It Makes Me Wonder

Song Meaning

In Suzanne Vega's haunting track, "It Makes Me Wonder," the lyrics delve into the complex and often frustrating dynamic of a relationship burdened by unrealistic expectations and a struggle with idealized images. The opening lines, "The Virgin Mary on a chain / Has hit me in the mouth again," immediately introduce a central motif: the Madonna-whore complex. This isn't just about religious iconography; it's about the impossible standard of purity and unattainable perfection projected onto the female partner. Vega uses the image of the Virgin Mary as a symbol of this unattainable ideal, a constant source of conflict and pain in the relationship. The reference to exploring "the carnal score / Of sacred and profane" suggests a tension between spiritual ideals and earthly desires, a battleground where the speaker feels constantly judged and found wanting. The verses continue to dissect the male partner's internal conflict. The "sulky boy" who "won't drink his milk" hints at a deeper psychological issue – a rejection of nurturing and intimacy, perhaps stemming from unresolved issues with his own mother figure. This emotional unavailability further complicates the relationship, creating a distance that the speaker struggles to bridge. Vega cleverly uses the image of the untouched breast "beneath the silk" to symbolize this emotional withholding. The core of the song meaning lies in the chorus: "I have to say it makes me wonder / If you are holding me / To the same blue flame that you are under / 'Cause I feel you scolding me." The "blue flame" represents an intense, perhaps even destructive, standard of perfection. The speaker questions whether she is being held to this same impossible ideal, feeling constantly judged and inadequate. The bridge, "And why so high the expectation? / Who could live up to this?" encapsulates the frustration and futility of trying to meet such unrealistic demands. The song doesn't offer easy answers or resolutions. Instead, "It Makes Me Wonder" leaves the listener with a lingering sense of unease and the recognition of how deeply ingrained societal expectations can impact our most intimate relationships. Ultimately, Suzanne Vega's lyrics in “It Makes Me Wonder” paint a portrait of emotional impasse, where the weight of expectation crushes the potential for genuine connection.