European Son

The Velvet Underground's song 'European Son' is a raw and rebellious track that delves into themes of disillusionment and defiance. The lyrics, though sparse, are loaded with meaning and reflect a sense of anger and rejection. The opening line, 'You killed your European son,' suggests a betrayal or a loss of innocence, possibly directed at an older generation or authority figures who have failed the youth. The mention of spitting on those under twenty-one further emphasizes a generational divide and a disdain for the younger generation's aspirations and ideals.

The imagery of the 'blue car' and 'green wallpapers' adds a layer of symbolism to the song. The blue car, now gone, could represent freedom or a lost opportunity, while the green wallpapers might symbolize a superficial attempt to beautify or mask the underlying decay. The line 'You want to make love to the scene' suggests a desire to be part of a particular social or cultural milieu, but the repeated refrain that the 'European son is gone' underscores a sense of irrevocable loss and the futility of such efforts.

The Velvet Underground, known for their avant-garde and often provocative style, use 'European Son' to challenge societal norms and express a sense of alienation. The song's chaotic and dissonant musical arrangement mirrors the tumultuous emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The final lines, 'Your clown's bid you goodbye,' could be interpreted as a farewell to pretense and a rejection of societal expectations. This track encapsulates the band's ethos of pushing boundaries and confronting uncomfortable truths, making it a powerful statement on the disillusionment of youth and the rejection of conformity.