Sex With Your Parents

Lou Reed's song "Sex With Your Parents" is a biting and provocative critique of right-wing conservatism and the hypocrisy Reed perceives within it. The song uses shocking and explicit imagery to convey its message, aiming to provoke a strong reaction from the listener. Reed's choice of such a taboo subject as sex with one's parents serves as a metaphor for the repulsion and disgust he feels towards the actions and attitudes of conservative politicians, particularly those who impose restrictive laws and moral judgments on others while engaging in questionable behavior themselves.

The lyrics express Reed's frustration with the political climate, particularly the influence of right-wing Republicans. He criticizes their obsession with controlling others' behavior, from censoring what people can say and see to dictating personal choices like smoking and drug use. Reed's use of the phrase "sex with your parents" symbolizes the deep-seated shame and self-loathing he believes these politicians harbor, projecting their own issues onto society at large. The song suggests that their moral crusades are a way to mask their own insecurities and past transgressions.

Reed's disdain for these figures is palpable throughout the song. He mocks their attempts to uphold "family values" while engaging in behavior that contradicts those very principles. By highlighting the absurdity and hypocrisy of their actions, Reed calls into question the legitimacy of their authority and the values they claim to represent. The song's raw and confrontational tone reflects Reed's anger and disillusionment with the political establishment, making it a powerful statement against hypocrisy and moralistic posturing.