One of my all time favourite songs and ranks at number 8 in New Zealand’s Top 100 songs of all time. The song tells of a real life person known as vicky who used heavy makeup to hide the bruises inflicted by her then boyfriend and pimp. Often she used makeup and unusual clothing to hide the bruises on her body, arms and legs as well. It tells of the life of many caught in the sex trade before it was decriminalised in Aotearoa in 2003.
Victoria was the debut song of the Dance Exponents when they first appeared live at the Hillsborough Tavern on 15th October 1982, making this song 40 years old at time of writing. It was written by band member Jordan Luck, who as a naive eighteen year old didn’t at first realise why Vicky wore such heavy makeup. The song is just as valid today for many people (mostly, but not always women) who find themselves in an abusive relationship but unable (or unwilling) to escape from it.
Victoria She gets glances since they first greeted Sent salutations that can't be repeated She's become a social institution Prepares her prey like an execution Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him? She's up in time to watch the soap opera Reads cosmopolitan and Alvin Toffler Meeting in the places that she's never been to She's got a mind but it's the clothes they see through Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him? She lives with a man who sees her as money Laughs at his lines that aren't even funny She's in bed but she's not sleeping is he a customer that's really worth keeping? Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him? There's no such thing as romance blooming Sundays are for washing and doing the hoovering Talking to her friends on the telephone Another jerk rings up who won't leave her alone Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him? Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him? Victoria What do you want from him, want from him? Victoria What do see in him, see in him?
Another Spectrum 