Have you read the story “Venus in Furs” (German: Venus im Pelz) by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch? This is the most famous work of the Austrian writer, to whom we owe the birth of the common term “masochism”.
The cult literary work about a man who experiences erotic pleasure from the humiliation of a woman has become a source of inspiration for many writers, directors, artists and musicians. The composition Venus in Furs by the rock band The Velvet Underground is also based on her.
History and meaning of the song Venus in Furs
The words and music of “Venus in Furs” were composed by Lou Reed. The author admitted that he took the famous story as a basis, but he was hardly a big fan of Sacher-Masoch.
In Please Kill Me, by Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil, artist Ronnie Cutron recalls:
BDSM fascinated me even though I didn’t know anything about it. I was naturally curious, so I asked Lou, “What is Venus in Furs about?” Lou said, “Ah, you know, this is some kind of nonsense story.” I asked, “Where can I find it?” Lou replied, “Oh yes, there’s a store one block from here.” I went and bought a book. Then I was still in school, so I went to classes with Venus in Furs …
Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk
Recording and release
Venus in Furs was recorded in May 1966 at Hollywood’s TTG Studios. Together with the tracks Heroin and I’m Waiting for the Man, the song was included in the album The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLQzaLr1enE
Several alternate versions of the song were later recorded.
The theme and words of the composition were too bold for the society of the sixties. The track did not hit the charts, and The Velvet Underground & Niko was a commercial failure.
Years later, however, critics acknowledged the album’s influence on contemporary music. The song “Venus in Furs” was included in several well-known ratings, including 500 Greatest Songs of All Time according to NME.
Venus in Furs – The Velvet Underground
This clip is considered the official music video for the song “Venus in Furs”.
Cover versions
Throughout his solo career, Lou Reed recorded several versions of the track.
After The Velvet Underground broke up, Venus in Furs was also performed by John Cale.
The song has been played by many other famous musicians over the years, including the Smashing Pumpkins, The Creatures, Dave Navarro and Beck.
Interesting Facts
- In the song, Lou Reed performed the guitar part, in which the strings are tuned to one note (English ostrich guitar).
- In 2007, Yegor Letov named Venus in Furs one of his ten favorite songs.
- The song has appeared on the soundtracks of several films and TV shows, including The Doors and Vinyl.
Venus in Furs Lyrics
Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girl child in the dark
Comes in bells, your servant, don’t forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Downy sins of streetlight fancies
Chase the costumes she shall wear
Ermine furs adorn the imperious
Severin, Severin awaits you there
chorus:
I am tired, I am weary
I could sleep for a thousand years
A thousand dreams that would wake me
Different colors made of tears
Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather
Shiny leather in the dark
Tongue of thongs, the belt that does await you
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Severin, Severin, speak so slightly
Severin, down on your bent knee
Taste the whip, in love not given lightly
Taste the whip, now plead for me
Chorus
Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girl child in the dark
Severin, your servant comes in bells, please don’t forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Lyrics: LOU REED
Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Venus in Furs Lyrics
Shiny, shiny, shiny leather shoes
Girl with a whip in the dark.
At the ringing of the bell, your servant comes, do not leave him.
Bey, dear lady, heal his heart.
Furry sins of street lamp fantasies
Run for the costumes she will wear.
Ermine furs adorn the mistress.
Severin, Severin is waiting for you.
Chorus:
I’m tired, I’m exhausted
I could sleep for a thousand years.
In a thousand dreams that could wake me up
Different colors shimmering with tears.
The kiss of shiny, shiny leather boots.
Shiny skin in the dark
Whip tongue, belt waiting for you.
Bey, dear lady, heal his heart.
Severin, Severin, be quiet
Severin, get down on your knee
Taste the whip, blow with love is not weak
Taste the whip, now beg me
Chorus
Shiny, shiny, shiny leather shoes
Girl with a whip in the dark.
Severin, your servant, is calling, please don’t leave him.
Bey, dear lady, heal his heart.
Song quote
The song has no intro or build-up. The track starts off like you’ve opened the door to a decadent opium and BDSM den somewhere in Marrakech…
Erich Kuersten, Venus in Furs by The Velvet Underground
