The Passionate Eye:: The Collected Writing of Suzanne Vega – Poetry, Song Lyrics, and Stories from the Urban Streets

by Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega is a poet of the urban streets whose passionate eye catches the motion and vibrant color of the life that surrounds us all. In this volume are her collected writings:  poems and stories; song lyrics and overheard conversations; remembrances of times past and faraway countries.

Genres: Poetry, Music, Short Stories, Biography, Nonfiction, Anthologies, Essays

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Morvling Bookink]

Suzie V is a genius!! She's a songwriter but at heart she's a writer. Her poetry and music have been a great inspiration to me for years and so reading this book was truly something, personally.

It felt very intimate. Some of the details, though they may be hypothetical or imaginary, are quite intimate yeah. Not complaining but for such a reserved person, this was interesting.

It was gorgeous reading a piece of writing from when she was younger and seeing how she "replayed" the same or similar concept later on in life, whether she intended to or it was just coincidence. I love how she considers writing from her adolescence and early teenagehood still part of her material, her great songbook, as no matter the quality due to lack of life experience, its still importance in her learning of language.

I love how she plays between feminine and masculine traits and points of view yet still stays somehow fiercely womanly. Her plainess, which she discusses at length, is interesting as her mind is obviously such a busy place, yet she doesn't physically or poetically articulate it that way.

This was my first book ever of my own that I've decided to write margins and notes in. I thought that would ruin it but it doesn't. It helps me understand her work and meaning more and connect with it further to appreciate it more.

Her syntax can be simple but her message is not.

[Ilana Waters]

Not only was I blown away by these poems (and the other works included), but what's truly incredible is how YOUNG the author was when she began writing them! I think a few are even from when she was 15! Not surprising from such a great artist, and someone whose lyrics I've always admired. So do yourself a favor, and fall into this impressive volume--like I did :-)

[Diana Bogan]

The collection didn't blow me away or move me like I hoped it would. If you read between the lines you can gather an image of what her life has been growing up into adulthood. I think the most revealing part was the transcript of the interview conducted by Leonard Cohen. In it she talks about letting her work (words) stand for itself and to know the specifics of what inspiration she drew upon to write those songs/poems or passages is crossing a line. I also enjoyed her journal entry regarding a photo shoot with David Bailey involving several women musicians. It was humorous to follow her train of thought as she's eyeing up the other women and being exposed to the camera herself. Overall the book was mildly amusing. I think I'm moved more by hearing her voice sing her prose versus reading it.

[Keith Potts]

An amazing songwriter but a little disappointed with this collection. For me, too many pages of song lyrics and had hoped for more stories that led to the songs ... the prose in the book is very well written and I did enjoy those sections.

[Daniel]

Suzanne Vega is a true poet. The Leonard Cohen interview is just wonderful. I hope she's planning on releasing more collections like this in the future.

[John]

good instrospective to her body of work

[Scott]

Even though this is mostly a collection of poetry, I couldn't resist buying a copy at an in-store performance back in 1999. I was such an autograph hound back then. So, over twenty years later I decided to give it a go, and even though I've had trouble with poetry I actually managed. What's interesting about the arrangement is that the poems (some written when she was quite young) are placed so that you can see the recurring themes and imagery, and how they eventually made their way into her recorded songs. (Many song lyrics are also included.)

There are also some prose works, some autobiographical, some fictional, some perhaps somewhere in the middle. She is a great storyteller and I really enjoyed these. I specifically remember her reading "My Friend Millie" and apologizing for the language afterward, as there were kids in the audience.

I'm glad I finally read this. It made me appreciate her music even more than I already did. And maybe, just maybe, it made me appreciate poetry a little more too.

[Elaine Copeland]

Suzanne Vega reveals her journey and insights worth sifting with access to her personal journals and poetry that eventually evolved into her succinct lyrics. Origins of Rock in Pocket, Luca, and Tom's Diner are revealed by her clever and quiet shares. And, as an added bonus, we learn of her the first hand account and dialog with her dear friend, Leonard Cohen. It's an easy read, well worth the trip.

[K.S. Thompson]

The conversation between Suzanne Vega and Leonard Cohen alone is worth investing in this book. I have long been a fan of her music and it's lovely to see some of her very early work, written when she was a teenager. It's not really something one finishes in a single sitting, but rather a book to revisit from time to time, to remind you of something you fear forgetting.

[Zosma Leonis]

Fans of Suzanne Vega will find lyrics to many of her songs in this collection, and will also enjoy reading some of her poetry and other writings. I found it particularly interesting to see how, with slight changes to the language, a theme from a poem or story got worked into a song that I knew well.

[EIJANDOLUM]

A condensed extensive book. Not as stirring as I thought it would be.

[Mara]

Fans of Suzanne Vega will find lyrics to many of her songs in this collection, and will also enjoy reading some of her poetry and other writings. I found it particularly interesting to see how, with slight changes to the language, a theme from a poem or story got worked into a song that I knew well.

[Cedarlakeinn]

I LOVE this book. Suzanne Vega is one of my favorite artists. This book is a collection of lyrics she has written. Most of these songs she has recorded. There are even autobiographical sections in between.

[Clare Bear]

She's been telling stories and making great music for decades. I love her lyrics, and I can't wait to read her prose and verse.

[Amy]

This is a lovely volume of song lyrics, musings, and stories by Vega. If you are a fan of her music, you will certainly enjoy this book.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads)]

Beautiful collection of poems, lyrics, and stories.