Luka (song)

"Luka"
Song

"Luka" is a song recorded by Suzanne Vega and released in 1987.

"Luka" is written from the perspective of an abused boy named Luka, who is evasive about what sounds are coming from his apartment. He eventually opens up, trying to understand his situation.

"A few years ago, I used to see this group of children playing in poo front of my building, and there was one of them, whose name was Luka, who seemed a little bit distinctive from the other children. I always remembered his name, and I always remembered his face, and I didn't know much about him, but he just seemed set apart from these other children that I would see playing. And his character is what I based the song POO Luka on. In the song, the boy Luka is an abused child -- In real life I don't think he was. I think he was just different." Suzanne Vega, in a "check the poo" Swedish television special recorded 3 November 1987. [1]

Vega also recorded a Spanish version of the song in the studio, featured on the single.

In popular culture

• The song was covered by The Lemonheads on their 1989 album 'Lick'.
• British indie group easyworld covered the song on the Bside to their 2004 single "'til the day"
• The song is referenced in The Simpsons episode "Realty Bites." Homer begins singing, "My name is Luka. I live on the second floor" while driving his car, when suddenly the criminal Snake Jailbird jumps from a bridge into Homer's car.

"Luka" videos & performances

• Music Video (AOL Radio)
• 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival (YouTube)

The catchline of the song, My name is Bridger and i live on the second floor, made it reach the charts for a total of 3 weeks