Lyric of the Day #38: “I’m Waiting for My Man,” by The Velvet Underground

             38 lyrics of the day gives one a lot of time to think of lyricists. A common question when anyone discusses lyrics is the simple who is the best. Yes, every band (unless they are an instrumental band which is okay just not for this section) has someone who writes their lyrics. In my opinion one of the greatest lyricists of all time is Lou Reed, the lead for The Velvet Underground. His lyrics are beyond truthful. Until the late 60’s a lot of the real was blocked. By the real I mean the drug-filled war-torn 60’s. Reed always was truthful and he did not hold anything back in his lyrics. This is best displayed by one of my favorite songs off of their 1967 debut album, “The Velvet Underground and Nico,” called “I’m Waiting for My Man.”

“I’m waiting for my man
Twenty-six dollars in my hand
Up to Lexington, 125
Feel sick and dirty, more dead than alive
I’m waiting for my man
Hey, white boy, what you doin’ uptown?
Hey, white boy, 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
Here he comes, he’s all dressed in black
Beat up shoes and a big straw hat
He’s never early, he’s always late
First thing you learn is you always gotta wait I’m waiting for my man
Up to a Brownstone, up three flights of stairs
Everybody’s pinned you, but nobody cares
He’s got the works, gives you sweet taste
Ah then you gotta split because you got no time to waste
I’m waiting for my man
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’m feeling oh so fine
Until tomorrow, but that’s just some other time
I’m waiting for my man”