Title: Unveiling the Meaning Behind The Velvet Underground’s Iconic Song: Venus In Furs
As one of the most iconic songs from the Velvet Underground, “Venus in Furs” has puzzled and enthralled music fans for decades. Written by Lou Reed and initially released in 1967, the song’s lyrics and sound have become synonymous with the strange and experimental side of rock music. Yet, despite its fame, few truly know the story behind the song’s creation and deep meaning. In this article, we unveil the fascinating history and symbolism behind “Venus in Furs.”
A Dark Inspiration: The Book That Influenced Lou Reed
For fans of Lou Reed, it comes as no surprise that he was deeply influenced by literature. He was known to be an avid reader, and his lyrics often reflected his love of the written word. However, one particular book had a profound impact on Lou Reed’s creative process, inspiring him to write one of the most enigmatic songs in rock history.
That book was “Venus in Furs” by Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. Published in 1870, the novel tells the story of Severin von Kusiemski, a man who is enraptured by his lover, Wanda von Dunajew. The twist? Wanda desires to be his mistress and takes on the persona of a woman named Venus in furs, while Severin agrees to become her slave.
This twisted tale of power dynamics and BDSM no doubt intrigued Lou Reed, who took inspiration from the book to create his own masterpiece.
Unpacking the Lyrics: What Do They Mean?
From the opening lines of “Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather,” it’s clear that “Venus in Furs” is a song about fetishism. But what do the lyrics really mean? Are they a simple retelling of the plot of the book? Or is there something deeper going on?
The answer is yes and no. On one hand, the song’s lyrics do indeed reference the characters and events in Sacher-Masoch’s novel. Lines such as “Taste the whip, now bleed for me,” and “Severin, Severin, speak so slightly / Severin, down on your bended knee / Taste the whip, in love not given lightly / Taste the whip, now plead for me” reflect the dominating tone and sexual power exchange present in the book.
However, Lou Reed takes this inspiration and spins it in a new direction. Rather than simply recounting the story of Venus in furs, he uses the novel’s themes to explore more profound questions about power dynamics, gender roles, and fetishism itself.
For example, lines such as “Tongue so harsh on skin so soft / Taste of whip on my tongue / Ev’ry girl should be afraid / Of what I am today” twist the gender roles presented in the book, suggesting that it’s not just men who can take on the dominant role in BDSM scenarios. Similarly, the repeated phrase “I am tired / I am weary / I could sleep for a thousand years” suggests a deeper exhaustion and weariness with the sexual and power dynamics at play.
An Experimental Sound: The Music Behind the Lyrics
Of course, “Venus in Furs” wouldn’t be the iconic song it is today without its experimental sound. From the dissonant viola to the driving rhythm section, the song is a masterclass in unconventional rock music.
One notable feature of the song is its structure. Rather than following a traditional verse-chorus-verse format, the song instead builds to a chaotic, frenzied climax, reflecting the themes of sexual power dynamics and fetishism explored in the lyrics.
Another distinctive feature of the song is the use of a viola rather than a guitar for the main instrumental melody. The instrument’s mournful and slightly off-key sound adds to the unsettling and experimental quality of the song.
Legacy and Influence of “Venus in Furs”
“Venus in Furs” has become one of the defining songs of the Velvet Underground’s career, and its influence can be heard in countless bands and genres in the years since its release. Its exploration of sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics paved the way for a new wave of experimental rock and punk music, and its lingering popularity continues to inspire musicians today.
In conclusion, “Venus in Furs” is far more than just a catchy rock song. It’s a deeply layered exploration of themes and ideas that continue to fascinate and unsettle listeners to this day. Lou Reed’s haunting lyrics and experimental sound make it a true masterpiece of rock music, one that will continue to influence and captivate listeners for generations to come.
