"Luka" | ||||
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Single by Suzanne Vega | ||||
from the album Solitude Standing | ||||
Released | 1987 | |||
Recorded | 1986 | |||
Genre | Dark pop | |||
Length | 3:48 | |||
Label | A&M | |||
Writer(s) | Suzanne Vega | |||
Suzanne Vega singles chronology | ||||
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"Luka" is a song recorded by Suzanne Vega and released as a single in 1987. It remains her highest-charting hit in the United States, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song was one of the earliest to deal with child abuse and domestic violence. One critic said, "the 'happy' music is a metaphorical denial, making this seem beautiful and serene while discussing something terrible and devastating. It is a wonderful use of tune as a metaphor for how many abuse victims also deny their abuse, and is a profound classic".[1]
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Vega also recorded a Spanish-language version of the song, featured on the single.
This video was directed by Michael Patterson & Candice Reckinge. It was shot over 3 days, in New York City. The part of Luka was played by actor Jason Cerbone, who was chosen after the directors auditioned more than 90 children for the part.
Chart (1987) | Peak position |
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Australian ARIA Singles Chart | 21 |
Austrian Singles Chart | 9 |
Canadian Singles Chart | 5 |
French SNEP Singles Chart | 24 |
Ireland Singles Chart | 11 |
New Zealand Singles Chart | 8 |
Polish Singles Chart | 1 |
Swedish Singles Chart | 2 |
UK Singles Chart | 23 |
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[2] | 3 |
U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary[3] | 3 |
U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks | 15[4] |
U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs | 48[5] |