Venus in Furs

Nico, The Velvet Underground

About Venus in Furs

"Venus in Furs" is a song by the Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed and originally released on the 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico. Inspired by the book of the same name by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, the song includes sexual themes of sadomasochism, bondage and submission. "Venus in Furs" was also released as a single on several occasions; in 1988 in the UK and as a live single in France and the UK, in 1993 and 1994 respectively. This live version appears on the 1993 live album Live MCMXCIII.  


Year:
1995
5:10
183 
#1

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Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girl child in the dark
Comes in bells, your servant, don't forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Downy sins of streetlight fancies
Chase the costumes she shall wear
Ermine furs adorn the imperious
Severin, Severin awaits you there
I am tired, I am weary
I could sleep for a thousand years
A thousand dreams that would awake me
Different colors made of tears
Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather
Shiny leather in the dark
Tongue of thongs, the belt that does await you
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Severin, Severin, speak so slightly
Severin, down on your bended knee
Taste the whip, in love not given lightly
Taste the whip, now plead for me
I am tired, I am weary
I could sleep for a thousand years
A thousand dreams that would awake me
Different colors made of tears
Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girl child in the dark
Severin, your servant comes in bells, please don't forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart

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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 »

5 fans

Written by: Lou Reed

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Title Inspiration
"Venus in Furs" was inspired by a book of the same name written by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch in 1870.
Genre and Style
The song is considered a part of the genre "art rock", and it portrayed the use of alternative tunings and drone-based soundscapes.
Unique Instrumental Techniques
The song features an electric viola, played by John Cale, that produces the distinctive drone sound effect in the track. It's also one of the few tracks where Lou Reed used the ostrich guitar, a guitar with all its strings tuned to the same note.
Album
"Venus in Furs" is a part of The Velvet Underground & Nico album, released in 1967.
Song Themes
The song is about sadomasochism, based on the themes presented in the book. It has also been interpreted as a metaphor for the power dynamics inherent in human relationships.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Velvet Underground & Nico (the album with 'Venus in Furs') was not initially well-received, but has since been acknowledged as one of the most influential in the history of rock music.
Notable Performances
Even though the song is now considered as one of the classics in rock history, it was only performed once by Lou Reed, Nico, and The Velvet Underground together in live concert.
Lyrical Style
The song showcases Reed's talents as a lyricist, with its complex, image-laden lyrics and dark themes.
Reviews
"Venus in Furs" is widely considered an avant-garde masterpiece, praised for its experimental sound and bold themes.
Released Format
It was released as a vinyl record, and later digitally remastered for MP3 and other modern formats.

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