Heroin
The Velvet Underground
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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 On 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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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".
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Subject MatterThe 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.
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Song StructureUnusual 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.
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ProductionThe 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.
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ControversyThe 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.
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Musical MasteryDespite 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.
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Clip-Clop PercussionMoe 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.
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LyricsIts 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.
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DurationThe 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.
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Live PerformancesThe 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.
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Cover VersionsMany 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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Citation
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"Heroin Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8649200/The+Velvet+Underground/Heroin>.
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