Sweet Jane
Lou Reed
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Standin' on a corner, Suitcase in my hand. Jack's in his car, says to Jane, who's in her vest, Me, babe, I'm in a rock n' roll band. Ridin' in a Stutz Bearcat, Jim, Those were different times. And the poets studied rows of verse, And all the ladies rolled their eyes Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane Now, Jack, he is a banker, And Jane, she is a clerk. And the both of them are saving up their money... Then they come home from work. Sittin' by the fire... Radio just played a little classical music for you kids, The march of the wooden soldiers And you can hear Jack say Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane Some people like to go out dancing And other people, (like us) they gotta work And there's always some evil mothers They'll tell you life is full of dirt. And the women never really faint, And the villans always blink their eyes. And the children are the only ones who blush. 'Cause life is just to die. But, anyone who has a heart Wouldn't want to turn around and break it And anyone who ever played the part He wouldn't want to turn around and fake it Sweet Jane
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10 facts about this song
Release Context"Sweet Jane" is a song by American rock band The Velvet Underground, featured on their 1970 album "Loaded." The track was primarily written by Lou Reed, the band's guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter.
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Multiple VersionsTwo different versions of "Sweet Jane" exist – the version on the original album "Loaded," and the earlier version on the 1969 "Live" album which includes a previously excised bridge section. The original studio single version also cuts out the second verse and the bridge section.
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Chart PerformanceDespite being a fan favorite, "Sweet Jane" did not initially chart upon its release. However, it has since become one of The Velvet Underground's best-known songs.
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Lou Reed Solo PerformanceAfter leaving The Velvet Underground in August 1970, Lou Reed continued to incorporate "Sweet Jane" into his repertoire during his solo career.
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Covers and Pop Culture"Sweet Jane" has been covered by many artists, including Mott the Hoople and Cowboy Junkies. The latter's cover was critically acclaimed and even approved by Lou Reed himself, who said it was his favorite version of the song. The song also appeared in the opening credits of the film "Natural Born Killers".
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Lawsuit IssueLou Reed filed a lawsuit against the band Mott the Hoople for their cover version of "Sweet Jane," claiming that they had altered some of the song's lyrics without his permission. The case was settled out of court.
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Classic Guitar RiffThe song's opening guitar riff is considered one of the greatest in rock music. It is simple and catchy, and instantly recognizable to fans of the genre.
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Cultural Recognition"Sweet Jane" is recognized as a pivotal song in rock history. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it #342 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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Song Composition"Sweet Jane" is harmonically simple, based mostly on three major chords. However, the song arguably gains its power from the tension created by the unresolved fourth chord in the sequence.
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Musical InfluenceThe song is noted for its influence on the budding punk rock movement. Bands like The Ramones and Television would later emulate its raw sound and direct, unpretentious lyrics.
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Citation
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"Sweet Jane Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/237144/Lou+Reed/Sweet+Jane>.
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