Tom’s Diner

The song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega was originally written as an a cappella on Vega’s second album which, was titled “Solitude Standing” and was released in 1987. It was also remixed in 1990 by English electronic duo, known as “DNA” and eventually became a Top 10 hit in five countries. Before this, it was released in 1984 on the January issue of Folk Musical Magazine and eventually was used in the year 1995 by German engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg as the first MP3 recording earning Vega the nickname “The Mother of the MP3.”

While many consider the song “Tom’s Diner” a song about nothing it can be described as a song written about alienation, where you're not connected to everything you see but, instead it feels like you're witnessing everything through a panel of glass. She came up with the idea after talking to her friend and photographer Brian Rose who said he saw his life through a panel of glass as mentioned in the British newspaper “The Guardian.” The song takes place in Tom’s Restaurant in Manhattan which, was later used in the NBC sitcom known as “Seinfeld.” She changed the word “restaurant” to “diner” to make the lyrics of the song rhyme. It’s more than just a catchy tune that you can’t seem to get out of your head essentially is an anthem for those of us who feel disconnected from the people and the world around them. The narrator is sitting in Tom’s Restaurant reporting things going on around her as if they're not actually happening to her. It’s almost as if she's on the outside looking in. Oddly enough a song that started as a conversation between two friends not only becomes a worldwide hit years later but, also becomes the first MP3 recording. I'm sure Suzanne Vega was not expecting that!

When it comes to the subject of alienation just imagine being a 27-year-old girl with a love and deep appreciation for music older than them. You start to feel disconnected and sort of alienated from people your age. Growing up around mostly older people I got to listen to their stories and their wisdom so, naturally I became more like them and developed a taste for things that span beyond my years. It made me a target for bullying and is also why I didn't meet my first real friend till I was 18 back when I was practicing Catholicism. I've of course practiced off and on since then, It was the first place I felt at home, like me, and everyone was so accepting. My reasons for not always sticking with it is another story in itself but, even though I'm not actively practicing that'll always be a part of who I am. I got all those same things again when I decided to dive deeper into the world of music. I've still experienced my fair share of hardships when I first decided to start all of this but, I knew I had to keep going. Music is my happy place. My safe haven. It’s part of what makes me who I am and we all need something like that and its the one thing that no one can take from us. Music helps me not feel so alienated and it's soothing. It takes me to a whole different world in my mind and of course, it gives me something to write about. Not to mention my research skills get put to good use. There's always a bright side to everything! We just may not see it right away but, it's always there! It just takes the right moment to see it! I definitely don't think I could've found a better or more suitable hobby. This one has definitely saved my life more times than I can count and has brought me more joy than I knew was possible. There's just something magical about music especially, older songs such as these.