Heroin

Nico, The Velvet Underground

About Heroin

"Heroin" is a song by the Velvet Underground, released on their 1967 debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico. Written by Lou Reed in 1964, the song, which overtly depicts heroin use and abuse, is one of the band's most celebrated compositions. Critic Mark Deming of Allmusic writes, "While 'Heroin' hardly endorses drug use, it doesn't clearly condemn it, either, which made it all the more troubling in the eyes of many listeners."


Year:
1990
6:59
105 
#2

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I don't know just where I'm going
But I'm gonna try for the kingdom, if I can
'Cause it makes me feel like I'm a man
When I put a spike into my vein
And I'll tell ya, things aren't quite the same
When I'm rushing on my run
And I feel just like Jesus' son
And I guess that I just don't know
And I guess that I just don't know

I have made the big decision
I'm gonna try to nullify my life
'Cause when the blood begins to flow
When it shoots up the dropper's neck
When I'm closing in on death
And you can't help me not, you guys
And all you sweet girls with all your sweet silly talk
You can all go take a walk
And I guess that I just don't know
And I guess that I just don't know

I wish that I was born a thousand years ago
I wish that I'd sail the darkened seas
On a great big clipper ship
Going from this land here to that
In a sailor's suit and cap
Away from the big city
Where a man can not be free
Of all of the evils of this town
And of himself, and those around
Oh, and I guess that I just don't know
Oh, and I guess that I just don't know

Heroin, be the death of me
Heroin, it's my wife and it's my life
Because a mainer to my vein
Leads to a center in my head
And then I'm better off and dead
Because when the smack begins to flow
I really don't care anymore
About all the jim-jim's in this town
And all the politicians makin' crazy sounds
And everybody puttin' everybody else down
And all the dead bodies piled up in mounds

'Cause when the smack begins to flow
Then I really don't care anymore
Ah, when the heroin is in my blood
And that blood is in my head
Then thank god that I'm as good as dead
Then thank your god that I'm not aware
And thank god that I just don't care
And I guess I just don't know
And I guess I just don't know

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Nico

Nico (born Christa Päffgen; 16 October 1938 – 18 July 1988) was a German singer, lyricist, composer, musician, fashion model, and actress, who initially rose to fame as a Warhol Superstar in the 1960s. She is known for both her vocal collaboration on The Velvet Underground's debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), and her work as a solo artist from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. She also had roles in several films, including a cameo in Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita (1960) and Andy Warhol's Chelsea Girls (1966), as herself. Nico died in July 1988, as a result of injuries sustained in a cycling accident while vacationing in Ibiza with her son. more »

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Written by: Lou Reed

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origination
"Heroin" was penned by Lou Reed, which is considered one of his most recognized compositions. It was first recorded and released by his band, The Velvet Underground, on their 1967 debut album, “The Velvet Underground & Nico".
Subject Matter
The song explores the subject matter of drug use, specifically heroin. It is known for its candid and gritty portrayal of the experience of heroin addiction.
Song Structure
Unusual for its time, "Heroin" features an unconventional song structure, with no clear chorus or bridge. The tempo accelerates and decelerates several times throughout the song, mirroring the rush and crash of the drug experience.
Production
The song was produced by the famous artist, Andy Warhol. Warhol was actively involved in the band's career, establishing them as part of his Exploding Plastic Inevitable multimedia event.
Controversy
The song was infamous for its taboo subject matter, making it a controversial piece when it was released. Many radio stations refused to play it due to its explicit content about drug use.
Musical Mastery
Despite its controversial nature, "Heroin" is often cited by critics as a masterpiece of the band's catalog, distinguishing The Velvet Underground as a pioneering force in the evolution of punk rock and alternative music.
Clip-Clop Percussion
Moe Tucker, the band’s drummer, used mallets instead of sticks on the toms to create a “clip-clop” effect in the percussion. The effect was designed to reflect the sound of a needle going into the vein.
Lyrics
Its lyrics present a complex relationship with the drug, oscillating between moments of blissful escape and desperate alienation. Contrary to popular belief, Lou Reed always said that the song does not condone drug use, rather it depicts the truth about it.
Duration
The Velvet Underground's version of "Heroin" runs for seven plus minutes, which was unusual for popular songs in the 1960s. This duration also lent to the overall structure and impact of the song.
Live Performances
The song was a common feature in The Velvet Underground's live performances. The performances often varied in length and tempo, from slow and haunting to frantic and intense.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Heroin" over the years, including R.E.M, U2, and Bowie. Each interpretation varies, offering a unique take on the original masterpiece.

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