Caramel
Vega Suzanne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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.
In the song "Caramel" by Vega Suzanne, the lyrics express the struggles of wanting and desiring someone, but knowing that it is not the right thing to do. The use of food metaphors, such as caramel and cinnamon, add a sensual and indulgent element to the lyrics. However, the use of these metaphors also emphasizes the idea that the desire for this person is fleeting and temporary.
The overall theme of the song is that it won't do to give in to this desire. The singer knows the person's name, skin, and how these things begin, suggesting that they have a history or familiarity with this person. However, the consequences of giving in to the desire are too great. The singer doesn't know how they would live with themselves or what they would forgive of themselves if they were to act on these feelings. The repeated line "It won't do" emphasizes the importance of resisting these temptations.
The chorus of the song reinforces these themes, as the singer says goodbye to their "sweet appetite" and acknowledges that no single bite could satisfy them. This suggests that giving in to the desire would not ultimately fulfill them, but instead leave them wanting more. The final repetition of the line "It won't do, to dream of caramel, to think of cinnamon and long for you" reinforces the message that these desires are not sustainable or healthy.
Line by Line Meaning
It won't do
It's not acceptable
To dream of caramel,
To desire something sweet
To think of cinnamon
To imagine a spice
And long for you.
And yearn for your company.
It won't do
It's not acceptable
To stir a deep desire,
To inflame strong passion
To fan a hidden fire
To intensify a concealed flame
That can never burn true.
That can never be a lasting outcome.
I know your name,
I'm familiar with who you are.
I know your skin,
I'm familiar with the texture of your skin.
I know the way
I am knowledgeable about the manner
These things begin;
In which these occurrences commence;
But I don't know
But I'm unsure
How I would live with myself,
How I will endure in my own consciousness,
What I'd forgive of myself
What I would pardon myself for
If you don't go.
If you do not depart.
So goodbye,
So farewell,
Sweet appetite,
Descriptive of an enjoyable desire,
No single bite
Not even a bit,
Could satisfy...
Could appease...
It won't do
It's not acceptable
To dream of caramel,
To desire something sweet
To think of cinnamon
To imagine a spice
And long
And yearn
For you.
For your company.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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
@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!
@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?