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Suzanne Vega — Blood Makes Noise
Album: Days of Open Hand
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2819









Released: 1987
Length: 2:15
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I'd like to help you doctor
Yes I really really would
But the din in my head
It's too much and it's no good
I'm standing in a windy tunnel
Shouting through the roar
And I'd like to give the information
You're asking for

But blood makes noise
It's a ringing in my ear
Blood makes noise
And I can't really hear you
In the thickening of fear

I think that you might want to know
The details and the facts
But there's something in my blood
Denies the memory of the acts
So just forget it Doc.
I think it's really
Cool that you're concerned
But we'll have to try again
After the silence has returned

Cause blood makes noise
It's a ringing in my ear
Blood makes noise
And I can't really hear you
In the thickening of fear

Blood makes noise...
Comments (228)add comment
This is why i listen to radio paradise to hear deep cuts from miss vega and not the same hits
 chturnerhome wrote:

This song is about receiving a positive diagnosis of HIV. It was the 80s and this was a life-threatening thing that was an epidemic. That's why the doctor wants "the details and the facts;" he needs to do "contact tracing to see who else the patient has been with. Kind of like now. 

it's a good theory, but i think vega wants you to interpret for yourself
wiki:
Suzanne Vega has denied this; in a 2001 interview with The A.V. Club, she says she likes "to take a moment out of its context. It makes you identify with it, without knowing why. In a way, its kind of eerie, because it means you can hear the song, identify with it, and not really know what the circumstances are. And in some ways, that's more satisfying to me."src
 psdradio wrote:

I don't think she's talking about tinnitus...I think she's talking about that fearful wash that comes over a person when they get really bad news..they can't hear anything because of the pounding woosh....anyone experience this? A woman being told she's pregnant when she doesn't want to be knows this feeling....people told they are going to die from cancer know it....



Good points. It used to be that something could be done to help with your first piece of bad news. Scary to think what the 9 (should say the 6) will be up to next. 
 chturnerhome wrote:

This song is about receiving a positive diagnosis of HIV. It was the 80s and this was a life-threatening thing that was an epidemic. That's why the doctor wants "the details and the facts;" he needs to do "contact tracing to see who else the patient has been with. Kind of like now. 


The more things change....
This is from 99.9F° and is from 1992, not Days of Open Hand from 1987.  RP needs a system for fixing entries by lazy submitters.
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:

Lets hear her own take on it 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3shArWZS1o


Bump!
Great song! Incredible lyrics. Suzanne Vega is way under-rated as a song writer and singer, and Mitchell Froom produced some great records! Including the first couple Crowded House albums
Peculiar song, but enticing nonetheless
i bought her debut album in 1985 to go along with some Cindy Sherman photos I toured at a local museum. 

There was a certain tamdemness to it all. 
 tm wrote:

Most of us have Tinnitus - so it's not about that. 


Let's assume that's true (citation please), most of us do NOT have it so badly that it interferes significantly with our lives, or our musical abilities.

So yes, it could be about that.  Personally, I don't think so either, but it _could_ be.
 Xstar wrote:
Butt makes noise!? {#Moon}

This comment is 11 years old but still funny as 💩!
 sjccroquet wrote:

I can imagine that getting a diagnosis of tinnitus would be really bad news for a musician...
 
Most of us have Tinnitus - so it's not about that. 
Best Susan Vega song
So much better than Luka.
 TJS wrote:
This song is from 99.9F, NOT from Days of Open Hand.
 
This may be a result from whoever submitted the request for the track and the links attached to said submission?
I like what you did there, Mr G.

David Linley "Bon Ton Roulie" to Suzanne Vega "Blood Makes Noise".

I enjoyed True Blood for a while, too...
 psdradio wrote:
I don't think she's talking about tinnitus...I think she's talking about that fearful wash that comes over a person when they get really bad news..they can't hear anything because of the pounding woosh....anyone experience this? A woman being told she's pregnant when she doesn't want to be knows this feeling....people told they are going to die from cancer know it....
 
I can imagine that getting a diagnosis of tinnitus would be really bad news for a musician...
 psdradio wrote:
I don't think she's talking about tinnitus...I think she's talking about that fearful wash that comes over a person when they get really bad news..they can't hear anything because of the pounding woosh....anyone experience this? A woman being told she's pregnant when she doesn't want to be knows this feeling....people told they are going to die from cancer know it....
 
This song is about receiving a positive diagnosis of HIV. It was the 80s and this was a life-threatening thing that was an epidemic. That's why the doctor wants "the details and the facts;" he needs to do "contact tracing to see who else the patient has been with. Kind of like now. 
 maboleth wrote:
RP getting quite annoying lately... it's like they are playing songs I marked 1. Trolling? :-)
 
Yap it's all about you.
RP getting quite annoying lately... it's like they are playing songs I marked 1. Trolling? :-)
Wow.  Not really into Suzanne Vega, but this may change me.  I like this song - great rhythm, neat feel.
 TJS wrote:
This song is from 99.9F, NOT from Days of Open Hand.
 
@BillG
This song is from 99.9F, NOT from Days of Open Hand.
 Xstar wrote:
Butt makes noise!? {#Moon}
 

LOL..A gaseous comment 4 sure!
Hmmm... I wonder if this was an inspiration for the Eels - 'I Like Birds' ?
 psdradio wrote:
I don't think she's talking about tinnitus...I think she's talking about that fearful wash that comes over a person when they get really bad news..they can't hear anything because of the pounding woosh....anyone experience this? A woman being told she's pregnant when she doesn't want to be knows this feeling....people told they are going to die from cancer know it....
 
I call it that cold wet feeling... Like when you get pulled over!!!
I don't care about if it's about tinnitus or not, I have tinnitus (the 80's) and this song agitates it. A bad Suzanne Vega song is a thing, after all. Who knew?! 
I don't think she's talking about tinnitus...I think she's talking about that fearful wash that comes over a person when they get really bad news..they can't hear anything because of the pounding woosh....anyone experience this? A woman being told she's pregnant when she doesn't want to be knows this feeling....people told they are going to die from cancer know it....
Noisome.
Monty Python...I'm not dead yet!
Should oughta be:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b5/99.9F_-_Suzanne_Vega.jpg
Was playing Solitaire and was not paying attention to the RP page saying what was playing but thought the voice sounded familiar. Never heard this song. Very nice. Thank you again RP.
 Glockman45 wrote:
The blood squirting out of my ears from this song or any by Vega would fill up a swimming pool....

 
Don't agree but pretty funny:)
 Glockman45 wrote:
The blood squirting out of my ears from this song or any by Vega would fill up a swimming pool....

 
I'm quite sure that the music you like is in its own league, impossible to not be liked by anyone. Too bad you're not hosting an online radio with it.
The blood squirting out of my ears from this song or any by Vega would fill up a swimming pool....
Not one of my favorite songs although I am a fan....
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:

Lets hear her own take on it 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3shArWZS1o

 
I have tinnitus and my name is Noyes, some pronounce "noise".

 GTT wrote:

I think she's talking about tinnitus.

 
Lets hear her own take on it 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3shArWZS1o
PSD.  But then PSD isn't working for some reason.  Bah!  What am I doing wrong here?
 aspicer wrote:
{#No}

 
i agree,
it's not blood making that noise 
Haven't heard this one in a long time. Thanks, RP!
 GTT wrote:

I think she's talking about tinnitus.

 
Could you speak up, please?  I couldn't hear what you said.
 zenhead wrote:
Wow. Is it just me or does today's playlist feel very political?

 
I think she's talking about tinnitus.
Wow. Is it just me or does today's playlist feel very political?
{#No}
 willmcnaught wrote:
{#Moon} ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
guess what EKIN lol out of 1200 + reviews your opinion is way way in the minority so like another listener said use PSD but your probably a cheap skate and aren't a contributor so spare us your drivel

 
So he/she criticizes the song, but instead of defending the song you insult the poster personally
Instead, let's talk about why the song is good. That would make more sense. 
Make. It. Stop.
 DaveInVA wrote:
Is she singing "Butt makes noise?" {#Mrgreen}

 
Awe crapgoddammitlol, now I hear that - damn you Dave! {#Laughing}
Is she singing "Butt makes noise?" {#Moon}
This a fantastic album, and I'm so glad to see this on RP. ;)
I always loved this song !
9 -> 10

RP has introduced me to so many good songs from this album. I ought to buy it.
 
kcar wrote:

Why are you even here? More than a third of your song ratings are "1"s. You might well be happier picking your orifices in solitary bliss. 


dwhayslett wrote:

Add ekin to the list of people who really enjoy listening to music that they don't enjoy listening to.

 
There is a woman in my life, whom I love dearly. She has a small dog that misbehaves - ALOT. Every time that the dog is "bad" she gives it a treat - You know; just to distract it, hopefully to stop it from misbehaving. Of course this only reinforces the bad behavior, and it gets worse and worse.

Any way, This is one of my favorite SV songs - Always reminds me of The Breeders at the beginning! 

 kcar wrote:

Why are you even here? More than a third of your song ratings are "1"s. You might well be happier picking your orifices in solitary bliss. 

 
Add ekin to the list of people who really enjoy listening to music that they don't enjoy listening to.
 willmcnaught wrote:
{#Moon} ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
guess what EKIN lol out of 1200 + reviews your opinion is way way in the minority so like another listener said use PSD but your probably a cheap skate and aren't a contributor so spare us your drivel

 
You know, I tend not to rate things below 5.  I have, but I don't recall why.  If I hear something *I* don't like, I just don't support it.
Great..Replay.
{#Moon} ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
guess what EKIN lol out of 1200 + reviews your opinion is way way in the minority so like another listener said use PSD but your probably a cheap skate and aren't a contributor so spare us your drivel
Blood makes noise
is it saying Ebola? 
 ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
Why are you even here? More than a third of your song ratings are "1"s. You might well be happier picking your orifices in solitary bliss. 
 ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
PSD -  Use it!!
people need to remember that this song was somewhat ahead of its time on popular radio. It might sound dated but was fresh when it came out

Suzanne Veaga interprète "Fool's Complaint" pour Le Live, l'émission musicale du Figaro.Voir toutes les vidéos du Live. Solo-acoustic performance of Suzanne Vega with Gerry Leonard on guitar. Songs from new studio-album "Tales From the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles (2014). Amazing.


 ekin wrote:
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 

 
{#Ass}
it's just a bullshit song, really bad sound and arrange, rhythm is suck. this is not music just a mind fuck. please don't play again please ...... 
might have mentioned this a few years ago but that's david hidalgo on guitar on this album. LOVE this album.
Never heard this before. Love the junkyard percussion.
 Xstar wrote:
Butt makes noise!? {#Moon}
 
That comment stinks. 


 DD rabbi_phil wrote:
Hey...if u want ringing in your ears forget the blood thing...try my youngest son's fender strat and hiwatt set-up....that'll do it   4 sure
 
Chuckle, chuckle.
One time this girl made me a mix tape and it had this song on it.
I immediately cut all contacts.
This is just awful.   
Thought I'd heard all her stuff but this is a new, and thoroughly likeable, new discovery.
Quite enjoyed hearing this track at 3am here in Australia while feeding my newborn. Thanks RP :)
 bluejay08003 wrote:

two years later, the same thing—Suzanne Vega after Tom Petty?
 
...same thing 1 month later...crash.....smiley......
Hey...if u want ringing in your ears forget the blood thing...try my youngest son's fender strat and hiwatt set-up....that'll do it   4 sure
Haven't heard this in YEARS - thanks!
 Cynaera wrote:
I love Suzanne Vega, but not after Tom Petty. I think I just crashed...

RP - WTF?
 
two years later, the same thing—Suzanne Vega after Tom Petty?
Very different for her. Listen to Calypso. Sweet.
Suzanne thought it would nice to make a rap record.
 Shaker wrote:
My ears are bleeding...just kidding but thought it too funny to not type.
 
It's good that you're doing your part.  That statement is probably somewhere in the comment threads for about 90% of the tunes here - that, or some lazy variation of "nails-on-a-chalkboard".

The entire album is a departure from her usual style.  Highly recommended.
 plaice3 wrote:
I love the way she says "fear."
 
...i loved her american accent from the very first time i heard this track back in ninety-two...
This is a really good album overall.  All the songs you've heard and a lot that you haven't.
More interesting than her usual stuff.
Not my favorite SV track...but it's Suzanne...and I like me some Suzanne!!!
{#Roflol} Shaker wrote:
My ears are bleeding...just kidding but thought it too funny to not type.
 


My ears are bleeding...just kidding but thought it too funny to not type.
I love Suzanne Vega, but not after Tom Petty. I think I just crashed...

RP - WTF?

Suzanne Vega (VRT Marconi Studio, Brussel)  by daMusic.be
https://www.flickr.com/photos/damusic/

Suzanne Vega
16 April 2007 - VRT Marconi Studio, Brussel
Copyright daMusic/Nele De Beelde

Lees het volledige verslag op daMusic

Copyright All rights reserved

.

vomit....
I love the way she says "fear."
Butt makes noise!? {#Moon}
Inertia Creeps Suzanne?
my blood is making noise this morning.... has nothing to do with the amount I drank last night ....
 shutter wrote:
Good tune.  I like the un-balance previously referred to ;^)
 
It's Tchad Blake — an engineer of genius. He's really into the binaural thing. He's probably mixed most of your favorite records — mine too! (Recently recorded/mixed Peter Gabriel's last records.)
i didn't like her at all - that "my name is Luka" song got over played. but hearing some of her other stuff, like this song, changed my mind. her flat voice really fits her lyrics.
Nice!
Every time i hear this intro I think I'm going to hear "Satisfaction" from DEVO.
Anybody out there got it? 
Good tune.  I like the un-balance previously referred to ;^)
 ce wrote:
It seems she is singing separate voices in each stereo channel, slightly out of sync, probably intentionally, for "effect".
 
yup.  i think its appropriate to the song.  never listened to this one over headphones tho.

Ma'am, I need you to step AWAY from the Balance button.

What is it exactly that makes this sound so weird on headphones?
It seems she is singing separate voices in each stereo channel, slightly out of sync, probably intentionally, for "effect". Either that, or the producer's 3 year old was zapping the Balance button back and forth as fast as possible.
I don't like it.

a classic, very cool {#Bounce}
 crockydile wrote:
It does, especially when you track it over hardwood floors! {#Evil}
 
{#Curtain} very interesting.........

This song totally reminded me of "Inertia Creeps" by Massive Attack. Anyone else hear that??
It does, especially when you track it over hardwood floors! {#Evil}
 greyfin10 wrote:
Well, I've been living with a mix CD a friend of mine made of Suzanne Vega for years now.  While I can't claim to have a balanced view of the whole of her work, I AM very impressed with her songwriting and suspect she'll be considered a master in time.  One of those artists I don't think get taken seriously until some popular come-lately mentions them as an influence.  I could be wrong, but in my opinion she bears the marks of greatness.
 
Well, heck... Suzanne Vega has been on the biz long enough, and published enough albums by now that if her quality, abilities and influence are not recognized by now, I don't think they're likely to be later.
Not everyone may like her music, as is usually the case with just about anyone, but I do believe that she is already a sufficiently well-known and respected artist that she can do whatever pleases her.


i love the album this came off..

it works well in that mix.
I'm sorry but she aint a Paul Simon or a Joni Mitchell - I've always found her songs thin, apart from Marlene On The Wall.
Well, I've been living with a mix CD a friend of mine made of Suzanne Vega for years now.  While I can't claim to have a balanced view of the whole of her work, I AM very impressed with her songwriting and suspect she'll be considered a master in time.  One of those artists I don't think get taken seriously until some popular come-lately mentions them as an influence.  I could be wrong, but in my opinion she bears the marks of greatness.
Excelsior wrote:
Suzanne Vega: the personification of "Ho-Hum."


As opposed to Simon and Garfunkle?

 Gednabb wrote:

And did her nose bleed, and did it make noise?
 
{#Lol}  {#Clap}

Is this the one with the Richard Thompson guitar solo?
I've gone off this song...{#Think}
Suzanne Vega: the personification of "Ho-Hum."
DrConcrescence wrote:
Almost Broke her nose when she was touring with this album- SUNY Buffalo- I was an Usher and the Men/Women Bathroom had a single entrance door- I was going out she in 10 minutes before show time- Hit her in the face with the door- Many apologies and loved the show...
And did her nose bleed, and did it make noise?
Almost Broke her nose when she was touring with this album- SUNY Buffalo- I was an Usher and the Men/Women Bathroom had a single entrance door- I was going out she in 10 minutes before show time- Hit her in the face with the door- Many apologies and loved the show...
hah hah fun!
When the bass pedal pauses - it feels like i'm gonna die. Weird, but good.
mandolin wrote:
...random observation: suzanne vega is cooler than tori amos... ...i wish i could get ahold of suzanne vega's american mavericks radio program - brilliant stuff...
You know what they say about opinions, right?
Not my favorite song by her, but it's a good one. I haven't heard this in a while; I may have to pull out my old "99.9 F" CD and give it a listen.