About the song
In the realm of rock music, few artists have left an indelible mark on the genre like Lou Reed. As the lead singer and songwriter of the Velvet Underground, Reed’s unique blend of poetic lyrics, melodic sensibilities, and rebellious spirit has captivated audiences for decades. His sixth solo studio album, “Coney Island Baby,” released in January 1976, is a testament to his enduring talent and creative vision.
The album’s title track, “Coney Island Baby,” is a poignant tribute to Reed’s girlfriend and muse, Rachel Humphreys. The song’s lyrics are a nostalgic ode to the Coney Island of the mind, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The song’s dedication to “all the kids at P.S. 192” is a nod to Reed’s own childhood experiences at the school, which adds a layer of personal significance to the track.
Throughout the album, Reed’s songwriting is characterized by its introspective nature, with many of the songs inspired by his relationship with Humphreys. The album’s romantic tone is palpable, with tracks like “She’s My Best Friend” and “A Gift” showcasing Reed’s ability to craft tender, melodic songs that are both personal and universal.
The album’s production is noteworthy, with Reed and co-producer Godfrey Diamond employing a crisp, tactile approach that emphasizes the simplicity and logic of the songs. The addition of backing vocals by Joanne Vent, Michael Wendroff, and Godfrey Diamond adds depth and texture to the album’s soundscapes.
Over the years, “Coney Island Baby” has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the album’s timeless charm and Reed’s ability to craft songs that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. In his review for Rolling Stone, Paul Nelson noted that the album’s songs are “timeless, terrific rock & roll” that showcase Reed’s “confident, expressive singing.”
In Christgau’s Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies, Robert Christgau wrote that the album’s songs “sound warmer when you listen close,” and that Reed’s “soft side” is on full display in the title track. For the entry on Reed in Rock: The Rough Guide, Roy Edroso highlighted “Coney Island Baby” as “the most pleasing of Reed’s soft-rock albums,” praising the album’s sense of humor and Reed’s ability to find “the glory of love” in unexpected places.
In conclusion, “Coney Island Baby” is a masterclass in songwriting, production, and performance. Lou Reed’s ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal has made this album a timeless classic, and its influence can still be felt in the music of today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reed’s work or just discovering his music, “Coney Island Baby” is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire.
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Lyrics
You know, man, when I was a young man in high school
You believe in or not, that I wanted to play football for the coach
And all those older guys
They said that he was mean and cruel but you know
I wanted to play football, for the coach
They said I was a little too lightweight to play lineback and so I’m playing right-end
Wanted to play football for the coach
‘Cause, you know some day, man you gotta stand up straight unless you’re gonna fall
Then you’re going to die
And the straightest dude I ever knew was standing right for me, all the time
So I had to play football for the coach
And I wanted to play football for the coach
When you’re all alone and lonely
In your midnight hour
And you find that your soul
It has been up for sale
And you’re getting to think about
All the things that you done
And you’re getting to hate
Just about everything
But remember the princess who lived on the hill
Who loved you even though she knew you was wrong
And right now she just might come shining through
And the
Glory of love
Glory of love
Glory of love, just might come through
And all your two-bit friends have gone and ripped you off
They’re talking behind your back saying “man, you are never going to be no human being”
And you start thinking again about all those things that you’ve done
And who it was and what it was
And all the different things that made every different scene
Ah, but remember that the city is a funny place
Something like a circus or a sewer
And just remember, different people have peculiar tastes
And the
Glory of love
The glory of love
The glory of love, might see you through
Yeah, but now, now
Glory of love
The glory of love
The glory of love might see you through
Glory of love, uh, huh-huh
The glory of love
Glory of love, glory of love
Glory of love, now, glory of love, now
Glory of love, now, now, now, glory of love
Glory of love, give it to me now, glory of love to see you through, huh
Oh, my Coney Island baby, now
I’m a Coney Island baby, now
I’d like to send this one out to Lou and Rachel
And all the kids at P.S. one-ninety-two (Coney Island baby)
Man, I’d swear, I’d give the whole thing up for you