About the song
Lou Reed, the enigmatic frontman of The Velvet Underground, was a pioneer of avant-garde rock music. His songs often delved into taboo subjects, exploring themes of drug addiction, sexuality, and societal alienation. One of his most poignant and relatable compositions is “Jealous Guy,” a track that showcases Reed’s vulnerability and introspection.
Released in 1972 on his self-titled solo album, “Jealous Guy” marked a departure from the experimental sound of his earlier work with The Velvet Underground. While maintaining his signature gritty vocals and poetic lyrics, Reed adopts a more melodic and pop-oriented approach, making the song accessible to a wider audience.
The song’s title itself is a paradox, as it suggests a sense of both pride and shame. A “jealous guy” is someone who is consumed by envy and insecurity, yet he also acknowledges his own flaws and imperfections. Reed explores these conflicting emotions with raw honesty, painting a vivid picture of a tormented soul.
The opening lines, “I’m a jealous guy, I’m a jealous guy,” immediately set the tone for the song. Reed’s voice is filled with a sense of desperation and longing, as he confesses his inner turmoil. The repetitive nature of the phrase emphasizes the obsessive nature of his jealousy, a feeling that is all-consuming and difficult to control.
Throughout the song, Reed delves deeper into the psychology of jealousy, exploring its causes and consequences. He admits to feeling inadequate and unworthy of love, leading him to lash out at his partner in a misguided attempt to protect himself from emotional pain. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, such as “I’m a wounded bird, I’m a broken toy,” that conveys the depth of Reed’s suffering.
Despite his flaws, Reed also expresses a desire for redemption and forgiveness. He pleads with his partner to understand his jealousy and to give him a second chance. The song’s emotional intensity culminates in the final chorus, where Reed sings with a newfound hope and vulnerability.
“Jealous Guy” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Reed’s honest and introspective lyrics, combined with his powerful vocal performance, make the song a poignant exploration of human emotions. It is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in rock music history.
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Lyrics
Jealousy, endlessly sweeps through my mind
Jealousy, often causes me to be unkind
I’m sorry I said that
I’m sorry I did that
I’m sorry I hit you
I’m sorry, I’m sorry
Endlessly jealous of you
Being endlessly jealous of me
The man that you thought I could be
Turning red with jealousy
Endlessly, jealousy eats through my skull
Endlessly, jealousy makes me feel dull
Fighting, endless jealous fighting
I feel my fingers tightening
Tightening, please, don’t break her arm
Jealously thinking of you
Of your endless possession of me
Of my jealousy, endlessly, jealousy, endlessly Jealous of you
Sorry, running to a phone to say I’m sorry
Running out of dimes, the phone on the street spits at me
Have a good day
Sorry, please, you know how I am sorry
I’ve been this way for, oh, so long
Endlessly, zealously jealous of you
Jealousy, endlessly eats through my mind
And Jealousy, endlessly makes me be unkind
I’m sorry I said that
I’m sorry I did that
I’m sorry I hit you
I’m sorry, I’m sorry
Endlessly jealous of you
Being endlessly jealous of me
Endlessly jealous of you, being endlessly jealous of me
Endlessly jealous of you
Endlessly jealous of you
Endlessly jealous of you
Endlessly jealous of you