What does everyone think of this song? It's one of my favorites ever - the imagery, the metaphors, the way the lyrics and music interact. It also just seems that SV had reached a new comfort with her voice and words on this song.

Any thoughts?

Sean

I think this song is a great example of how someone that is insightful (namely in this case Suzanne, as in many other of her song) can take a fresh view of an old subject.
Many examinations of this story revolve around the theological aspects (for obvious reasons). Speaking of David's belief, Saul's cowardace, the importance of leadership, etc. these reviews all tend to focus on a relatively outside view.
Then Wham! along comes this song of Suzanne's. She puts us in David's head, not the theological part, but the emotional side. Putting this into the constraints of lyrics adds to the power. The listener can look through David's eyes and think/feel along with him. The pattern that music and the structure that verse provide steps up the pulse.


Also, the titling of the song (with subtitle) are highly reflective of another song where the direct (while ecliptic) nature also are used to great effect.


Uncwilly
Song of the day: Falling Backwords, Fairground Attraction
Cheese of the day: log

I guess I just find it hard to believe that Suzanne set out to write a song about a biblical tale. I'd say that a David/Goliath metaphore is not borne out by the lyrics.

I mean, why on earth would David say to his giant opponent, "If you turn from me, you'll darken my sun. You'll snap that thin thread I call my horizon." I mean... unless he was gay for Goliath.

I've always understood this song to describe obsession. The singer is obsessed with the one she is singing to... somebody who doesn't even know she exists... and she's determined to get his/her attention at any cost.

Yes, there's a gesture toward battle with "...cause your fall" but what's the main motive of our singer?... it's to "make you see". This is an obsessed person who wants to be noticed. Listen to it.

but having said that... I love this song! And it's a great opener to the album.

-Pat

Hi!

IMHO, Rock take the story of david as a starting point to relete thet no matter how amll, weak, fragile etc. a person may be, they can always find a way that's positive for them. It's not size, power, wealth, strength that offers you gain all the time.
And anyone looking down on somebody else should be warned somehow that if they aren't on the watch, they'll sooner or later will see what a supposedly 'small' and inferior person can do...

To me it's a song about appearance and reality and I find it very very encouraging.....

Sometimes, I imagine Suzanne in her early years sitting in front of a crowd who don't know here and don't pay attention when she enters a tiny stage... and in her head she may have been thinking something like 'let me just start, and you'll see what the person that I am can do... '

Anyway, it's a very encouraging song...

That's it, folks...

ROLF

Heehee!!! So cool that this song finally came up.

I didn't read the whole thread on this, I just wanted to put my 2 cents in on this one.

I feel that it's one of her better songs, and on the Lilith Fair album, I have to say that the version of that song there is perhaps the best vocal performance I've EVER heard from her - the longest notes held, the most clear and steady voice, etc.

6 years ago, I posted something that made it to the old message boards, but I believe I put it WAAAAAAY in the wrong thread. But I did a google search and found it. I was having a hard time at the time - BAD sexual harassment at work and let's just say that I harbored ill feelings towards the owners of the restaurant I worked at. Here's the villanelle that I took from Suzanne's song:

DAVID AND GOLIATH: A VILLANELLE
(AFTER SUZANNE VEGA, WHO'S RATHER SWELL)*

What's so small to you is so large to me.
Mark my words: there's a rock in my pocket.
My mind's folds more murky than mystery.

A miniscule seed sprouted to this tree.
From flint and steel to a flaming rocket.
What's so small to you is so large to me.

The lesson never learned is history.
A speck of sand shall dislodge a socket.
My mind's folds more murky than mystery.

You take what you want, then proceed to flee.
Unknowing, you leave power. Now I've got it.
What's so small to you is so large to me.

I walk around, the while, with gilded glee.
No hint or clue that my mood has rotted.
My mind's folds more murky than mystery.

I'm really nice. I offer one last plea.
If you were smart, by now, you'd have bought it.
What's so small to you is so large to me.
My mind's folds more murky than mystery.

26 January 1997
William B. Noel


*I couldn't help but put that subtitle in there at the time because, coupled with the title, it made for a perfect Iambic Pentameter couplet as a title/subtitle which I thought was rather clever. Now I realize it was incredibly teeny-bop fan-obsessive drivel.

Hi,

      First of all, don't worry about the title; it was probably spur of the moment, evoking a child-like (not child-ish) admiration, and very sweet.

      I did like the -- what did you call it -- it's like a poem.  I think it's cool the reason you thought to write it -- to me, Suzanne (especially exemplified in Rock in This Pocket) is, lyrically, a champion for the abused.  That's what drew me to her at first -- in the songs of "Suzanne Vega" I felt her pulling for me to overcome childhood trauma.  And then in Solitude -- "In the Eye" and "Luka" just epitomize the mother lion looking over those she feels for (and In the Eye, looking out for her own safety).  Rock in This Pocket, because I am Jewish, perhaps, resonated greatly.  I had absolutely no problem with her writing a biblical story. 

---

"Every dream has a name, and names tell your story" -- David Byrne