Heroin

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:
2013
7:18
81 

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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 tell you 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 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

You can't help me now, you guys
And all you sweet girls with all your sweet talk
You can all go take a walk
And I guess 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 sailed 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 cannot be free
Of all 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 mainline into my vein 
Leads to a center in my head
And then I'm better off than dead

Because when the smack begins to flow
I really don't care anymore
About all the Jim-Jims in this town
And all the politicians making crazy sounds
And everybody putting everybody else down
And all the dead bodies piled up in mounds

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

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The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited by many critics as one of the most important and influential groups of the 1960s. An often-repeated statement, made by Brian Eno in a 1982 interview, is that while the first Velvet Underground album may have sold only 30,000 copies in its early years, "everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band." 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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