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.
Lolita
Suzanne Vega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Almost grown
Lolita
Go on home
Hey girl
Don't be a dog all your life
Don't beg for
Don't try
To be somebody's wife
So young
You need a word of protection
Lolita
Almost grown
Lolita
Go on home
Hey girl
I've been where you are standing
Leaning in the doorway
In your mother's black dress
So hungry
For the one understanding
Looking for a token of
Blood or tenderness
Lolita
Almost grown
Lolita
Go on home
Lolita...
The lyrics to Suzanne Vega's song Lolita tell the story of a young girl who is almost grown, but still very vulnerable to the dangers of the world. The song addresses the theme of exploitation, with the title referencing the famous novel by Vladimir Nabokov. Vega's lyrics call on the young girl in question to take care of herself and not give in to the advances of older men who might seek to take advantage of her.
The first stanza of the song seems to be directed at Lolita herself, telling her not to beg for love or settle for a life of subservience to a man. The second stanza is more direct, with Vega speaking from her own experience of standing in Lolita's shoes, hungry for love and understanding. She tells the young girl to find a way to protect herself and not give in to the advances of those who might see her as an easy target.
Overall, the lyrics to "Lolita" convey a powerful message about the dangers that young women can face in a world that can be predatory and unfeeling. At the same time, they offer hope in the form of a message that encourages strength, self-care, and a refusal to take any less than what one deserves.
Line by Line Meaning
Lolita
Addressing (or referring to) the young girl who this song is about
Almost grown
Although she is still a young girl, she is fast approaching adulthood and the responsibility that comes with it
Lolita
Addressing (or referring to) the young girl again
Go on home
Encouraging the young girl to leave the situation she is in and return to the safety of her home
Hey girl
Addressing the young girl again in a friendly and conversational manner
Don't be a dog all your life
Advising the young girl not to continue to be mistreated or taken advantage of in the same way that a dog may be abused
Don't beg for some little crumb of affection
Telling the young girl not to settle for small displays of affection, but to seek out true love and respect
Don't try to be somebody's wife
Warning the young girl against trying to become too involved or committed to someone at such a young age
So young
Acknowledging the youth and vulnerability of the young girl
You need a word of protection
Saying that the young girl needs someone to protect and look out for her, as she is not yet capable of fully taking care of herself
Hey girl
Addressing the young girl again in a friendly and conversational manner
I've been where you are standing
Revealing that the artist has been in a similarly difficult situation as the young girl
Leaning in the doorway
Describing the singer's physical posture, and suggesting that they were potentially waiting for someone or something
In your mother's black dress
Describing the attire of the young girl, perhaps suggesting that she is trying to emulate or rebel against her mother in some way
So hungry
Describing the singer's emotional state, which may also apply to the young girl
For the one understanding
Suggesting that the artist (and perhaps the young girl) is looking for someone to truly understand them and their situation
Looking for a token of blood or tenderness
Describing the artist's (and possibly the young girl's) search for some sort of physical or emotional connection with another person
Lolita
Addressing (or referring to) the young girl one last time
Almost grown
Reiterating that the young girl is growing up quickly, but may not yet be ready for everything that entails
Lolita
Addressing (or referring to) the young girl for the final time
Go on home
Encouraging the young girl once more to leave her current situation and return to a safe environment
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA, MITCHELL FROOM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind