The Velvet Underground: Heroin

Here's the original version of 'Heroin' sung by Lou Reed. Contrast this with 'I'll be your Mirror,' an intensely personal romantic song.

'Heroin, be the death of me,' he croons.
'Heroin: it's my life and it's my wife.'

This song, however disturbing, is utterly brilliant. The music sustains its underlying hypnotic quality as it moves from soft seduction to chaotic excitement. Lou Reed is the Verlaine of the 20th century.

'...And thank your god that I'm not aware,
And thank god that I just don't care,
And I guess that I just don't know,
And I guess that I just don't know.'

The Velvet Underground: I'll be your Mirror

'I'll be your Mirror' sung by Nico with the Velvet Underground.




I'll be your mirror,
Reflect what you are,
In case you don't know.
I'll be the wind, the rain and the sunset
The light on your door,
To show that you're home.

When you think the night has seen your mind,
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind.
Please put down your hands,
'Cos I see you.

I find it hard
to believe you don't know
The beauty you are;
But if you don't
Let me be your eyes,
the hands in your darkness
So you won't be afraid.

When you think the night has seen your mind,
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind.
Please put down your hands,
'Cos I see you.

I'll be your mirror.
I'll be your mirror.

Venus in Furs by the Velvet Underground

'Venus in Furs' by the Velvet Underground.
Not every one's 'cup of tea' admittedly, but I am still a fan of the Underground...


'I am tired, I am weary,
I could sleep for a thousand years
A thousand dreams that would awake me
Different colours made of tears..'

Sunday Morning by the Velvet Underground

'Sunday Morning' by the Velvet Underground from 'The Velvet Underground and Nico'

It's an incredible song... a delightful air of innocence coupled with the bittersweet knowledge of ultimate disillusionment.

Sweet Jane by Lou Reed

Lou Reed performs the 'Velvet Underground' version of 'Sweet Jane'