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Vienna Teng — My Medea
Album: Warm Strangers
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1312









Released: 2004
Length: 4:04
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Inside the labyrinth walls
There lies a tiny child who sleeps alone
And as the daylight falls
The wind becomes so wild across the stone

For I have made her prison be
Her every step away from me
And this child I would destroy
If you tried to set her free

So come to me my love
I'll tap into your strength and drain it dry
Can never have enough
For you I'd burn the length and breadth of sky

For it's my thoughts that bind me here
It's this love that I most fear
And this child I would destroy
For I hold her pain most dear

No haven for this heart
No shelter for this child in mazes lost
Heaven keep us apart
A curse for every mile of ocean crossed

For I must die for what I've done
A twist of fate, a desert sun
For I see what I destroy
Sweet reflection knife into me
For I see what I destroy
I can see what I've begun
Comments (159)add comment
Per Ultravox; Midge Ure... “...ahhh Vienna...” Lovely. A 9 today.
I saw this young lady in a small theater here in Eugene, Oregon.  It was amazing, one of the best concerts and she is such an entertainer.  I wish she would come back again.  This lady is a Piano Prodigy, you would freak.  Her voice, even though she doesnt think so, is amazing.
Her voice is amazingly strong and delicate at the same time. Really incredible singer and songwriter. 
 crispynz1 wrote:
{#Frustrated}


  

I had the great pleasure of seeing her perform in Portland, Maine of all places. I was enthralled. I barked out a request at one point, (something I am usually loathe to do), she complied. At the end of the evening, my wife pointed me out to her as her biggest fan in the room, she gave me a hug. I'll never be the same.
Of course, I was her biggest fan in the room, because I had heard her on RP years before, and followed what I liked.
Thanks Bill and Rebecca!
My wife and I saw her perform last week and it was fabulous.  Thanks Bill.   What a talent 
 ziggytrix wrote:

She comes across a bit too bombastic for my tastes, but despite that, I find myself quite enjoying the selection of her songs that is played here.
 
Agreed, at times. But I really like Level Up and Augustine. And she has the great benefit of sincerity and artistry.
 leafmold wrote:
She has a lovely voice but she always seems on the verge of being histrionic, like the soundtrack to the Titanic or something.

 
She comes across a bit too bombastic for my tastes, but despite that, I find myself quite enjoying the selection of her songs that is played here.
{#Frustrated}


{#Hearteyes}
I am Dr. Strangelove and I approve of this song.
{#Music}
Lovely.   {#Crown}
 Hannio wrote:


It sounds like it really bugs you that some people don't like what you like.  

 
You really waited 5 years to post this insightful observation!? Maybe I should feel honored. And still don't hate this.
 bam23 wrote:

No, it's just the stupid ones who react that way. Gosh, I hope I have not offended anyone who gloats about hating Vienna Teng?

 

It sounds like it really bugs you that some people don't like what you like.  
With this one, Vienna has created a masterpiece {#Crown}
Captain trip with a freudian slip makes starboard a port-a-john tipping look alike.
 colt4x5 wrote:
Too much like old Renaissance. Partly it's the tedious piano.
 

 
I just love old Renaissance and Annie 
Daughter is in marching band and during a contest a couple weeks ago one of the bands played a bit of her music.  Melody was hers, could not really recognize the tune.
 michaelgmitchell wrote:

Funny, I'm with you on this one. Usually, she's delightful. This sounds like something off a Jim Brickman album. Yikes. (The fact that I even know who Jim Brickman is, scary in itself...)

 
Seems like I should consider myself lucky that I don't know who Jim Brickman is.
Too much like old Renaissance. Partly it's the tedious piano.
 
 LucidDreamer wrote:
"I usually like Vienna Teng.
I don't want to listen to this again."
 
Funny, I'm with you on this one. Usually, she's delightful. This sounds like something off a Jim Brickman album. Yikes. (The fact that I even know who Jim Brickman is, scary in itself...)
Good, old, Vienna's album. Not like the last one. Thank you Bill for this song.
What a segue from JS Bach!  Sheer perfection.  Thanks Bill!  {#Clap}
I've been hearing this on RP for years as a pleasant enough song, but today I listened carefully for the first time. What a remarkable piece! The dense orchestration, her voice, the lyrics. And I'm a sucker for internal rhyme. Thank you, Bill.
well played Bill. Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude #1 In C as the intro....well played. 
Vienna for POTUS
 twitterpated wrote:
This sounds like a song from a Disney film.  Impassioned, high-toned female voice swelling emphatically.  I picture a ragged princess standing in the middle of a rainy field clutching a bundle to her chest singing to the sky. . .

Might be more to it than that -->

In Greek mythology, Medea (Greek: Μήδεια, Mēdeia, Georgian: მედეა, Medea) was the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, niece of Circe, granddaughter of the sun god Helios, and later wife to the hero Jason, with whom she had two children, Mermeros and Pheres. In Euripides's play Medea, Jason leaves Medea when Creon, king of Corinth, offers him his daughter, Glauce. The play tells of Medea avenging her husband's betrayal.

... sounds dramatic to me.  I guess it's more of a scorned princess in a rainy field clutching a bundle singing to her Grandfather "the Sun" to help avenge her husband's betrayal. 

Although, it might have a deeper meaning to the artist herself--->

Medea killed her children by accident. The poet Creophylus, however, blamed their murders on the citizens of Corinth. Medea's deliberate murder of her children, then, appears to be Euripides' invention although some scholars believe Neophron created this alternate tradition. Her filicide would go on to become the standard for later writers. Pausanias, writing in the late 2nd century, records five different versions of what happened to Medea's children after reporting that he has seen a monument for them while traveling in Corinth.

Fleeing from Jason, Medea made her way to Thebes where she healed Heracles (the former Argonaut) for the murder of Iphitus. In return, Heracles gave her a place to stay in Thebes until the Thebans drove her out in anger, despite Heracles' protests.

She then fled to Athens where she met and married Aegeus. They had one son, Medus, although Hesiod makes Medus the son of Jason. Her domestic bliss was once again shattered by the arrival of Aegeus' long-lost son, Theseus. Determined to preserve her own son's inheritance, Medea convinced her husband that Theseus was a threat and that he should be disposed of. As Medea handed Theseus a cup of poison, Aegeus recognized the young man's sword as his own, which he had left behind many years previous for his newborn son, to be given to him when he came of age. Knocking the cup from Medea's hand, Aegeus embraced Theseus as his own.

Medea then returned to Colchis and, finding that Aeëtes had been deposed by his brother Perses, promptly killed her uncle, and restored the kingdom to her father. Herodotus reports another version, in which Medea and her son Medus fled from Athens to the Iranian plateau and lived among the Aryans, who then changed their name to the Medes.


She has a lovely voice but she always seems on the verge of being histrionic, like the soundtrack to the Titanic or something.
ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!
I have seen her perform in person. 

Her lyrics are brilliant. The arrangements back up the lyrics with passion. 

  
I generally like Vienna Teng's music but I just can't seem to force myself to download/pay for it.   What does that mean?  lol...

 Dangerpussy wrote:
 
 
Ok, I've seen DP post around here before, but I've always wondered something...

The name implies a couple things to me, and it's going to depend on the gender of the person using the handle.

It says either that it's dangerous because it has teeth, or (assuming the poster is a he) that his equipment is a danger to a pussy due to having weeping genital sores or something.

Or maybe is a feline take on the old James Bond movie...  who knows. 
Bleeding ears again.... next!

Different is always great. And for that I like this song alot.


 LizK wrote:
She has a lovely voice. From the general wave of  comments, perhaps it's the fashion now to hate Vienna Teng?
 
No, it's just the stupid ones who react that way. Gosh, I hope I have not offended anyone who gloats about hating Vienna Teng?
She has a lovely voice. From the general wave of  comments, perhaps it's the fashion now to hate Vienna Teng?
Pretty ditty.
Having been lucky enough to have experienced VT live and personal, I like her more than I would otherwise, which I suppose is Bill & Rebecca's feeling, as well. She's really an incredible artist and person and I give her more slack (now) than I would usually.
I usually like Vienna Teng.
I don't want to listen to this again.

Click. 

Wow! I had no idea so many people hated Vienna Tang so much. She's really not that bad — just a bit too slick and overproduced.

 I took my pill. I promise !


Thank you RP for playing this song, I've finally found a new low, a new arm pit, a new underground pool of waste that I can compare other music too. Now let me go dry heave cause I have nothing left on my system.
This song would not make the sound track for "Princess Dangerpussy" the movie.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWAlB-FavY This however probably would. =^.^=

 Blaggart wrote:
You wouldn't say that if you knew about the upcoming Princess Dangerpussy movie.

 


 tkosh wrote:


Presenting an image of vomiting.  Very classy...... 
 
Why thank you, shocking isn't it? And Bill gave that emoticon as a choice for forum members because??{#Rolleyes}
NO
Vienna can do no wrong- this is perfect.

Dangerpussy wrote:
I usually avoid negative comments but this is triggering my gag reflex. Sounds like she should (over)sing for Disney. Painfully horrible.
You wouldn't say that if you knew about the upcoming Princess Dangerpussy movie.

I usually avoid negative comments but this is triggering my gag reflex. Sounds like she should (over)sing for Disney. Painfully horrible.
 twitterpated wrote:
This sounds like a song from a Disney film.  Impassioned, high-toned female voice swelling emphatically.  I picture a ragged princess standing in the middle of a rainy field clutching a bundle to her chest singing to the sky. . .
 

At least you have something imaginative to say :)..........I have this CD, and its brilliant. Nice to hear this on RP
 sirdroseph wrote:
Nien! Nien! Nien! Ni........{#Sleep}{#Puke}
 

Presenting an image of vomiting.  Very classy...... 
Sounds like Jewel....who I really enjoy!{#Sunny}
 coldatlantic wrote:
this morning I read Medea.  this afternoon I saw an adaptation of Medea.  Vienna's rounding out the day.
 
And just last Saturday I saw Cavalli's Jason (baroque opera) at Chicago Opera Theater, so I'm all about Medea right now, too!
BTW, that opera doesn't begin to do Medea justice - she ends up finding happiness with a Spartan king in Cavalli's version.  No children were killed, no madness raged, no buildings burned ...  Cavalli appears to have been the Baroque equivalent of a Disney movie!
Nien! Nien! Nien! Ni........{#Sleep}{#Puke}
This sounds like a song from a Disney film.  Impassioned, high-toned female voice swelling emphatically.  I picture a ragged princess standing in the middle of a rainy field clutching a bundle to her chest singing to the sky. . .
RP already got me hooked on Ludovico Einaudi months ago, but now  Oh wow.  Vienna Teng, my new heartmelter!
 Pieter wrote:
Can't see the attraction. Boring boring boring!
 


 junebaby65 wrote:
Mommy make it stop!!!!
 
Reminds me what my daughter says when she sees a picture of an affenpinscher:

sick

"sick"

 junebaby65 wrote:
Mommy make it stop!!!!
 

Sounds like a good assessment to me!{#Stop}
I agree. That's two new artists in a row for me.
Nice transition from Ludovico Einaudi - Primavera

Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful artist RP. 
Mommy make it stop!!!!
Can't see the attraction. Boring boring boring!
Ack! She is touring Europe *now* and she is not visiting Sweden.
Kill me now!

One of my favs....so perfectly composed...thanks again RP..I found her here



I really dislike comparisons. Why cant someone sound like.. themselves?

In any case.. I when I first heard this, I thought... "Wow. Liz Phair has really improved her vocals!" 
 onomasticator wrote:
Calling Andrew Lloyd Weber ... gag.
 
LOL!  I too was wondering from what musical this came. (Not that I don't appreciate musicals, necessarily.) 

I see your 'gag' and raise you an 'Ugh.'

ACK! Sounds like something you might hear at Disneyland.
I've seen her live twice. I'd crawl through ground glass naked to see her again, though hopefully it won't come to that.
This young lady is a major talent. I just love to hear her sing, especially her song "Harbor".
I love this song..beautifully sung and played..

this morning I read Medea.  this afternoon I saw an adaptation of Medea.  Vienna's rounding out the day.
Boston_Ed wrote:
I don't usually mute...but this is one of those times. I find this a little monotonous and dull.
I normally love her, but this is rubbing me the wrong way.
I don't usually mute...but this is one of those times. I find this a little monotonous and dull.
onomasticator wrote:
Calling Andrew Lloyd Weber ... gag.
ha-ha. I understand what you mean, but I find this a lot less strident and corny than what you hear in his musicals. I think her voice and delivery are lovely.
Read the lyrics. Quite a powerful song.
jjbix wrote:
anything vienna touches turns to gold, she's got a great voice, . . .touch me vienna!
I'd sure like to touch her
This isn't my favorite track, but, as a whole, this is an outstanding album. Highly recommended.
Calling Andrew Lloyd Weber ... gag.
joshfm wrote:
This doesn't work for me.
This song just fixed my truck and shoveled the steps. Works pretty good for me.
The power and emotion in this song is what makes it superb. Her voice is mesmerizing.
This doesn't work for me.
This album really is brilliant, her best, IMO.
Exceptional. One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and certainly one of Vienna's best.
Thanks for the insight..I was really wondering about the lyrics.pergamenta wrote:
Medea was a figure in Greek mythology, a sorceress who wed Jason (he of the Argonauts) and then killed their 2 children when he spurned her for another woman.
anything vienna touches turns to gold, she's got a great voice, . . .touch me vienna!
Great song! Wow!! I had to check the thermostat I'm getting such chills.
majestic...
MojoJojo wrote:
I tooned in for some wrock und rolls. Snoozanne Vega and Vienna Twang ain't cuttin it fer me. Saturday night: get about as oiled as a diesel train, but not at RP, 'least fer now.
Well, that's your problem right there...You can't tune in to RP hoping to hear one type of music. The beauty of RP is its variety. If you know you only want rock & roll--there are many traditional radio stations that can oblige you.
Oh, Vienna
She really have a great pair of lungs for being such a tiny little girl. Wonderful.
Simply wonderful...
ankit wrote:
I absolutely love this. One of the best songs I've heard. Amazing lyrics, music, voice. Only complaint is that I've been to three of her shows but never heard it live :(
I saw her Friday night and she didn't sing it then either. Amazing show though!
This would pair nicely with one of the new decemberists songs
I absolutely love this. One of the best songs I've heard. Amazing lyrics, music, voice. Only complaint is that I've been to three of her shows but never heard it live :(
I don't think I've heard this one but I could tell it was her. very distinctive. I wonder if there is a unique inflection due to the cultural inputs.
This is one of the albums I bought from hearing her on RP. And who says Internet Radio doesn't sell records?
wow nice
alux wrote:
Suzanne Vega, then Vienna Teng...if Bill plays Tori Amos next, we hit the trifecta...
How about Sarah Mac?
alux wrote:
Suzanne Vega, then Vienna Teng...if Bill plays Tori Amos next, we hit the trifecta...
Well, Sufjan Stevens is probably close enough.
nice to hear teng belt it out.
Suzanne Vega, then Vienna Teng...if Bill plays Tori Amos next, we hit the trifecta...
Very pretty.
This song's nice, but the comments by MojoJojo and SinBlossom together reminded me of the oldie-but-goodie "tandem story" writing assignment {Writing Wrongs}, after which I lost interest in the song!
I'm with you there. I know, RP isn't straight rock 'n' roll, but I could use somehthing that actually has some kick in it. MojoJojo wrote:
I tooned in for some wrock und rolls. Snoozanne Vega and Vienna Twang ain't cuttin it fer me. Saturday night: get about as oiled as a diesel train, but not at RP, 'least fer now.
More thanks to RP for exposing me to Vienna Teng as well. Wonderful Music!
RP has been my introduction to Vienna Teng, and I've liked everything I've heard very much. Between her lovely voice and her unsettling lyrics, she's got me hooked.
I tooned in for some wrock und rolls. Snoozanne Vega and Vienna Twang ain't cuttin it fer me. Saturday night: get about as oiled as a diesel train, but not at RP, 'least fer now.
mmmmmh. am i missing something?
RichardPrins wrote:
Very beautiful music!
Great voice!
denizenusa wrote:
Great album...but I wonder what this song is about.
Medea was a figure in Greek mythology, a sorceress who wed Jason (he of the Argonauts) and then killed their 2 children when he spurned her for another woman.
Great album...but I wonder what this song is about.
slawjam wrote:
Listen to "Harbor" - heartfelt lyrics, and really coolio non-4/4 timings make it a track you can listen to over and over and still love.
I agree! Harbor is good loud... and live!
what a voice...beautiful...
Thank you, RP, for introducing me to VT. She has quickly risen high on my list, and My Medea is one of my favorites.
Very soothing. I like it!
Meh. I get that other people really like her, but she doesn't do anything for me. On the other hand, I can't say that I totally hate her. It's pretty much in the "music that's just there" pile for me.