Caramel

Suzanne Vega's song 'Caramel' is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled desire and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, using the imagery of caramel and cinnamon to evoke a sense of sweetness and warmth that contrasts sharply with the underlying sense of longing and unattainability. The repeated phrase 'It won't do' underscores the futility of indulging in these fantasies, as the singer acknowledges that these desires can never be fully realized or satisfied.

The song delves into the complexities of knowing someone intimately yet being unable to pursue a deeper connection. Lines like 'I know your name, I know your skin, I know the way these things begin' suggest a familiarity and a history, but also a boundary that cannot be crossed. This creates a tension between what is known and what is forbidden, highlighting the internal conflict of wanting something that is out of reach. The singer grapples with the consequences of these feelings, questioning how she would live with herself and what she would forgive of herself if she were to act on them.

'Caramel' also touches on themes of self-restraint and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled desires. The farewell to the 'sweet appetite' and the acknowledgment that 'no single bite could satisfy' reflect a resignation to the fact that some desires are best left unpursued. This resignation is not without pain, as the longing remains, but it is tempered by a recognition of the potential emotional cost. Vega's lyrical craftsmanship and the evocative imagery make 'Caramel' a deeply moving meditation on the complexities of desire and the human condition.