Lou Reed – Sweet Jane from Rock n Roll Animal

About the song

“Sweet Jane” is a standout track from Lou Reed’s iconic live album Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal, released in 1974. Recorded at Howard Stein’s Academy of Music in New York City on December 21, 1973, the album features Reed’s band, including Pentti Glan on drums, Prakash John on bass, Ray Colcord on keyboards, and Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars. The album was a sleeper hit, peaking at No. 26 in the UK and No. 45 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and earning Reed’s first RIAA gold certification in 1978.

The album’s success can be attributed to the band’s exceptional performance, with critics praising the “spectacular, even majestic, rock & roll” they delivered that night. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone magazine, who was in attendance, noted that the band’s arrangement and sound were “awesome enough” that even if Reed’s vocals were merely competent, the concert would have been a success. And indeed, it was, as the album’s resultant albums, Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal and Lou Reed Live, showcase the band’s impressive musicianship and Reed’s effective street-talk style.

“Sweet Jane” is one of the album’s standout tracks, featuring Reed’s distinctive vocals and the band’s energetic performance. The song’s arrangement is notable for its use of dual guitars, with Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter trading licks and creating a rich, textured sound. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of love, desire, and rebellion, are delivered with Reed’s characteristic wit and swagger, making “Sweet Jane” a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s exceptional live performance.

Video

Lyrics

Two, three, four
Jenny said, when she was just five years old
You know, there’s nothin’ happenin’ at all
Every time she puts on the radio
Nobody’s hearing it at all

One fine mornin’ puts on a New York station
Can’t believe what she heard at all
She started dancin’ to that fine, fine music
Her life was saved by rock ‘n’ roll

Despite the amputations
You could still dance to a rock’n’roll station (party, party)

(It’s alright)
(It’s alright)
And Jenny said, when she was just five years old
You know, there’s nothin’ happenin’ at all
Two TV sets and Cadillac cars
Ain’t gonna do it at all

One fine morn puts on a New York station
Can’t believe what she heard at all
She started dan-dan-dan-d-dancin’ to the music
Her life was just saved by rockin’
Save, save, saved by rock ‘n’ roll

Despite the amputations
You could dance to the New York Station, honey, honey

(It’s alright)
(It’s alright) you should come down now
Jenny said, when she was just five years old
You know, there’s nothin’ happenin’ at all
Every time I put on the radio
You know nobody’s hearing it at all

One fine morning puts on a New York station
Can’t believe what she heard at all
She started dan-dan-dancin’ to that music
Her life was saved by rock ‘n’ roll

Despite the amputations
You could dance to a rock ‘n’ roll station
It’s alright (it’s alright)
It’s alright (it’s alright)