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Suzanne Vega — In Liverpool
Album: 99.9 F°
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1477









Released: 1992
Length: 4:31
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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In Liverpool
On Sunday
No traffic
On the avenue
The light is pale and thin
Like you
No sound, down
In this part of town
Except for the boy in the belfry
He's crazy, he's throwing himself
Down from the top of the tower
Like a hunchback in heaven
He's ringing the bells in the church
For the last half an hour
He sounds like he's missing something
Or someone that he knows he can't
Have now and if he isn't
I certainly am

Homesick for a clock
That told the same time
sometimes you made no sense to me
if you lie on the ground
in somebody's arms
you'll probably swallow some of their history

And the boy in the belfry
He's crazy, he's throwing himself
Down from the top of the tower
Like a hunchback in heaven
He's ringing the bells in the church
For the last half an hour
He sounds like he's missing something
Or someone that he knows he can't
Have now and if he isn't
I certainly am

I'll be the girl who sings for my supper
You'll be the monk whose forehead is high
He'll be the man who's already working
Spreading a memory all through the sky

In Liverpool
On Sunday
No reason to even remember you now

Except for the boy in the belfry
He's crazy, he's throwing himself
Down from the top of the tower
Like a hunchback in heaven
He's ringing the bells in the church
For the last half an hour
He sounds like he's missing something
Or someone that he knows he can't
Have now and if he isn't
I certainly am

In Liverpool
In Liverpool
Comments (91)add comment
Prinny Ave on Sunday;
1990 something and I met a lovely young East German girl who had a grotty bedsit on Princes Avenue, Liverpool 8. (where this song is set) She was here because she`d learnt English off of Beatles records, came for a look-see and lingered. We became lifelong friends. But Germany was calling her back. I gave her this CD single, with a "This will bring you back" spell. 
She did come back with an equally lovely (now-adult) daughter and nearly 20 years of Liverpool residence later, we are still great friends
Posted 2 years ago by Kelvinclifford    [ Reply ]
LOVE this ol track and the whole album. Classic Vega!x
Posted 4 years ago by mizreardon    [ Reply ]
 gatorade wrote:
I love all things Suzanne Vega. {#Daisy}
 
I HATE ALL things Vega - the same boring, unexpressive whiney voice and boring music. WAY too much Vega played on here.
Posted 4 years ago by Daveteauk    [ Reply ]
Happy to see this song getting played on here, one of my favorite Vega tracks!  
Posted 5 years ago by nottheusualkind    [ Reply ]
 tgrier wrote:
This song and album was amazing. I saw her in Austin Texas for this tour. It was a small venue .. night club type of place.. maybe 200 people?

It was that night .. that I realized how amazing of a song writer she was.

It was so precise and on point. No jam band style .. just clear on point music.

Her voice draws you in and her backing musicians were so talented and disciplined in their style.
 
Saw the same tour at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park NJ. Was so impressed by her depth. That was 25 years ago. The best part is my 17 year old daughter  in 2018 loves this album. Great songwriting and pure artistry transcends.
Posted 6 years ago by OMGegan    [ Reply ]
I love all things Suzanne Vega. {#Daisy}
Posted 6 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
This song and album was amazing. I saw her in Austin Texas for this tour. It was a small venue .. night club type of place.. maybe 200 people? It was that night .. that I realized how amazing of a song writer she was. It was so precise and on point. No jam band style .. just clear on point music. Her voice draws you in and her backing musicians were so talented and disciplined in their style.
Posted 7 years ago by tgrier    [ Reply ]
What a phenomenal album this one was.  One of the first CDs that I ever bought (I was a long-time hold out).
Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
Love this one
Posted 7 years ago by pixeldude1    [ Reply ]
8->9 I just love this song....Love Suzanne Vega, but especially this song! 
Posted 8 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
Why do I constantly find myself drawn in to this woman's voice, sounds......and just every song I hear from her? {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
It's always good to hear this song by Suzanne Vega - a much underrated artist.
Posted 8 years ago by medoras    [ Reply ]
It leaves me with a deja vu of Bond opening themes ... {#Whisper} Did not know it, and love it! Thanks RP!
Posted 8 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
I just really love this song/album. The lyrics and her voice on this one are especially gorgeous.
Posted 8 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
I love Suzanne Vega, but I've never heard this one before.  Don't know how I missed it.  LOVE IT!
Posted 8 years ago by dimar    [ Reply ]
Godlike song and superb album all from the same vein, I'm so happy I can hear it here.
Posted 9 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
I can always tell it's Suzanne Vega by the way she says "Avenoo". I wonder, if she really was in Liverpool, what she made of the Scouse accent and dialect ;-)
Posted 9 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 dlaumor wrote:
Don't know why but love this song !

 
Probably for the same reason that many of us do - it's a great song by a very underrated artist and it paints a picture of Liverpool on a Sunday for us all to see.
Posted 9 years ago by medoras    [ Reply ]
{#Umbrella}
Posted 9 years ago by simonebor    [ Reply ]
very soothing on the whispering winds and blissful breezes in my mind.. {#Music}
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
Don't know why but love this song !
Posted 10 years ago by dlaumor    [ Reply ]
SV's phrasing is impeccable. Just awesome lyrics.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I didn't like this album in 1992 - 20 years later I am wondering what was wrong with me.
Posted 12 years ago by ycb661    [ Reply ]
Here's the most arcane reference ever. In the instrumental break, does anyone here the theme music from the video game "Enigmo"?
Posted 12 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]

I've got to add this to my collection...had it years ago and wore out the Casette~  Great!


Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in a long time. Always loved the lyrics. {#Music}
Posted 13 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]

vega4  by Sounds and Fury
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soundsandfury/

Copyright All rights reserved


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 hopalong wrote:
I'm not feelin it personally...sorry...:(
 
Don't feel sorry - I'm not, either. I love Suzanne Vega's music, but tonight, it's just not working for me. Off to bed. Maybe tomorrow, I'll feel motivated/moved/inspiredtowrite.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I'm not feelin it personally...sorry...:(
Posted 14 years ago by hopalong    [ Reply ]
follow up to "gypsy"
Posted 14 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
*melts*
Posted 15 years ago by gpvos    [ Reply ]
Did this song just skip all over the place....sort of near the beginning? I really do not think that was part of the song.
Posted 15 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
 EniwaMan wrote:
Egrey wrote:
I second that.

Third!
I love that reverbed piano. Sounds like an ancient upright piano she found in a dusty closet. That repeating chord creates a delicious tension. You know the chord change is coming, HAS to come, and then, it's so satisfying when it finally comes. Weird how effective that is.
 
Fourth!
Bass is great in the verse, too.

Posted 15 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
 jakewhite77 wrote:
Wow, this takes me back.  SIXTEEN YEARS AGO?!?  Are you effing kidding me?!?
 
I'm right there with you...and this songs gets to me the same as it did then. Crazy.

Posted 15 years ago by notremotely    [ Reply ]
 PhysicsGenius wrote:
Awesome stuff. Great mood music in the beginning and middle, but also very tuneful and fun in the bridge. Perfect "bring you up short" transition, too.
 

I think one of PG's coworkers typed this when he wasn't looking.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 jakewhite77 wrote:
Wow, this takes me back.  SIXTEEN YEARS AGO?!?  Are you effing kidding me?!?
 
ok, the 2nd time today someone's make me feel old!
Posted 15 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
I never get tired of this song.
Posted 15 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
Wow, this takes me back.  SIXTEEN YEARS AGO?!?  Are you effing kidding me?!?
Posted 15 years ago by jakewhite77    [ Reply ]
MiMa wrote:
Absolutely beautiful, a perfekt "10" :goodvibes:
Yep, another 10
Posted 16 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
I need a cold shower
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Egrey wrote:
I second that.

Third!
I love that reverbed piano. Sounds like an ancient upright piano she found in a dusty closet. That repeating chord creates a delicious tension. You know the chord change is coming, HAS to come, and then, it's so satisfying when it finally comes. Weird how effective that is.

Posted 16 years ago by EniwaMan    [ Reply ]
misterclaw wrote:
My favorite Suzanne Vega song. Thanks, Bill!
I second that.
Posted 16 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
Really really really great!
Posted 16 years ago by andiman    [ Reply ]
Another intelligent offering from Ms Vega........quite wonderful!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
PhysicsGenius liked it! (RIP PhysicsGenius )
I miss PhysicsGenius! Whatever happened to that loveable little scamp?
Posted 17 years ago by queenjill    [ Reply ]
this is an amazing song
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Don't feed the trolls! PhysicsGenius liked it! (RIP PhysicsGenius )
Posted 17 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
luminousjune wrote:
This song is well-written in its nuances in both word and music. It hurts in all the right places.
Agreed (belatedly) but I'm adding that her vocal control and tone is amazingly good in this song too. Even more than her usual great vocals.
Posted 17 years ago by Koan    [ Reply ]
CanuckBeaker wrote:
She's got such a wonderful captivating voice. Dreamy. Me likey.
Yea!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Love this song!
Posted 17 years ago by Kornmann    [ Reply ]
"Small Blue Thing" sometime ....please?
Posted 17 years ago by Hinkamp    [ Reply ]
misterclaw wrote:
My favorite Suzanne Vega song. Thanks, Bill!
It's your day Mister :) I had to put a higher rate, as I like this more than before :)
Posted 18 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
My favorite Suzanne Vega song. Thanks, Bill!
Posted 18 years ago by misterclaw    [ Reply ]
Mabels_Man wrote:
What a vocalist - what a poet!!!
quite right, poet is the word, not songwriter
Posted 18 years ago by desnos    [ Reply ]
ListeningClose wrote:
love this song... actually I love susanne
Me too!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
This song is well-written in its nuances in both word and music. It hurts in all the right places.
Posted 18 years ago by luminousjune    [ Reply ]
Sad and so beautiful makes me wanna cry.. but just a little bit.. Suzanne Vega, truly, one of a kind "... Like a hunchback in heaven He's ringing the bells in the church For the last half an hour... In Liverpool... On Sunday.."
Posted 18 years ago by hujoppi    [ Reply ]
LOVE the imagery!
Posted 18 years ago by smilestoomuch    [ Reply ]
I love Suzanne Vega, especialy her first album, but this one doesn't do much for me. I never liked her husband's production (Mitchell Froom) on her songs, and am thrilled that they are now divorced. Selfish of me, I know.
Posted 18 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
bmo wrote:
she's like some phreaky crazy chick you just can't shake
Yeah, my favorite kind.
Posted 19 years ago by Papa_John    [ Reply ]
she's like some phreaky crazy chick you just can't shake
Posted 19 years ago by bmo    [ Reply ]
love this song... actually I love susanne
Posted 19 years ago by ListeningClose    [ Reply ]
I totally agree with you. Suzanne is always good, superb voice. PhysicsGenius wrote:
Awesome stuff. Great mood music in the beginning and middle, but also very tuneful and fun in the bridge. Perfect "bring you up short" transition, too.
Posted 19 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
I saw her in concert where she said that this was about an early relationship. Wonderful song. \:D/
Posted 19 years ago by Leviathan    [ Reply ]
Suzanne Vega does doo-wop. And it's good. Now that is just about the most unusual thing I expect to hear all week.
Posted 19 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
I find this interesting, but it doesn't greatly appeal it me. For now I'm going to give this a 6.
Posted 19 years ago by datasage    [ Reply ]
JKFinally wrote:
My faviorite Vega tune- it's got everything...melody. Beatle riffs, production.if she could only do more of this
Ditto
Posted 19 years ago by rgio    [ Reply ]
:roll:
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
Trust me, you'd want to be in Liverpool (or Istanbul) today after they beat AC Milan on penalties in one of the greatest European Cup Finals for many years. That's going to be one giant party (click here)
Posted 19 years ago by 4999thnewuser    [ Reply ]
Absolutely beautiful, a perfekt "10" :goodvibes.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by MiMa    [ Reply ]
Heathen954 wrote:
God-awful.
Hmmm....Great melody, interesting lyrics (you know, the kind you have to think about a little), excellent performance, nice guitar work.....If this is God awful, I'm almost afraid to ask what kind of music you do like!
Posted 19 years ago by slawjam    [ Reply ]
Sort of reminds me of Courtney Love. Only more rough around the edges. Sad song, though...
Posted 19 years ago by p76    [ Reply ]
My faviorite Vega tune- it's got everything...melody. Beatle riffs, production.if she could only do more of this
Posted 19 years ago by JKFinally    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
Joyfulchristine wrote:
Good tune, but the lyrics seem a bit far-fetched or weak to me. That's a strange thing to find myself saying about Suzanne Vega. Perhaps I just don't get it. Anyone want to drop a hint?
the germ of the song came in the form of a sunday afternoon daydream she had while on-tour "in liverpool" -- the bells of a cathedral across from the hotel were ringing and ringing, and she started to wonder who might be ringing them, and why, and thoughts drifted to an old boyfriend from liverpool, and the Hugo novel (Hunchback), and the theme of unrequited love... it's not a narrative so much as a musing, i think.
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
Heathen954 wrote:
God-awful.
While this may not be a STELLAR tune, there is NOTHING "God awful" about it. Care to enlighten us as to why it is SOOO terrible?
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I really love this song. In fact I think this CD is really good, even though I don't usually go for artists such as Suzanne. Thanks to my friend Serge for loaning me this CD a few years back. Good stuff.
Posted 20 years ago by MTL_Robbie    [ Reply ]
What a vocalist - what a poet!!!
Posted 20 years ago by Mabels_Man    [ Reply ]
very cool, love the feel of this tune
Posted 20 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
Some of the guitar work sounds like it may have been borrowed from those boys from Liverpool.
Posted 20 years ago by Brewski    [ Reply ]
for once, a female vocalist i like.
Posted 21 years ago by cyndromeda    [ Reply ]
Saw Suzanne in a small auditorium in New Orleans. She had hand selected Kitchens of Distinction to open for her and I could have kissed her for that alone. She is a fine songwriter by anyone's measure.
Posted 21 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
I rediscovered Suzanne Vega in RP. I\'ve got now the greatest hits and \"Songs in red and gray\", they\'re both great albums. Thanks Bill and RP
Posted 21 years ago by qosforever    [ Reply ]
Never been a huge fan of hers, but remember thinking the first time I heard this one "that's an interesting song for her". I don't think it sounds overly creative today, but considering it was released 11 years ago, I think it holds up fairly well.
Posted 21 years ago by rgio    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Joyfulchristine: Good tune, but the lyrics seem a bit far-fetched or weak to me. That's a strange thing to find myself saying about Suzanne Vega. Perhaps I just don't get it. Anyone want to drop a hint?
Suzanne tells a good story about this song, it's kinda a "follow-on" to "Gypsy". Basically, she went a visitin' the camp counselor from "Gypsy" in England. There's a poem this song is based on/from in the book of writings she published a while ago - and i think the poem really illuminates the song.
Posted 21 years ago by canna    [ Reply ]
Good tune, but the lyrics seem a bit far-fetched or weak to me. That\'s a strange thing to find myself saying about Suzanne Vega. Perhaps I just don\'t get it. Anyone want to drop a hint?
Posted 21 years ago by Joyfulchristine    [ Reply ]
God-awful.
Posted 21 years ago by Heathen954    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by PhysicsGenius: Awesome stuff. Great mood music in the beginning and middle, but also very tuneful and fun in the bridge. Perfect "bring you up short" transition, too.
I agree Physics.
Posted 21 years ago by B-dub    [ Reply ]