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.
Frank & Ava
Suzanne Vega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It didn't mean she wasn't queen of the tinderbox that was his heart
Her fire, his desire meant that everything must come undone
And, so, now we know that it's not enough to be in love
(Not enough to be in love, not enough to be in love)
He's so true, she is, too; she says "I love you Frank," and then they drank all night
What a fight! He says "it isn't me you're thinking of"
Upon the ground; she says "it's not enough to be in love"
(It's not enough, it's not enough, it's not enough to be in love)
Not enough to be in love
(It's not enough, it's not enough, it's not enough to be in love)
They woke up, but they broke up; they were so volatile, and all the while life passed
And it went fast; and yet they never could forget their chemistry
Like you and me, it proved to keep them both apart for life
And so, now we know that it's not enough to be in love
(Not enough to be in love)
(Not enough to be in love)
Not enough to be in love
The lyrics to Suzanne Vega's song "Frank & Ava" tell the story of a tumultuous romantic relationship between two passionate and fiery individuals, Frank and Ava. The song begins with the line "On the way to the bidet is when the trouble used to start," implying that the trouble between these two lovers would arise during intimate moments. Despite their intense love for each other, their passion would ultimately lead to their undoing, as the line "Her fire, his desire meant that everything must come undone" suggests.
Throughout the song, the lyrics explore the ups and downs of their relationship, from drinking and fighting all night, to the jewels of their relationship raining down upon the ground, to eventually waking up and breaking up. Despite their chemistry and intense love for each other, ultimately it is not enough to sustain their volatile relationship, and they must go their separate ways.
The overall message of the song is that love, no matter how strong or passionate, is not always enough to keep a relationship together. The intense chemistry and passion between Frank and Ava was not enough to sustain them over time, and they ultimately went their separate ways.
Line by Line Meaning
On the way to the bidet is when the trouble used to start
Their arguments would often start in the bathroom, but that didn't change the fact that she held a lot of power over his heart.
It didn't mean she wasn't queen of the tinderbox that was his heart
Despite their conflicts, she still had control over his heart and emotions.
Her fire, his desire meant that everything must come undone
Their intense passions for each other often resulted in tumultuous and destructive behavior.
And, so, now we know that it's not enough to be in love
Their relationship proved that love alone is not enough to sustain a lasting connection.
He's so true, she is, too; she says "I love you Frank," and then they drank all night
Despite their differences, they both genuinely loved each other and would spend nights drinking and expressing that love.
What a fight! He says "it isn't me you're thinking of"
Their fights would often stem from misunderstandings or assumptions about each other's intentions.
She's cool; it makes him cruel, and they needle till the jewels go raining down
Her calm demeanor would often exacerbate his own negative qualities, and their behaviors would frequently result in damaged possessions or belongings.
Upon the ground; she says "it's not enough to be in love"
The aftermath of their fights made her realize that love alone would not be enough to fix their problems.
They woke up, but they broke up; they were so volatile, and all the while life passed
Their relationship was characterized by its instability and ultimately led to their separation while time continued to move forward.
And it went fast; and yet they never could forget their chemistry
Despite their breakup, their intense connection and attraction was something they could never fully shake off.
Like you and me, it proved to keep them both apart for life
Their relationship ultimately kept them from moving on and finding happiness with other people, much like the singer and their own failed relationship.
Not enough to be in love
The repeated phrase emphasizes the idea that love alone is not always enough to make a relationship work.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MAAT RE
On the way to the bidet is when the trouble used to start
It didn't mean she wasn't queen of the tinderbox that was his heart
Her fire, his desire meant that everything must come undone
And, so, now we know that it's not enough to be in love
(Not enough to be in love, not enough to be in love)
He's so true, she is, too; she says "I love you Frank, " and then they drank all night
What a fight! He says "it isn't me you're thinking of"
She's cool; it makes him cruel, and they needle till the jewels go raining down
Upon the ground; she says "it's not enough to be in love"
Not enough to be in love
(It's not enough, it's not enough, it's not enough to be in love)
They woke up, but they broke up; they were so volatile, and all the while life passed
And it went fast; and yet they never could forget their chemistry
Like you and me, it proved to keep them both apart for life
And so, now we know that it's not enough to be in love
Not enough to be in love
philipatoz
Suzanne Vega is as smart a songwriter as she is beautiful. It is so rare that one finds one of such exquisite taste in selecting songs. Her lyrics, always so visual are just perfectly juxtapositioned against wonderful arrangements and her always distinctive voice. She has a consistent style, and yet she has always taken chances - her music is very diverse. But, as with all great artists, I think she is much more into making quality music than topping charts - thankfully!
David Barr
Such a woefully underrated artist. Love Love her work and diversity. Highly skilled, imaginative, and creatively courageous. Total package.
cjp371
This woman just keeps getting better. It's a shame she's only known for Luka and Tom's Diner. Her stuff over the last 10 years blows those songs out of the water.
Gary Dunn
Yeah, I had this conversation with one of my Brothers just last week, and when
I mentioned she was touring the UK this February, he could not recount one song
she had made. I told him what about "Luka" which is a song, we, as a family, can
relate to, about "Domestic Violence" and that shut him up. But when I told him
the 2 concerts that I have seen, were fully supported, which suggests that she
has a "Big Following" More so, than the "Rubbish" on the music scene of today.
Big Val Vader
Beauty and Crime is such an underrated album. I love how Suzanne Vega's music has evolved but still stays true to her amazing first album.
Gary Dunn
This is a great song from her "Beauty & Crime" album, and cleverly crafted song
about the tempestuous relationship between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. I
saw Suzanne play this Live in 2010 and she was absolutely fantastic. The whole
album revolved around New York City, where she lives. The songs are all about
life experiences, both personal and otherwise.
大東
you are alive
Gary Dunn
@大東 Yeah, but only just. My life is in turmoil at present,
My Mother on her Death Bed, my Father long since gone, and two of my
Brothers on my case, to sell up and ship out. It could be a precursor for
another song for Suzanne, If she was living my life. And I know that she
has had more of her share of "Life's Problems" in her own personal life.
Russ Haywood
It's a fantastic album for sure
philipatoz
This should have been a pop hit on alternative radio. But, thing is, the subject matter is probably lost upon the demographic that buys music in vast numbers. Suzanne is quite capable of creating music that becomes widely popular - and has done so quite a bit. But she's unwilling to sell her soul to put out pure calculated crap just to gain additional popularity or make a few more bucks. She has integrity and has demonstrated it throughout her career.