New Sensations

Lou Reed's song 'New Sensations' is a vibrant celebration of life's simple pleasures and the pursuit of new experiences. The lyrics reflect a desire to break free from negativity and embrace a more positive outlook. Reed starts by rejecting guilt and pain, emphasizing his wish to live life on his own terms. He doesn't want to be burdened by past mistakes or societal expectations, symbolized by his arrest on Christmas Eve two years prior. Instead, he seeks to stay grounded and maintain his personal relationships, as indicated by his desire to stay married and not be 'a dog tied to a parked car.'

The chorus, with its repeated exclamations of 'new sensations,' underscores the theme of seeking fresh experiences and sensations. Reed wants to rid himself of negative influences and surround himself with positivity. He acknowledges that it's easy to point out what's wrong, but he prefers to focus on what brings joy and excitement. The reference to 'human Tuinals'—a type of barbiturate—suggests that some people are like downers, dragging others into negativity, which he wants to avoid.

In the latter part of the song, Reed describes a motorcycle ride on his GPZ, a Kawasaki sportbike. This ride symbolizes freedom and the thrill of new sensations. The detailed account of his journey, from feeling the engine between his thighs to stopping at a roadside diner, paints a vivid picture of the joy he finds in these simple, yet exhilarating experiences. The interactions with country folk and hunters, and the mundane yet comforting scene of a diner, highlight the beauty in everyday moments. Reed's affection for his motorcycle, to the point of wanting to kiss it, encapsulates his love for these new sensations and the freedom they bring.