About the song
**Lou Reed’s** iconic song, **”A Walk on the Wild Side,”** is a gritty, poetic exploration of the underbelly of New York City. Released in 1972 on his debut solo album, *Transformer*, the song quickly became a critical and commercial success. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of life on the fringes of society resonated with audiences and cemented Reed’s status as a pioneering figure in rock music.
The song’s narrative follows a young woman named Candy Darling, a transgender actress and model who was a prominent figure in the New York underground scene during the 1960s. Reed paints a vivid picture of Darling’s life, detailing her struggles with addiction, prostitution, and societal rejection. The song’s lyrics are filled with stark imagery and unflinching honesty, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by those living on the margins of society.
While the original studio recording of “A Walk on the Wild Side” is a masterpiece in its own right, the live performance from Farm Aid 1985 offers a unique and compelling interpretation of the song. Reed’s vocals are more raw and emotive than on the studio version, capturing the intensity and urgency of the original lyrics. The backing band, featuring a stellar lineup of musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, provides a powerful and driving accompaniment that enhances the song’s impact.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless themes and Reed’s masterful songwriting. “A Walk on the Wild Side” is more than just a song about a specific time and place; it is a poignant exploration of human vulnerability, resilience, and the struggle for acceptance. The song’s unflinching honesty and poetic beauty continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Holly came from Miami, FLA
Hitch-hiked her way across the USA
Plucked her eyebrows along the way
Shaved her legs and then he was a she
They said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
Alright
Candy came from out on the Island
In the back room she was everybody’s darling
But she never once lost her head
Even when she was giving head
She said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, Candy
Take a walk on the wild side”
And the colored girls go
“Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo”
Little Joe never once gave it away
Everybody had to pay and pay
A hustle here and a hustle there
New York City’s the place
Where you said, “Hey, Joe
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, baby
Take a walk on the wild side”
Sugar Plum Fairy came down and hit the streets
Looking for soul food and for a place to eat
Went to the Apollo
You should’ve seen them go, go, go
They said, “Hey, sugar
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
Alright
Huh
Jackie, she is just speeding away
She thought she was James Dean for a day
But then you know that she had to crash
Valium would have helped that bash
She said, “Hey, Jackie
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
And the colored girls go
“Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo
Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo”