Run Run Run

The Velvet Underground

About Run Run Run

"Run Run Run" is a song by the Velvet Underground originally released on the band's 1967 debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. The song was written on the back of an envelope by Lou Reed while he and the band were on their way to a gig at the Café Bizarre. The song details a number of characters living in New York City, including Teenage Mary, Margarita Passion, Seasick Sarah, and Beardless Harry, all of whom are detailed using or seeking drugs. In addition to mentioning New York scenery such as Union Square and 47th Street, the song makes use of drug terms paired with religious imagery. Two of the four verses directly speak of heroin use, a theme found in the album. In the song, Marguerita Passion tried to sell her soul in order to get "a fix", while Seasick Sarah "turned blue", causing her angels to panic. The song is also well known because of Lou Reed's guitar solo, and its lack of a conventional approach. 


Year:
1989
4:19
118 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Teenage Mary said to Uncle Dave
I sold my soul, must be saved
Gonna take a walk down to Union Square
You never know who you're gonna find there

You gotta run, run, run, run, run
Take a drag or two
Run, run, run, run, run
Gypsy Death and you
Tell you whatcha do

Marguerita Passion had to get her fix
She wasn't well, she was getting sick
Went to sell her soul, she wasn't high
Didn't know, thinks she could buy it

And she would run, run, run, run, run
Take a drag or two
Run, run, run, run, run
Gypsy Death and you
Tell you whatcha do

Seasick Sarah had a golden nose
Hobnail boots wrapped around her toes
When she turned blue, all the angels screamed
They didn't know, they couldn't make the scene

She had to run, run, run, run, run
Take a drag or two
Run, run, run, run, run
Gypsy Death and you
Tell you whatcha do

Beardless Harry, what a waste
Couldn't even get a small-town taste
Rode the trolleys down to forty-seven
Figured he was good to get himself to heaven

'Cause he had to run, run, run, run, run
Take a drag or two
Run, run, run, run, run
Gypsy Death and you
Tell you whatcha do

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited by many critics as one of the most important and influential groups of the 1960s. An often-repeated statement, made by Brian Eno in a 1982 interview, is that while the first Velvet Underground album may have sold only 30,000 copies in its early years, "everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band." more »

5 fans

Written by: Lou Reed

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Inclusion
"Run Run Run" is included in The Velvet Underground & Nico's self-titled debut album, which was released in March 1967.
Notable Musicians
The Velvet Underground was led by Lou Reed, whose gritty, provocative lyrics were innovative for the time. Reed was the chief songwriter and sung the vocals for "Run Run Run". Nico, a German singer, model, and actress, was invited by manager Andy Warhol to contribute vocals on the first album of The Velvet Underground and gained much of her fame from this involvement.
Lyrics Inspiration
The song is noted for its depiction of Warhol's New York City scene, with lyrics referencing "uptight" visitors from the suburbs and individuals lost in their drug consumption.
Influence on Rock Music
The Velvet Underground & Nico's music, including "Run Run Run", was initially a commercial failure, however, it is now widely recognized as one of the most influential rock albums of all time due to its incorporation of experimental sound, provocative lyrics and avant-garde aesthetics.
Unique Guitar Solo
"Run Run Run" contains a somewhat unique guitar solo which was created by Lou Reed using an ostrich guitar.
Enduring Legacy
Despite its initial lack of commercial success, "Run Run Run" and other songs from The Velvet Underground & Nico's debut album continue to influence many contemporary bands and artists.
Connected to Andy Warhol
The album on which "Run Run Run" appeared is also known as the "banana album" due to its famous cover artwork featuring a banana, designed by Warhol. The artist was known for his direct involvement in the conceptual and visual elements of The Velvet Underground & Nico project.
Live Performance
The song "Run Run Run" was also a staple of The Velvet Underground's live performances and features on their "The Velvet Underground & Nico: Deluxe Edition" album.
Critical Reception
Critics often point to "Run Run Run" as exemplifying The Velvet Underground's ability to blend basic, often stark musical structures with subversive lyrical content.
Genre Definition
"Run Run Run", along with the rest of The Velvet Underground & Nico's debut album, is often credited with shaping the punk, art rock, and indie rock genres.

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