25. Heroin – The Velvet Underground

A Dark Anthem of Raw Expression

Artwork by me: Enrique Seemann

When “Heroin” by The Velvet Underground first emerged in 1967 as part of their debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico, it was unlike anything else in rock music. The song’s haunting, unapologetic look at addiction was as bold as it was groundbreaking. Written by Lou Reed, “Heroin” wasn’t just a track, it was an experience, a chaotic journey through highs and lows that mirrored the drug’s impact on the human psyche.

A Catalyst for Andy Warhol’s Attention

The Velvet Underground caught Andy Warhol’s eye at the Café Bizarre in Greenwich Village, and “Heroin” played a pivotal role in that moment. Warhol’s fascination with the band wasn’t just about their music, it was their edge, their defiance of norms, and their willingness to explore the darkest corners of the human experience. This collaboration would lead to Warhol becoming their manager and introducing Nico into their lineup, shaping one of the most iconic albums in rock history.

Musical Structure: A Rollercoaster of Emotion

“Heroin” doesn’t follow a traditional verse-chorus structure. Instead, it ebbs and flows, with tempos rising and falling like the surges of adrenaline described in its lyrics. John Cale’s viola screeches and Moe Tucker’s percussion build intensity, perfectly complementing Reed’s raw vocals. The song feels almost hypnotic, dragging listeners into the chaotic emotional spiral it portrays.

Lou Reed used “Heroin” to channel the raw, conflicting emotions tied to addiction, both its tempting allure and its devastating consequences. The song doesn’t glorify drug use; instead, it pulls listeners into the dark, hypnotic world of escapism and existential dread, leaving them to wrestle with its haunting honesty.

Themes: Alienation and Despair

Reed’s lyrics delve into the psyche of someone trapped in a love-hate relationship with heroin. Lines like “Heroin, be the death of me” don’t glorify the drug, they expose its dark grip. The song’s narrative is deeply personal yet universal, touching on themes of alienation, despair, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

Upon release, “Heroin” shocked listeners and critics alike. Radio stations refused to play it, and mainstream audiences were baffled by its raw intensity. Yet, it became a cornerstone of The Velvet Underground’s legacy, influencing countless artists with its brutal honesty.

David Bowie and Patti Smith both cited The Velvet Underground as a formative influence, drawn to their raw sound and fearless exploration of taboo themes. Songs like “Heroin” captured that spirit with haunting clarity. Decades later, it remains a chilling reminder of how music can confront uncomfortable truths with brutal honesty.

My Personal Thoughts & Other The Velvet Underground songs I’d recommend.