Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side'

Definition

'Walk on the Wild Side' is a song by Lou Reed, released in 1972 as part of his album 'Transformer'. The track is known for its exploration of themes related to gender identity, sexuality, and the experiences of marginalized individuals in urban life. By featuring stories of characters who embody queer identities and lifestyles, the song serves as an important cultural touchstone that amplifies queer voices in popular music during a time of social upheaval and change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Walk on the Wild Side' features spoken word segments that narrate the lives of diverse characters, including transgender individuals and drag queens, highlighting the complexity of queer experiences.
2. The song's production was influenced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, contributing to its glam rock sound that resonated with the burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement of the early 1970s.
3. Despite its commercial success, 'Walk on the Wild Side' faced censorship and controversy due to its explicit references to sexual themes and drug culture.
4. The song's iconic chorus, 'And the colored girls go doo-doo-doo,' has sparked discussions about race and representation in music, as well as the dynamics of queer spaces.
5. 'Walk on the Wild Side' is often credited with bringing queer narratives into mainstream music, paving the way for future artists to express their identities more openly.

Review Questions

• How does 'Walk on the Wild Side' reflect the experiences of marginalized communities within its lyrics?
  • 'Walk on the Wild Side' effectively captures the lives of marginalized characters through its vivid storytelling. By highlighting figures like transgender individuals and drag queens, Lou Reed sheds light on their struggles and resilience in a society that often marginalizes them. The song not only humanizes these experiences but also promotes understanding and acceptance by bringing these narratives into popular music.
• Discuss the impact of Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side' on the representation of queer identities in popular music during the 1970s.
  • 'Walk on the Wild Side' played a pivotal role in changing how queer identities were represented in popular music. Its candid portrayal of diverse characters challenged societal norms and offered visibility to LGBTQ+ experiences at a time when such discussions were often stigmatized. This song opened doors for other artists to explore similar themes, creating a more inclusive space for queer voices within the music industry.
• Evaluate how Lou Reed's work, particularly 'Walk on the Wild Side', contributes to ongoing conversations about gender identity and representation in contemporary music.
  • 'Walk on the Wild Side' continues to resonate in modern discussions about gender identity and representation due to its groundbreaking approach to queer narratives. By addressing issues of gender fluidity and challenging traditional norms, Reed's work laid a foundation for contemporary artists who express their identities openly. Today, as society progresses toward greater acceptance of diverse identities, this song remains a significant reference point in understanding how music can influence cultural perceptions and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Related terms

Gender Fluidity: 'Gender fluidity' refers to the concept of gender as a spectrum, allowing individuals to express themselves outside of traditional binary classifications of male and female.

Queer Identity: 'Queer identity' encompasses a range of sexual orientations and gender identities that challenge conventional norms, often serving as a source of empowerment and resistance against societal expectations.

The Velvet Underground: 'The Velvet Underground' was the influential band fronted by Lou Reed, known for their avant-garde style and lyrical content that often addressed taboo subjects, including sexuality and addiction.