The Great Tragedy: Sufjan Stevens – “Tonya Harding (In D Major)”

Sufjan Stevens

“Tonya Harding (in D Major)”

What a beautiful song, from an amazing singer/songwriter, to the most misunderstood woman in Olympic history.  Without sugarcoating anything, Stevens brings the story of Harding to life beautifully.  Only Stevens can do this.  He has to be the most kind and sweet singer out there, but he still is super honest.  He just sees the good in the mediocre and brings it to life.  I love him, I love this song, and why doesn’t everyone love this man?  Here are the lyrics:

Tonya Harding, my star

Well this world is a cold one

But it takes one to know one

And God only knows what you are

Just some Portland white trash

You confronted your sorrow

Like there was no tomorrow

While the rest of the world only laughed Triple axel on high

A delightful disaster

You jumped farther and faster

You were always so full of surprises

Are your laces untied?

What’s the frown on your face for?

And just what are the skates for now?

Tell me which is your good side?

Are you lonely at night?

Do you miss all the glory

And the mythical story

Of the Olympian life?

Yamaguchi in red

She had high rise and roses

And red-carpet poses

And her outfit was splendid

Nancy Kerrigan’s charm

Well she took quite a beating

So you’re not above cheating

Can you blame her for crying?

Tonya, you were the brightest

Yeah you rose from the ashes

And survived all the crashes

Wiping the blood from your white tights

Has the world had its fun?

Yeah they’ll make such a hassle

And they’ll build you a castle

Then destroy it when they’re done

Tonya Harding, my friend

Well this world is a bitch, girl

Don’t end up in a ditch, girl

I’ll be watching you close to the end

So fight on as you are

My American princess

May God bless you with incense

You’re my shining American star