Suzanne Vega - The Queen And The Soldier

Suzanne Vega live at Das Fest, Karlsruhe, Germany 1997. A great performance and a beautiful setting. Broadcast on German TV. 2 Songs
The Queen and The Soldier
World Before Columbus
Please join the Suzanne Vega fan group on Facebook: / 2250702428

[@StLProgressive]

This song affected me so much when I was a teenager. Still does.

[@Sironae]

same!!

[@mackusch]

Oh Mann, irgendwann in den 80 ern hat mich dieses Lied so dermaßen begleitet ,das ich noch heute eine Gänsehaut bekomme. Ich kann mir vorstellen ,das jeder von euch weis wovon ich hier schreibe...Manchmal würde ich mir wünschen ich könnte die Zeit zurück drehen ;-)

[@benevolentlovemama]

No matter how many years that pass between when I've listened to this and I have not - I remember every word. Thank you, Suzanne.

[@CaseModVideos]

She is depth, softness, beauty and incredible Talent. The world is a better place - I love everything about this lady.

[@micheleammaturo3584]

Me too, completely...

[@FeaturingMaxAsMax]

"The Queen and the Soldier" is a masterpiece, one of my five favorite songs of all time. The diversity of comments here testifies to that -- there are so many ways of hearing this song. One person thinks it's an anti-war song. I see it as a song about the way we lock ourselves into fortresses and hurt the people who try to help us. All of these meanings are possible. I love this version, but I miss one thing that was on the recorded version -- the organ. In the record, most of the soldier's speeches are accompanied by the organ, while the queen's are accompanied by the guitar. The dialogue between the two instruments reinforces the dialogue between the two characters. The song ends with the organ music trailing off softly into the distance, signifying that the spirit of the soldier is *not* dead or broken. There is hope at the end. This version, on the other hand, is utterly bleak.

[@steveharris5008]

love your sentiments; I will need to hear the version you are talking about.

[@stevebeutelspacher1157]

Very insightful. Agree this is an incredible and moving piece of music. It strikes me as an example of speaking truth to power and the consequences thereof.

[@Anthony-js3ki]

What are the other four?

[@valenciawhitehead9589]

Love your take on this and TOTALLY agree about the organ!

[@robinsnell2231]

Yes, you are right. I don't know how you worked it out, but it is there in this recording kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3rCaICVf8qGpcU

[@hemmojito]

This is the single most stunning live performance of suzanne vega, that you can find on youtube. I've been watching other videos, I always come back for this one. You gotta just love this woman. there's something secretive and mysterious about her and yet something so ... pure. I can't tell. I can't help it, when she sings I feel ...well, free! I don't know how to put it else. Thank you for so much inspiration suzanne.

[@robinsnell2231]

I agree. Hard to put in words.

[@CrazyBernieFurniture]

Had the pleasure of seeing her perform at Joes Pub in NYC in November 2014. I requested this song and she played it just for me and my wife. AWESOME

[@majortom2688]

So magic moment. A song far away from the usual hits.

[@twoblackthorned]

I missed her when she played. She made a point to smile upon me though, even so. =-)

[@Selenareznik25]

That is so amazing! I did a cover of this for my KZbin channel and sent it to Suzanne. No response but a lot of people on twitter really like the cover. I’ll put the link here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIjafI2opp51d9U

[@gavinc8330]

❤

[@metermorphose]

🎼How touched she seems to be to me after "The Queen and the soldier". Such a deep and overwhelming song always moves me to tears.

[@donrosenbaum]

What a great artist and fantastic composer she is, without any doubt one of the greatest artists of our time !

[@annekepplinger5466]

This song is one of the best things that happened on the eighties!!

[@philippschilling]

I've been there in 1997 and it was one of the most beatiful performances I've ever attended.

[@portcullis5622]

I first saw her play live in 1986 and most recently in 2017. Her voice was virtually unchanged. A wonderful songwriter with a beautiful voice.

[@BillNeilan]

What a fine guitarist she is! I never realized this before.

[@calldyuk1751]

My favorite SV song - One of the best songs ever written - Love the story to the lyrics -

[@tonyjohnson8752]

This song is more important now than ever. Take these lyrics to heart.

[@jonathanyoung1725]

Not only this is a great song, but it must be listened to along with all the other songs on her original album. Back to back full album from start to finish. Great Album.

[@majortom2688]

Why is this song so unknown ? this is THE song of this album, the one whith a story to tell, so cruel, so moving and beautiful. A whole film in a 5' "a capella" song.

[@kevinlarson3407]

+Major Tom I'm a 10-year Army/French Foreign Legion 2x Vet. I know.

[@lazaruslong697]

Short answer - it is too long for a radío song. Only Queen (with Freddie) are excluded fom this rule. )

[@palmertreese1363]

Major Tom and meatloaf lol

[@glennmccready37]

and Knight Moves also!

[@majortom2688]

@@kevinlarson3407 you know the way to the sacrifice. How i understand you.

[@Star_Sn1per]

Honestly she's my favorite female musical artist of the 80-90's

[@gavincoman5860]

This brings me to tears.. 48 year old bad ass...... Hits the right spots... Finality & what you cause.

[@tonyjohnson8752]

This is the song that made me want to learn how to play guitar. It only took me 30 years to learn it.

[@butronowlence]

She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, most talented, she is perfect, I love her. This song is so sad and the wonder also. I love you Vega!

[@Yuulz]

I adore this song. Great tune, great lyrics, and just beautiful.

[@josepha.sojajr.2725]

Completely spellbinding performance. Perfection.

[@thedudeabides3930]

It's hard for me to admit how great this song is, and how much I loved it when I was 19.

[@MorerishKindaLuv]

This song always make me cry x

[@tonyjohnson8752]

This is the song that made me want to learn how to play and sing. It only took me 30 years to learn. Suzanne if you are ever in Austin Texas please stop by south Congress and Monroe and sing it with me please. I busk on that corner.

[@jlindsey1972]

Her voice is so beautiful and sincere that it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I've seen her twice live and she was amazing

[@01322521959]

Takes me back to 1987 when I did a lot of driving. Suzanne kept me company on those steady 80-85 mph night drives ...

[@jonmaxwell74]

omg i'm right there with you bro.

[@killyourtelllievision]

Dayyum! Didn't see THAT coming! Killer song! Literally.

[@stacydarren4712]

Incredible talent... singer songwriter 💕💘

[@ChessVertigo]

How much music I lost when I was in my 20s... In 1987 I was 22, and just now I discover this treasure. Thank you all to share it. Thanks Suzanne for magic.

[@tonyjohnson8752]

Makes me cry every time I listen.

[@glenkimura1944]

So, in the late 90s early 2000 I lived in the western Vail Valley area of Colorado z my friends and I worked at the ski resort and we became friends with a woman named Monique N. who worked at an upscale art gallery in the plaza. One night it was our friend Craig’s birthday and after dinner at the local pub he gave us all acid . And then we ended up at Monique’s place and (I had no idea she could play the guitar or sing). But, she picked up the guitar and played and sang this song as if it was her own. And now that she’s past, I listen to this. To remember.

[@peterpowis4145]

she is brilliant live!! :)

[@Buzztooth]

Maybe my all time favourite song. Love it so much.

[@butronowlence]

This is so perfect, I'm always crying when I'm listening to this D:

[@mikecrow9096]

I always get goosebumps at the end of the song 😮

[@soacker25]

At the end She seems so sad and touched for a moment. Amazing. Shes so beautiful. So authentic....

[@Hadrian44AD]

Just awesome. I love this song.

[@Dan_Ravel]

Such an amazing musician. One of all time favorites from my youth. This song is simply amazing

[@JohnMoran-mc2rh]

She is so beautiful i make nothing but confirmation from a folk legend here love you all ❤

[@juliaberg5626]

Been so long ago but still remember it all

[@paulelliott3220]

Fantastic and have always loved this song Beautifully sung and Suzanne is totally bewitching

[@DouglasKew]

My fave! Never have I heard unrequited love so beautifully explained.

[@bugabootang]

so true

[@Alert64]

One of the greatest songs with a deep story ever written. SV is superb.

[@welderman444]

stunningly beautiful song.

[@earthtripgirl]

One of my all time favorite songs. And as for that night in Princeton, Suzanne, you outshine Duncan any day with this one.

[@ConsciousLiving]

One of my favourite songs of her. Beautiful voice and such gentle guitar. Love it. Lyrics for this song are also beautiful.

[@houplin1]

I don't know why I like this song so much. As a French listener, I get most of the lyrics but not all of them. Still, I think I know what it's about. What I also love is her voice and the melody. Bought the record (vinyl) when it first came out, then the CD. I've always loved this track, more than Luka or other Suzanne Vega's hits. Many years later, it's exactly the same pleasure listening to it. Wonderful artist, thank you.

[@mcanning59]

Le soldat est venu frapper sur la porte de la reine Il a dit 'Je ne me batte plus pour vous.' Et la reine savait qu'elle avait vu son visage quelque part Et lentement elle l'a laissé entrer Il a dit 'J'ai vu votre palais ici sur la colline Et je me dis c'est qui la femme pour qui nous tuons Mais je partira demain et vous pouvez en faire ce que vous voulez Mais d'abord je vous pose le question "pourquoi". Par le couloir long elle l'a amené Jusqu'à sa chambre aux tapis rouges Et elle n'a jamais déposé la couronne de sa tête Elle lui a demandé de s'y asseoir Il a dit 'Je vous vois maintenant et vous êtes très jeune Mais j'ai vu plus de batailles perdues que de batailles gagnées Et j'ai quelque intuition que c'est juste pour vous amuser Et maintenant me diriez-vous pourquoi? Alors la jeune reine l'a regardé avec des yeux orgueilleux Elle a dit 'Vous n'allez pas comprendre, et vous ne devez pas essayer Mais elle avait le visage d'une enfant et il croyait qu'elle pleurerait Mais elle s'est renfermée comme un éventail Elle a dit 'J'ai avalé un fil secret et brûlant Il me couple là-dedans, et j'ai souvent saigné' Et il a mis la main sur sa tête Et il l'a prosternée jusqu'au sol 'Dites-moi, combien de faim avez-vous? Comment faible vous sentez-vous Car vous vivez ici toute seule et vous ne vous montrez jamais Mais je ne vais plus encore sur vos champs de bataille' Et il l'a amenée à la fenêtre pour voir Et le soleil était doré mais les cieux étaient grises Et elle a voulu plus qu'elle n'a jamais pu dire Mais elle a compris qu'elle craignait et elle s'est tournée Et elle ne lui faisait face après ça. Il a dit 'Je voudrais vivre comme un homme honnête Pour gagner ce que je mérite et donner tout ce que je peux Et pour aimer une jeune femme qui je ne comprendra pas Votre majesté, vos façons sont très étranges Mais la couronne était tombée et elle pensait qu'elle briserait Quand elle s'y tenait, honteuse du douleur dans son coeur Et elle l'a amené jusqu'à la porte et l'a demandé d'attendre Et avait besoin d'un moment dedans Et là au loin on a entendu sa commande Et le soldat était tué, attendant toujours son retour Et la reine s'est étouffée dans la solitude qu'elle préférait Pendant que la bataille continuait

[@majortom2688]

Exactly the same opinion, and french too. For me the best song of this album. I often dreamt of being the soldier, whatever the ending.

[@neutralizor]

I always loved this song as a tragic love story. What hobgoblin said casts a different light on the words- As a lament for those who's love for their homeland and their kin, in who's defence they would gladly suffer are dishonoured by the reckless and selfish motives of political and religious war-makers who care little for their welfare or the dignity of their sacrifice. Suzanne Vega is very special and to me her songs instil peace even in the face of the harsh realities they sometimes confront

[@philipwatling]

When I first heard this I was blown away. Sure I have been a fan of Ms Vega since Marlene on the Wall, but this song was something else. It transports one to another time, another dimension. The simple tune, the incredible lyrics - truly amazing. Somewhat akin to Simon and Garfunkel's America in the sense that it tells a story, but even given that songs brilliance, Suzanne Vega's lyrics are in a league of their own. The Queen and the Soldier is quite possibly one of the best songs ever written.

[@Bruce10000]

and he said "i want to live as an honest man to get all i deserve and to give all i can , and to love a young woman who i dont understand.... your highness your ways are very strange....... What a class song i love it.

[@CaseModVideos]

She's the best. Incredible depth in her music, mesmerizing voice.

[@portcullis5622]

A masterpiece from a truly great artist.

[@PrinceBishop3]

The song works on so many levels. Always makes me think.

[@user-mb4vi1xy6n]

Makes me sob every time.

[@helefee]

now..i fall in love with this song-,-

[@WithLoveFromCologne]

Always reminds me of my very last day as a soldier. I was about to leave the German Army and me an a cpuple of colleges walked towards the office where we were supposed to have our farewell, when all of a sudden one of them started singing this song. It has become a personal tradition for me to listen to this song every anniversary.

[@evilpride21]

omg her voice. her and Bryan Adam are my favorite musicians. their voices omg even without background sound. this song is so sad. i love it. its just so powerful.

[@kevinlarson9111]

I'm a 10-year Army Veteran. Suzanne's words hit me very hard.

[@MedianHansen]

This is a song, that can't help me to a LOT of feelings... Everytime i hear it, it seems even deeper than the last time, i can keep listening to the text, and the story, and it seems like everytime, the ending surprises me, every time i feel ever so shocked about what she does...

[@jonmaxwell74]

takes my breath away.

[@ncdcdancer]

i love this song!

[@ronrackley5902]

Beautiful song beautiful rendition. thank you Susan that was great! Loved it.

[@lorrieatLDP]

Powerful. Thanks Tim for sending this one out to me.

[@aidanmcgrath911]

just met her yesterday,shes a lovely person

[@alyshia57]

You´re such a beautiful spirit Suzanne. Mesmorizing perfomance. Thank you.

[@Guilherme-wd6wo]

muito difícil não gostar de uma música da Suzanne, que artista incrível!

[@Chomin35]

I don't have words to express que means Suzzane Vega to me; at least thousands of minutes of joy listen to her music (no matter what song). Thanks for your contribution to the pop music

[@kevinlarson3407]

I love this song. I have been where she is talking about. Twice.

[@philippschilling]

I’ve been there. Delighted to find this recording here. What a great evening that was!

[@ytcarol]

She's a wonderful storyteller and songwriter. Just saw her in concert in D.C. last night and it was magic. Her voice is still just the same.

[@xxxSunbeamxxx]

'But her face was a child's and he thought she would cry, but she closed herself up like a fan. She said " I have swallowed a secret burning thread. It cuts me inside, and often I've bled"....' Just fabulous lyrics...wish I couldnt identify with them, but I can. Amazing writing to touch others like that. I hadnt heard the second song before - it is beautiful too - thanks for uploading. Sunbeam :)

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

I don't understand. On the line "He laid his hand then on top of her head / And he bowed her down to the ground" I just fall apart. I can't even read the words out loud - hit that line and it's all over. Maybe it's my "secret burning thread - It cuts me inside, and often I've bled" Magic. Just magic. Her words, her music, her.

[@lovin0051]

this song is one of my favorite song of all time

[@usblueflyer]

Ms. Vega's music was introduced to me by an old flame who I wish I could find!! STILL - I THANK him for it!!

[@tradkhodja]

great singer thanks

[@hemmojito]

You're right, AnEclecticMusicFan! A million words couldn't describe the feelings that go on, when I listen to this song so strong !...

[@baantalingngam]

Same same,ktt 126.I didn't own a CD player and was obsessed with jazz at the time,but I happened to read an article in Rolling Stone and I'm so glad I bought her first album,on vinyl.

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

Suzanne Vega is my best friends favorite singer. So that puts her automatically into my top 5 or 6. Beautiful song and great production.

[@Lavendergaljackie2]

I think this song is such a sad one. I loved it the first time I heard it. Suzanne sings it beautifully.

[@eldiran2]

One of Suzanne's best...of which there are many. This is so honest and moving and cleverly told!

[@Takac1979]

I adore these two songs, its a miracle i found them together and live and in great r ecording...

[@HerbieDerbie]

Probably the most beautiful song ever. Such a profound and touching narrative.

[@Evandaify]

thanks Suzanne

[@Shad0wplay]

This is the true nature of beauty. Thank you so much Suzanne Vega :-)

[@aviadmei]

this song is a pure masterpiece! certainly her best song ever! GREAT ARTIST!!!!

[@Jofph]

She's awesome. Her songs, the lyrics & her soft voice..

[@xXazuraXx]

Same here. Haven't heard this song in years, it brings back memories. ^^

[@kalerka]

Suzanne really knows how to express her emotion in this song, through her voice and guitar, which is why i much prefer this live version rather than the original studio recording

[@margaretkaczorowski2215]

love love this song. still brings tears to my eyes.

[@valleysofneptune]

this album is in my top ten of all time, she is a true songwriter.......pure........

[@stuartbeekmeyer4950]

Genius

[@kindbluey]

Wow! Incredible. Suzane sings beautifully.

[@chupepo]

The most beautiful Song about friend zone

[@endlessendeavoures9137]

Such a Passionate Song Made me Cry just Superb!!!!

[@maricarmenmalcolm]

AWESOME THIS SONG ONE OF THE BEST LOVE SUZANNE VEGA FANTASTIC SINGER VOICE OF AN ANGEL JUST LOVELY . THANKYOU MY DEAR BEAUTIFUL FRIEND jat13 BLAST FROM THE PAST MESMERISING MOMENTS PAUSE FOR THOUGHT YESS THUMBS UP MUST WATCH WONDERFUL , SENDING SMILES NAMASTE FROM ENGLAND BRAVOOO XD MUAH MUAH XXXXXXX

[@livvybsmum]

I love this song! I've loved it since I can't even remember, years ago. She's awesome!

[@TonyBee63]

Absolutley Fantastic!!...I love song.