Lou Reed Lyrics-15 – Every night she falls (from “Oh! Sweet Nuthin”)

The final track on the final Velvet Underground album, this track reflects the somewhat more commercial orientation of the band. It was 1970, and the band’s reputation was virtually assured. Now, the record company wanted the band to produce a hit single, and apparently the band members agreed that some popular recognition would be nice.   

(In fact, the record company had asked the band for an album “loaded with hits.” The band responded by titling the album “Loaded.” Godda love the wit.)   

Like the other songs on the album, “Oh! Sweet Nuthin” is almost folksy in its form. But while the song is quiet and slow, and while the words are sung in a gentle croon, Lou’s lyrics continue to reflect despair and loneliness. As for the song’s protagonist, “every day she falls in love, and every night she falls.”  

While each day seems to bring hope and promise, each evening takes it away. She’s left with the bittersweet realization that she has “nothing at all.” _{(Note 1: Lou had left the band by the time the “Loaded” album was released, so most of the music and vocals were performed by his replacement, Doug Yule. Still, this remains a Lou Reed song to its core.)}

(Note 2: I could not find a copy of the original song on YouTube. Fortunately, there’s a great live version by Neil Young and a few others.)

Oh, Sweet Nuthin’, Neil Young and friends …

Lou Reed, Anthology of Memorable Lyrics.