“Luka” is a deeply poignant folk-pop song by American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, released in May 1987 with “Night Vision” on the B-side as the second single from her album Solitude Standing. The song became Vega’s biggest hit, earning critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling and haunting melody.
Lyrically, Luka tackles the difficult subject of child abuse, told from the perspective of a young boy named Luka, who tries to downplay the violence he experiences at home. Lines like “If you hear something late at night, some kind of trouble, some kind of fight, just don’t ask me what it was” subtly yet powerfully hint at domestic violence and the child’s silence due to fear or shame.
The song features gentle acoustic guitar, soft percussion, and Vega’s clear, emotive vocals, creating a delicate yet haunting atmosphere. Unlike many songs addressing serious issues, Luka pairs its heavy subject matter with a melodic, radio-friendly arrangement, making its message even more impactful.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and No. 23 in the UK, making it Vega’s highest-charting single. It also earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.