Original Wrapper

Lou Reed

About Original Wrapper

"The Original Wrapper" (sometimes written as "The Original Rapper") is a song written and recorded by American musician Lou Reed from his fourteenth solo studio album, Mistrial (1986). The title refers to the practice of keeping products in their original packaging. It can also be interpreted as a pun on "rapper," referring to Reed's distinctive vocal style.


Year:
1998
4:49
153 

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I was sittin' home on the west end
Watchin' cable tv with a female friend
We were watchin' the news, the world's in a mess
The poor and the hungry, a world in distress
Herpes, aids, the middle east at full throttle
Better check that sausage, before you put it in the waffle
And while you're at it, check what's in the batter
Make sure that candy's in the original wrapper

Hey, pitcher, better check that batter
Make sure that candy's in the original wrapper

Reagan says abortion's murder
While he's looking at cardinal o'connor
Look at jerry falwell louis farrakhan
Both talk religion and the brotherhood of man
They both sound like they belong in teheran
Watch out, they're goin' full throttle
Better check that sausage, before you stick it in the waffle
And while you're at it better check, what's in the batter
Make sure that candy's in the original wrapper

Hey, pitcher, better check that batter
Make sure that candy's in the original wrapper

White against white, black against jew
It seems like it's 1942
The baby sits in front of mtv
Watching violent fantasies
While dad guzzles beer with his favorite sport
Only to find his heroes are all coked up
Classic, original, the same old story
The politics of hate in a new surrounding
Hate if it's good and hate if it's bad
And if this all don't make you mad
I'll keep yours and I'll keep mine
Nothing sacred and nothing divine
Father, bless me, we're at full throttle
Better check that sausage, before you put it in the waffle
And while you're at it better check that batter
Make sure the candy's in the original wrapper

Hey, pitcher, better check that batter
Make sure that candy's in the original wrapper, hey, hey

I was born in the united states
And I grew up hard but I grew up straight
I saw a lack of morals and a lack of concern
A feeling that there's nowhere to turn
Yippies, hippies and upwardly mobile yuppies
Don't treat me like I'm some dumb lackey
'cause the murderer lives while the victims die
I'd much rather see it an eye for an eye
A heart for a heart, a brain for a brain
And if this all makes you feel a little insane
Kick up your heels, turn the music up loud
Pick up your guitar and look out at the crowd, and say, -
- "don't mean to come on sanctimonious
But life's got me nervous and little pugnacious
Lugubrious so I give a salutation
And rock on out to beat really stupid
Ohh, poop, ah, doo and how do you do
Hip hop gonna bop till I drop."
Watch out world, comin' at you full throttle
Better check that sausage, before you put it in the waffle
And while you're at it better check that batter
Make sure the candy's in the original wrapper

Hey, hey, pitcher, better check that batter
Make sure the candy's in the original wrapper
Hey, pitcher, better check that batter
Make sure the candy's in the original wrapper, hey, hey, hey

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Lou Reed

Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed (born March 2, 1942) is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his solo career, which has spanned several decades. Though the Velvet Underground were a commercial failure in the late 1960s, the group has gained a considerable cult following in the years since its demise and has gone on to become one of the most widely cited and influential bands of the era. As the Velvet Underground's principal songwriter, Reed wrote about subjects of personal experience that rarely had been examined so openly in rock and roll, including sexuality and drug culture. more »

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Written by: LEWIS ALLEN REED, LOU REED

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist Related
"Original Wrapper" is a song by American rock musician Lou Reed.
Album Details
This song is from the album "Mistrial" which was released in 1986.
Genre Classification
"Original Wrapper" belongs to the rock genre, which is a typical genre for Lou Reed's music.
Song Concept
The song is a playful commentary on the 1980s' contemporary society and it's commercial culture.
Chart Performance
"Original Wrapper" was one of Reed's rare appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S., peaking at number 76 in December 1986.
Music Video
A music video was created for this song showing Lou Reed on a set similar to the one on the cover of the album, performing with his band.
Song Style
The song's style is somewhat rap-influenced, which was a departure from Reed's usual style, known for its blending of rock and avant-garde.
Lyrics
The lyrics reference different types of people in society, all being in their 'original wrapper', an expression implying they're sticking to their authenticity regardless of the pressure of societal norms.
Producer
"Original Wrapper" was produced by Lou Reed and Fernando Saunders.
Critic Opinion
Critics have a mixed opinion on this song. Some appreciated the experimentation with rap, while others saw it as a forced attempt to be trendy.
Live Performances
Reed consistently included "Original Wrapper" in his setlists for live performances after the release of "Mistrial".
Cultural Reference
This song is seen as a symbol of New York City's 80s music scene, with Reed as one of its iconic figures.

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