About the song
“Heroin” is a song that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Released in 1967 on the Velvet Underground’s debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, this song is a haunting and poignant portrayal of the effects of heroin use. Written by Lou Reed in 1964, “Heroin” is a song that has been both celebrated and criticized for its unflinching depiction of drug use.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Reed, are a stark and unromanticized account of the highs and lows of heroin addiction. The song’s slow and deliberate pace builds to a crescendo, punctuated by the sounds of Sterling Morrison’s rhythm guitar, Maureen Tucker’s drumming, and John Cale’s droning electric viola. The song’s use of only two chords, D♭ and G♭ major, creates a sense of tension and release that mirrors the emotional highs and lows of the lyrics.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Heroin” is a song that has been widely praised for its musical innovation and lyrical honesty. In 2004, it was ranked at number 448 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and was re-ranked at number 455 in 2010. The song’s influence can be heard in the work of countless other artists, from punk rock to indie rock to electronic music.
But “Heroin” is more than just a song – it’s a cultural touchstone that has sparked debate and controversy for decades. Critics have accused the band of glorifying drug use, while fans have praised the song’s unflinching portrayal of addiction. The song’s impact on the Velvet Underground’s career was significant, with the band’s members frequently denying any claims that the song was advocating the use of drugs. Despite this, “Heroin” remains a powerful and enduring song that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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Lyrics
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’ll tell ya, 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 the 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
And you can’t help me, not you guys
Or 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 sail 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 of 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 to 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-Jim’s in this town
And all the politicians makin’ crazy sounds
And everybody puttin’ everybody else down
And all the dead bodies piled up in mounds
‘Cause when the smack begins to flow
Then I really don’t care anymore
Ah, when the heroin is in my blood
And that blood is in my head
Then thank God that I’m good as dead
Then 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
And I guess I just don’t know