The Velvet Underground "Venus in Furs"

"Venus in Furs" is a groundbreaking song by The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed and released on their influential 1967 debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. The track is renowned for its transgressive themes, hypnotic instrumentation, and lasting impact on rock and alternative music.

Musical Style and Composition

• Instrumentation:
  Features John Cale’s electric viola, Lou Reed’s guitar (one in standard tuning, one in "ostrich" tuning), Sterling Morrison on bass, and Maureen Tucker’s sparse, hypnotic drumming.
• Atmosphere:
  The song’s droning soundscape and slow, relentless rhythm create a sense of tension and eroticism.
• Recording:
  "Venus in Furs" was re-recorded in 1966 at TTG Studios in Hollywood for the final album mix.

Lyrical Themes and Meaning

• Literary Inspiration:
  The lyrics are directly inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novella Venus in Furs, which explores themes of sadomasochism, dominance, and submission—the term "masochism" itself derives from the author’s name.
• Content:
  The song’s narrative depicts a world of dominance and submission, referencing shiny leather boots, whips, and the character Severin, who longs to be enslaved and punished by his mistress.
• Transgression:
  At the time of its release, the song’s frank depiction of BDSM and sexual deviance was virtually unheard of in popular music, pushing the boundaries of rock lyricism.

Notable 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..."

"I am tired, I am weary
I could sleep for a thousand years
A thousand dreams that would awake me
Different colors made of tears..."

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Influence:
  "Venus in Furs" is widely regarded as a seminal work in experimental and alternative music, influencing countless artists with its bold subject matter and avant-garde sound.
• Cultural References:
  The song has appeared in films such as The Doors (1991), Last Days (2005), and The Lords of Salem (2012), and has been covered by numerous artists.
• Critical Reception:
  The track is considered a highlight of the album and a defining moment in The Velvet Underground’s catalog, praised for its innovation and emotional intensity.

Personnel

In Summary

"Venus in Furs" stands as a daring, influential piece that challenged musical and lyrical conventions. Its exploration of taboo themes, combined with its hypnotic, droning sound, has ensured its place as a cornerstone of experimental rock and a touchstone for generations of musicians and listeners.