Friday Random Song in My Head

Today’s Random Song in My Head is Suzanne Vega’s Marlene on the Wall.

I never really paid attention to the words of the song until now, seeing them written down. The song seems to be discussing an abusive relationship, which I hadn't noticed before. However, I think the song does end on an upbeat note, in that the woman is alone but she is realizing that she doesn't have to be a victim anymore . . .

If you’ve never heard it before, I definitely think you should seek it out and give it a listen. Also, when I think of the picture in the song, this is the image that comes to mind - Marlene Dietrich looking so self-confident . . .

Marlene on the Wall
Words and Music by Suzanne Vega

Even if I am in love with you
All this to say, what's it to you
Observe the blood, the rose tattoo
Of the fingerprints on me from you

Other evidence has shown
That you and I are still alone
We skirt around the danger zone
And don't talk about it later

{Refrain}
Marlene watches from the wall
Her mocking smile says it all
As she records the rise and fall
Of every soldier passing
But the only soldier now is me
I'm fighting things I cannot see
I think it's called my destiny
That I am changing
Marlene on the wall

Well, I walk to your house in the afternoon
By the butcher shop with the sawdust strewn
"Don't give away the goods too soon"
Is what she might have told me

And I tried so hard to resist
When you held me in your handsome fist
And reminded me of the night we kissed
And of why I should be leaving

{Refrain}

{Repeat first, second and fourth verses}

{As refrain}
Marlene watches from the wall
Her mocking smile says it all
As she records the rise and fall
Of every man who's been here
But the only one here now is me
I'm fighting things I cannot see
I think it's called my destiny
That I am changing, changing, changing, changing, changing

{Refrain}