Lady Godiva's Operation
The Velvet Underground
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Lady Godiva here dressed so demurely Pats the head of another curly haired boy, just another toy Sick with silence she weeps sincerely Saying word that have oh so clearly been said So long ago Draperies wrapped gently 'round her shoulder Life has made her that much bolder now That she's found out how Dressed in silk, Latin lace and envy Pride and joy of the latest penny faire Pretty passing care Hair today now dipped in the water Making love to every poor daughter's son Isn't it fun Now today propping grace with envy Lady Godiva peers to see if anyone's there And hasn't a care Doctor is coming the nurse thinks sweetly Turning on the machines that neatly pump air The body lies bare Shaved and hairless what once was screaming Now lies silent and almost sleeping The brain must have gone away Strapped securely to the white table Ether caused the body to wither and writhe Underneath the white light Doctor arrives with knife and baggage Sees the growth as just so much cabbage That now Must be cut away Now come the moment of Great! Great! Decision! The doctor is making his first incision One goes here - one goes there The ether tube's leaking says someone who's sloppy The patient it seems is not so well sleeping The screams echo up the hall Don't panic someone give him pentathol instantly Doctor removes his blade Cagily slow from the brain By my count of ten The head won't move
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
13 facts about this song
Origin of the Song"Lady Godiva's Operation" is originally a song by The Velvet Underground, an American rock band formed in New York City. The song was later covered by the Irish band, Fatima Mansions.
|
Album ReleaseIt is a part of the band’s second studio album "White Light/White Heat," which was released on January 30, 1968.
|
Song DurationThe track runs for four minutes and 54 seconds.
|
Style of MusicThe Velvet Underground is known for its experimental style and "Lady Godiva's Operation," is representative of that style. It features avant-garde lyrics and a shifting narrative perspective.
|
Lyrics ContentThe lyrics of the song provides a detailed, unsettling narrative of a surgical procedure gone wrong.
|
Fatima Mansions' CoverPost-punk band Fatima Mansions, led by singer Cathal Coughlan, delivered their own version of "Lady Godiva's Operation" on their 1992 album, "Valhalla Avenue."
|
Evocative Nature of the SongThe song's graphic surgical imagery and shifting perspective from third to first person has been noted for creating aural anesthesia, making the listener feel as if they are the one receiving the operation.
|
Lou Reed's InspirationIt has been suggested that the song's evocative lyricism reflects the experiences of frontman Lou Reed’s stay in a mental hospital.
|
Song ReceptionDespite its dark narrative and unconventional elements, "Lady Godiva's Operation" is considered one of the standout tracks from the "White Light/White Heat" album and has achieved cult status among fans.
|
Homage to Lady GodivaThe song’s title refers to an 11-century English noblewoman, Lady Godiva, known for her legendary nude ride through Coventry. Nonetheless, the lyrics of the song do not directly relate to her story.
|
Unique StructureInstead of the conventional verse-chorus-verse format, the song primarily consists of two longer verses separated by an instrumental break.
|
Diverse InstrumentationThe Velvet Underground's version of the song prominently features John Cale’s viola and Lou Reed's ostrich guitar, an instrument whose strings are all tuned to the same note.
|
Music InfluenceEven though "Lady Godiva's Operation" never became a mainstream hit, it has influenced many artists in a variety of genres including alternative rock, punk and garage rock.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Lady Godiva's Operation Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19209683/The+Velvet+Underground/Lady+Godiva%27s+Operation>.
Discuss the Lady Godiva's Operation Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In