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.
Pornographer's Dream
Suzanne Vega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it made me imagine: what kind of a dream he would have that hadn't been spent?
Would he still dream of the thigh, the flesh upon high - what he saw so much of?
Wouldn't he dream of the thing that he never could quite get the touch of?
[Chorus:]
It's out of his hands, over his head, out of his reach, under this real life
Hidden in veils, covered in silk, dreaming of what might be
Hidden in veils, dreaming of mystery
Bettie Page is still the rage with her legs and leather
She turns to tease the camera and please us at home, and we let her
Who's to know what she'll show of herself in what measure
If what she reveals, or what she conceals is the key to our pleasure
[Chorus]
Under this real life...
Dreaming of what might be...
Under this real life...
Dreaming of mystery...
She's a pornographer's dream, he said; I knew what he meant
And it made me imagine: what kind of a dream he would have?
In Suzanne Vega's song Pornographer's Dream, she explores the fantasy world of pornographers and the individuals who are objects of their desire. In the first verse, the singer of the song encounters a man who likens her to a "pornographer's dream." She acknowledges that she understands what he means but posits the question of what kind of a dream a pornographer would have that hasn't already been fulfilled. She ponders whether he would still dream of the physical attributes that he saw so much of or if he would instead dream of the things he could never attain or touch. The chorus reflects her realization that this desire is out of the pornographer's control and is only attainable in the realm of imagination and dreams.
The second verse shares a similar sentiment by mentioning Bettie Page, who is still idolized for her provocative poses and outfits. The singer reflects on the idea that regardless of what Bettie reveals or conceals, gratification through physical satisfaction is ultimately what drives the pornographic industry. Again, the chorus emphasizes the idea that this fantasy world is out of reach, hidden in veils and silk, and only attainable in the imagination.
The song's themes are powerful as it addresses the often stark emptiness and objectification of the pornographic industry. Despite the song's melancholic tone, it empowers women by suggesting that the allure of porn often lies in the woman's sense of freedom and escape from reality. The pornographer's dream is ultimately just a dream, and the singer is shown to be content with living in the real world.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a pornographer's dream he said; I knew what he meant
The subject is attractive and desirable to those involved in the pornographic industry.
But it made me imagine: what kind of a dream he would have that hadn't been spent?
The singer questions if the person's sexual desires have become exhausted or if there's more to the dream.
Would he still dream of the thigh, the flesh upon high - what he saw so much of?
Does the subject's body continue to be the focus of his sexual interest?
Wouldn't he dream of the thing that he never could quite get the touch of?
Or is there something else he desires but can't possess?
[Chorus:] It's out of his hands, over his head, out of his reach, under this real life
The subject is inaccessible in reality.
Hidden in veils, covered in silk, dreaming of what might be
But in the world of dreams, anything is possible.
Bettie Page is still the rage with her legs and leather
The singer references Bettie Page, a famous pin-up model who was the ideal of beauty in certain circles.
She turns to tease the camera and please us at home, and we let her
Bettie Page was famous for her suggestive poses and outfits, which were designed to provoke desire.
Who's to know what she'll show of herself in what measure
The person watching doesn't know what she will expose or hide, what will be revealed or concealed.
If what she reveals, or what she conceals is the key to our pleasure
The enjoyment comes from both what is visible and what is not visible, the allure of the hidden.
[Chorus]
Refrain of the song.
Under this real life...
In the context of the song, the life outside of the world of dreams.
Dreaming of what might be...
The subject envisions something beyond the mundane nature of reality.
Under this real life...
Reiteration of the previous line.
Dreaming of mystery...
The subject desires something unknown and unfathomable, something mysterious.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind