“Luka” is a song by the artist Suzanne Vega who recorded it in 1986. It was number three on the Billboard charts in 1987. It is a haunting song that speaks of a young person caught in the cycle of domestic violence. It is about love, hate, secrets, distrust, loyalty, and fear. The song and the video that accompanied it have a powerful effect on our emotions. Art often has this ability.

Luka
My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you 

Yes, I think you’ve seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don’t ask me what it was
Just don’t ask me what it was
Just don’t ask me what it was 

I think it’s ’cause I’m clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it’s because I’m crazy
I try not to act too proud 

They only hit until you cry
After that you don’t ask why
You just don’t argue anymore
You just don’t argue anymore
You just don’t argue anymore 

Yes, I think I’m okay
I walked into the door again
If you ask that’s what I’ll say
And it’s not your business anyway 

I guess I’d like to be alone
With nothing broken, nothing thrown
Just don’t ask me how I am
Just don’t ask me how I am
Just don’t ask me how I am 

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes, I think you’ve seen me before 

If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don’t ask me what it was
Just don’t ask me what it was
Just don’t ask me what it was 

They only hit until you cry
After that you don’t ask why
You just don’t argue anymore
You just don’t argue anymore
You just don’t argue anymore 

Words and lyrics by Suzanne Vega; Published by © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.; 1986

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