The composition I’m Waiting for the Man by Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, who recently passed away, can be called a classic of rock music without hesitation. It was recorded in various styles by many famous musicians, and in 2004 Rolling Stone magazine included it in the list of the five hundred greatest songs of all time. And it is also considered one of the most famous tracks dedicated to drugs.
The story of creation & the meaning of the song I’m Waiting for the Man
Yes exactly. Although Reed once – apparently jokingly – said that this is a love song about a guy and the subway, most fans of his work have long known its real meaning. The text describes a subway ride to Harlem, to the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 125th Street in New York, where the narrator buys drugs from a dealer friend. However, the author himself later confirmed that he described in “I’m Waiting for the Man” a personal experience of acquiring heroin.
Lou Reed composed it in the early sixties (the equally famous song “Heroin” was written around the same time). The first version was recorded in the summer of 1965, and a year later a version was ready, which was included in the album “The Velvet Underground & Nico”. This record was released in 1967, but the song was released as a single only in 1971, when the group had already virtually ceased to exist.
Subsequently, “I’m Waiting for the Man” was sung by all the former members of The Velvet Underground, as well as David Bowie, Bauhaus, Vanessa Paradis, Beck, The Yardbirds and many other performers.
Rolling Stone magazine included it in the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Interesting Facts
- Initially, this track was supposed to be the opening of the album, but then “Sunday Morning” was put in first place.
- The book “The Velvet Underground: An Illustrated History of a Walk on the Wild Side” states that “I’m Waiting for the Man” was one of the songs that made Atlantic Records bosses unwilling to sign the band. They demanded to remove them from the album, with which the musicians categorically disagreed.
- David Bowie said that this composition had a great influence on his work.
Lyrics of I’m Waiting for the Man by Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground
I’m waiting for my man
Twenty-six dollars in my hand
Up to Lexington, one, two, five
Feel sick and dirty, more dead than alive
I’m waiting for my man
I have twenty six dollars in my hand
Straight to Lexington, one two five
I feel bad, I’m dirty and look like a dead man
I’m waiting for my boyfriend Hey, white boy, what are you doin’ uptown?
Hey, white boy, are you chasin’ our women around?
Oh pardon me sir, it’s the furthest from my mind
I’m just lookin’ for a dear, dear friend of mine
I’m waiting for my man
Hey, white boy, come for our women?
Oh sorry sir, I didn’t even think about that
I’m just looking for one very dear person to me
I’m waiting for my boyfriend here he comes, he’s all dressed in black
PR shoes and a big straw hat
He’s never early, he’s always late
First thing you learn is that you always gotta wait
I’m waiting for my man
Puerto Rican shoes and a big straw hat
They never come early, he’s always late
You immediately understand that you always have to wait
I’m waiting for my boyfriend Up to a brownstone, up three flights of stairs
Everybody body’s pinned you, but nobody cares
He’s got the works, gives you a sweet taste
Ah then you gotta split because you got no time to waste
I’m waiting for my man Straight to the old house, up three flights of stairs
You’ve been pricked by the body of everyone in the world, but you don’t care
He has the whole set of services, he gives a try
Then it’s time for you to scatter, because you can’t waste time
I’m waiting for my boyfriend Baby don’t you holler, darlin’ don’t you bawl and shout
I’m feeling good, you know I’m gonna work it on out
I’m feeling good, I feel oh so fine
Until tomorrow, but that’s just some other time
I’m waiting for my man
I’m cool, you know, I’ll sort it out
I’m cool, I’m so cool
Will be until tomorrow, but it will be another day
I’m waiting for my boyfriend
Song quote
Everything about this song is true, except for the price.
Lou Reed, Rolling Stone
I must have been the first person in the world to cover a Velvet Underground song.
David Bowie (on his version of “I’m Waiting for the Man”), Performing Songwriter, 2003
