Andy Says / Venus In Furs / Heroin Lyrics
The Velvet Underground
Lyrics
Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girlchild 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
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
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 bended knee
Taste the whip, in love not given lightly
Taste the whip, now plead for me
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
Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girlchild in the dark
Severin, your servant comes in bells, please don't forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart
Song & Lyrics Facts
The Velvet Underground’s song “Venus in Furs” was released on their 1967 debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. The track is a psychedelic rock classic and one of the band's most popular songs.
It was written by Lou Reed and John Cale, two founding members of the band. The other core members were Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker. Lyrically, the song speaks to themes of dominance, submission, and sadomasochism. The Velvet Underground also released the single “Heroin” in 1966 as part of their first studio album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. Written by Lou Reed, it is an ode to drug addiction and has been described as “one of the most powerful anti-drug songs ever written.” The single features the distinctive guitar work of Sterling Morrison and the drumming of Maureen Tucker. Additionally, the band released “Andy Says” as the B-side to the “Heroin” single. This track is more experimental than the other two songs and features lyrics about Andy Warhol, who managed the band at the time.