Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side - 1972
Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side - 1972
Input
Walk on the Wild Side is a song by Lou Reed, released in 1972 on his second solo album, Transformer. This song, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, stands out for its controversial lyrics and distinctive bass line. The song received wide radio play despite touching on taboo topics at the time, such as transgender people, drugs, and male prostitution.
Background and Composition
Walk on the Wild Side was a departure from the typical pop and rock music of its era. Its smooth bass line, performed by Herbie Flowers, and its baritone sax solo by Ronnie Ross, create a laid-back, jazzy feel. The song's lyrics are a series of vignettes inspired by Reed's experiences at Andy Warhol's famous Factory, featuring characters who were part of Warhol's entourage. Each verse introduces a new character, detailing their journey to New York City and their experiences in the underground scene.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of Walk on the Wild Side are notable for their candid and, at the time, controversial portrayal of marginalized communities. The characters in the song, including Holly, Candy, Little Joe, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jackie, are based on real people from Warhol's circle. The song addresses topics like transgender identity, drug use, and sex work with an unprecedented frankness in popular music.
Reception and Legacy
Despite (or perhaps because of) its provocative content, Walk on the Wild Side became one of Reed's biggest hits and a staple of classic rock radio. It has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling in music.
Influence
The song has had a lasting impact on music and culture. It challenged social norms and opened up discussions on topics that were previously taboo in popular music. Its style and substance have influenced a wide range of artists across various genres.
Cultural References
Walk on the Wild Side has been referenced in films, television shows, and other songs, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Walk on the Wild Side" released? (1972) (!1969) (!1975) (!1980)
Who produced "Walk on the Wild Side"? (David Bowie and Mick Ronson) (!George Martin) (!Brian Eno) (!Phil Spector)
What instrument features a notable solo in "Walk on the Wild Side"? (Baritone Saxophone) (!Electric Guitar) (!Piano) (!Violin)
Which of these themes is NOT explicitly mentioned in "Walk on the Wild Side"? (Male Prostitution) (!Transgender Identity) (!Drug Use) (!Sex Work)
What was the inspiration for the song's characters? (Andy Warhol's Factory Entourage) (!Reed's Childhood Friends) (!Fictional Characters) (!Historical Figures)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which band was Lou Reed a part of before his solo career? (The Velvet Underground) (!The Rolling Stones) (!The Beatles) (!Pink Floyd)
What is the name of Lou Reed's second solo album, which features "Walk on the Wild Side"? (Transformer) (!Berlin) (!Sally Can't Dance) (!New York)
In addition to singing, what instrument did Lou Reed famously play? (Guitar) (!Piano) (!Drums) (!Saxophone)
Which famous artist heavily influenced Lou Reed's work, especially in the early 1970s? (Andy Warhol) (!Bob Dylan) (!David Bowie) (!John Lennon)
What is a distinctive feature of Lou Reed's musical style? (Lyrical Storytelling about Taboo Topics) (!Extended Guitar Solos) (!Dance Rhythms) (!Operatic Vocals)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Which character in "Walk on the Wild Side" is based on a real transgender actress? (Candy) (!Holly) (!Little Joe) (!Sugar Plum Fairy)
The line "And the colored girls go, 'Doo doo doo...'" is an example of what musical element in "Walk on the Wild Side"? (Backing Vocals) (!Guitar Riff) (!Drum Solo) (!Saxophone Melody)
What city do the characters in "Walk on the Wild Side" travel to? (New York City) (!Los Angeles) (!London) (!Paris)
Which instrument opens the song "Walk on the Wild Side"? (Double Bass) (!Electric Guitar) (!Piano) (!Drums)
The line "Plucked her eyebrows on the way" refers to which character? (Holly) (!Candy) (!Jackie) (!Little Joe)
Memory
| Holly | Shaved her legs and then he was a she |
| Candy | Famous Warhol superstar |
| Little Joe | Never once gave it away |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Came and hit the streets |
| Jackie | Speeding away, thought she was James Dean |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that share themes or styles with "Walk on the Wild Side".
- Research Warhol's Factory: Learn about Andy Warhol's Factory and create a short presentation on its influence on music and art.
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Walk on the Wild Side" and discuss its storytelling style.
Standard
- Write a Song: Write your own song inspired by "Walk on the Wild Side", focusing on characters and stories from your own city or community.
- Musical Influence Essay: Write an essay on how "Walk on the Wild Side" influenced later music, particularly in how it addressed taboo topics.
- Create Artwork: Design a piece of artwork or a poster that captures the essence of "Walk on the Wild Side".
Difficult
- Produce a Cover Version: Produce your own cover version of "Walk on the Wild Side", experimenting with different musical styles.
- Documentary Research: Create a mini-documentary about the characters mentioned in "Walk on the Wild Side".
- Cultural Analysis: Conduct a detailed cultural analysis of the impact of "Walk on the Wild Side" in the 1970s versus today.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Controversy: Discuss why "Walk on the Wild Side" was controversial in the 1970s and whether it would be received differently today.
- Explore Themes: Explore the themes of identity and transformation in "Walk on the Wild Side" and other works by Lou Reed.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Walk on the Wild Side" to other songs from the 1970s that discuss marginalized communities.
- Analyze Musical Elements: Discuss the role of different musical elements (e.g., bass line, saxophone solo) in creating the mood of "Walk on the Wild Side".
- Cultural Significance: Discuss the cultural significance of "Walk on the Wild Side" in the context of the broader music scene of the early 1970s.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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