How I would live with myself,
What I'd forgive of myself
If you don't go.

So goodbye,
Sweet appetite,
No single bite
Could satisfy...

I know your name,
I know your skin,
I know the way
These things begin;

But I don't know
What I would give of myself,
How I would live with myself
If you don't go.

It won't do
To dream of caramel,
To think of cinnamon




And long
For you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Suzanne Vega's song Caramel describe a bittersweet longing for someone that the singer knows is not good for her. The reference to caramel and cinnamon creates a sensory experience that is both warm and comforting, just like the thought of being with this person. However, the singer acknowledges that it is not enough to simply dream of this pleasure, as it will only lead to more unfulfilled desires. Instead, she recognizes the need to let go of this deep desire, as it can never truly be satisfied.


The second verse goes on to describe the singer's conflicted feelings. She knows the person's name and skin, which suggests a level of intimacy, but she is also aware of the potential consequences of acting on her desires. She is unsure of how she would live with herself or what she would be willing to forgive, should things not work out as she hopes. The chorus repeats the message that dreaming of caramel and cinnamon, or longing after someone who is not good for you, is simply not enough.


Overall, the lyrics to Caramel are a poignant reflection on the struggle between the heart and the mind, and the difficulty of making the right decisions in matters of love and desire.


Line by Line Meaning

It won't do
It is not enough


To dream of caramel,
To imagine something sweet


To think of cinnamon
To associate with warm sensations


And long for you.
And desire for you strongly


It won't do
It is not enough


To stir a deep desire,
To awaken a strong feeling


To fan a hidden fire
To intensify a hidden passion


That can never burn true.
That can never be fulfilled


I know your name,
I know who you are


I know your skin,
I am familiar with your touch


I know the way
I understand how


These things begin;
These emotions start


But I don't know
But I am uncertain


How I would live with myself,
How I would handle myself


What I'd forgive of myself
What I would let go of myself


If you don't go.
If you leave me


So goodbye,
So farewell


Sweet appetite,
Sweet desire


No single bite
No momentary pleasure


Could satisfy...
Could fulfill me completely


It won't do
It is not enough


To dream of caramel,
To imagine something sweet


To think of cinnamon
To associate with warm sensations


And long
And desire


For you.
For you strongly




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@maatre1584

It won't do
To dream of caramel,
To think of cinnamon
And long for you.
It won't do
To stir a deep desire,
To fan a hidden fire
That can never burn true.
I know your name,
I know your skin,
I know the way
These things begin;
But I don't know
How I would live with myself,
What I'd forgive of myself
If you don't go.
So goodbye,
Sweet appetite,
No single bite
Could satisfy...
I know your name,
I know your skin,
I know the way
These things begin;
But I don't know
What I would give of myself,
How I would live with myself
If you don't go.
It won't do
To dream of caramel,
To think of cinnamon
And long
For you.
Paroliers : Suzanne Vega



@richardiritano1197

Now, way back on Tuesday, September 20, 2014, I was listening to 'The Best of Suzanne Vega' in my new Audi sedan with the incredible, Bang & Olufsen 'Surround' sound system, while on my bucolic drive from the West Village in New York, all the way up to a magical kingdom in northern Westchester called Caramoor, located in Bedford, New York (the childhood home of Lincoln Center's artistic director, Andre Bishop, and personal friend of the late, great Wendy Wasserstein).

No sooner do I arrive for a formal tour of the Caramoor Estate, followed by a formal tea at 2:00 p.m. inside of this historic, Spanish style facade, do I spot the lovely and enchanting Ms. Suzanne Vega sitting in the fallow with her guitar, and being professionally photographed by a crew for her new, upcoming CD cover that was not named, to date.

How gracious of her then, to take a few moments to chat with me, after having told her that I had successfully memorized ALL of the lyrics to every song that she wrote and performed―initially because it prevented me from hurling expletives whilst stuck in grinding traffic. The song's of Ms. Vega became a soothing therapy, and then I started to examine the beautifully lyrical and poetic words created by this talented song stylist, and I became an instant admirer of her very important work.

However, she seemed a little suspicious of me, and maybe a little wary, despite that I was dressed like a proper gentleman (I had just finished a ride on the bridle paths with my English gal pal, Linda Alziari, who lives right down the road from Caramoor, in Pound Ridge, New York), replete with riding cap, jodhpurs and immaculately polished English riding boots, made by Hermès of France, natch!

Well, she willfully offered to sign my CD cover when I never even thought to ask her, and at that point, I was happy to procure it for this chanteuse and songstress, extraordinaire. But, I still, to present day, hold onto this nagging feeling that she didn't quite take to me, maybe perhaps because I gushed on about memorizing all of her lyrics to get me through crushing traffic. Or, maybe she personifies a shy and reserved affect, to which I imposed upon under the most accidental of conditions.

In hindsight, it was most likely a case of 'TMI' (too much information), during her ever so brief break between wardrobe changes for the album cover. Nevertheless, if I ever see Ms. Vega again, I will be sure to apologize if I disrupted her photography session, and her delicate, sweet and charming sensibilities.

In closing, Ms. Vega, if you are listening, I wish you nothing but premium health, happiness and prosperity, and to continue creating and performing the great works for which you are so favorably known, all of which are not merely ornamental―but, RICH in COSMIC PORTENT!

X-O-X-O



All comments from YouTube:

@donnagentile

Dear Suzanne, I don't know if you'll see this, but what the heck! I just played your music for my 21 year-old daughter Kira. She thanked me. ;) I heard your first album in 1985 and played the tape in my car until the ink wore off. In high school poetry class I had to write about a poet. I chose you, and called you a street poet. My teacher and I argued about whether or not your music was poetry. I got an A, haha! I never knew I had a voice or anything to say until I was 38. After years of domestic violence, I picked up a guitar and songs began to stream out. No training. Powerful healing. For anyone reading, it's never too late to follow your heart and Soul. Suzanne, you've been an incredible influence. Your finger-picking is mesmerizing and perplexing, and your guitar playing is stellar as is your voice and the lyrical tapestries you weave. Thank you for affecting my life in such a meaningful way. Always remember the magick and beauty of your divine light. Your gift to the world is a continual ripple in an expansive sea. Love and blessings!

@brocknspectre1221

Beautiful note. I wholeheartedly agree. I hope she does see it❤️

@selenebelle-oudry5063

Those of us who found her early on are the better for it. I hope she sees your beautiful note! I haven’t heard this song in years and here I am sitting in a Panera of all places, eyes welled up at reading your comment. And I owe you thanks because I truly needed to see these words. It’s been a hard run. Many blessings and much love to you, brave soul. 💕

@LK-3000

Suzanne Vega's music had such a profound influence on me in college. A friend and colleague introduced her music to me and I was mesmerized. I wrote poetry back then, and listening to her lyrics just opened up my mind to new ways to compose the perfect, nuanced turn of a phrase. I'm still in awe of the way she weaves her words and music. Even now, listening to anything she's done brings back a flood of fond memories and new inspiration.

@nippyslippers1856

Wow Donna! Probably the most profound comment I have ever read on YouTube! I used to be able to put whole songs together and it is a magical feeling to do that! It doesn't have to be great, but it's your soul signature that slowly emerges and ultimately enhances it! Message to you - You must always remember you're magical too as all women are. I say that as a man. And you must keep on with your music! My best wishes to you.

@crypticbard

It's been a year now since your comment was posted and at this point in time I would like to take my proverbial hat off to your English teacher for giving you an A! Back in school, all my teachers and textbooks classified songs and songwriting as a type of poetry. And some even suggested poetry to be songwriting to a different but similar sort of music, that of thoughts and language. Both are, my belief still stands are the freest expressions of the soul. My daughter is also an old soul and she digs music like this. May the ripples continue to go forth. Blessings!

14 More Replies...

@henridragonas4473

I was the production manager on this video production. Lovely experience making this one with a truly gifted singer. Still gorgeous to watch and of course to listen to...

@MARYANNE269

Wow your very lucky! I love her music, I haven't herd this one.. it's beautiful x

@patrickhoulihan7210

Absolutely 100 % correct.

@maggyfrog

what is the title of the movie on 1:18?

More Comments

More Versions