Sweet Jane

Lou Reed

About Sweet Jane

"Sweet Jane" is a song by American rock band the Velvet Underground; it appears on their fourth studio album Loaded. The song was written by Lou Reed, the band's leader, who continued to incorporate the piece into live performances as a solo artist. When Loaded was originally released in 1970, the song's bridge was cut. The box set Peel Slowly and See and reissue Loaded: Fully Loaded Edition restored the missing section. The song also appears on the albums Live at Max's Kansas City; 1969: The Velvet Underground Live; Peel Slowly and See; Live MCMXCIII; Loaded: Fully Loaded Edition; American Poet; Rock 'n' Roll Animal; Live: Take No Prisoners; Live in Italy; The Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Rock and Roll: an Introduction to The Velvet Underground; NYC Man (The Ultimate Collection 1967–2003); Live on Letterman: Music from The Late Show; and Berlin: Live At St. Ann's Warehouse. 


Year:
2001
4:38
63 

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Standin' on a corner,
Suitcase in my hand.
Jack's in his car, says to Jane, who's in her vest,
Me, babe, I'm in a rock n' roll band.
Ridin' in a Stutz Bearcat, Jim,
Those were different times.
And the poets studied rows of verse, 
And all the ladies rolled their eyes

Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane

Now, Jack, he is a banker, 
And Jane, she is a clerk.
And the both of them are saving up their money...
Then they come home from work.
Sittin' by the fire...
Radio just played a little classical music for you kids,
The march of the wooden soldiers
And you can hear Jack say

Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane

Some people like to go out dancing
And other people, (like us) they gotta work
And there's always some evil mothers
They'll tell you life is full of dirt.
And the women never really faint, 
And the villans always blink their eyes.
And the children are the only ones who blush.
'Cause life is just to die.
But, anyone who has a heart
Wouldn't want to turn around and break it
And anyone who ever played the part
He wouldn't want to turn around and fake it

Sweet Jane

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


Lou Reed

Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed (born March 2, 1942) is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his solo career, which has spanned several decades. Though the Velvet Underground were a commercial failure in the late 1960s, the group has gained a considerable cult following in the years since its demise and has gone on to become one of the most widely cited and influential bands of the era. As the Velvet Underground's principal songwriter, Reed wrote about subjects of personal experience that rarely had been examined so openly in rock and roll, including sexuality and drug culture. more »

5 fans

Written by: Lou Reed

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Context
"Sweet Jane" is a song by American rock band The Velvet Underground, featured on their 1970 album "Loaded." The track was primarily written by Lou Reed, the band's guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter.
Multiple Versions
Two different versions of "Sweet Jane" exist – the version on the original album "Loaded," and the earlier version on the 1969 "Live" album which includes a previously excised bridge section. The original studio single version also cuts out the second verse and the bridge section.
Chart Performance
Despite being a fan favorite, "Sweet Jane" did not initially chart upon its release. However, it has since become one of The Velvet Underground's best-known songs.
Lou Reed Solo Performance
After leaving The Velvet Underground in August 1970, Lou Reed continued to incorporate "Sweet Jane" into his repertoire during his solo career.
Covers and Pop Culture
"Sweet Jane" has been covered by many artists, including Mott the Hoople and Cowboy Junkies. The latter's cover was critically acclaimed and even approved by Lou Reed himself, who said it was his favorite version of the song. The song also appeared in the opening credits of the film "Natural Born Killers".
Lawsuit Issue
Lou Reed filed a lawsuit against the band Mott the Hoople for their cover version of "Sweet Jane," claiming that they had altered some of the song's lyrics without his permission. The case was settled out of court.
Classic Guitar Riff
The song's opening guitar riff is considered one of the greatest in rock music. It is simple and catchy, and instantly recognizable to fans of the genre.
Cultural Recognition
"Sweet Jane" is recognized as a pivotal song in rock history. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it #342 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Song Composition
"Sweet Jane" is harmonically simple, based mostly on three major chords. However, the song arguably gains its power from the tension created by the unresolved fourth chord in the sequence.
Musical Influence
The song is noted for its influence on the budding punk rock movement. Bands like The Ramones and Television would later emulate its raw sound and direct, unpretentious lyrics.

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