Andy's Chest

The Velvet Underground's song 'Andy's Chest' is a fascinating blend of surreal imagery and deep devotion. The lyrics, penned by Lou Reed, are a tribute to Andy Warhol, a close friend and mentor to Reed and the band. The song is filled with whimsical and fantastical elements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the unique and often bizarre world Warhol inhabited and created through his art. The opening lines, where the narrator wishes to be a bat swooping after someone, set the tone for the surreal journey that follows.

The song's lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery. For instance, the mention of rattlesnakes losing their skins and hearts, and missionaries losing their bark, suggests a transformation or shedding of old identities. This could be interpreted as a nod to Warhol's ability to reinvent himself and those around him. The recurring theme of nature, with trees, mountains, and venomous creatures, adds to the song's otherworldly feel, as if the natural world itself is enchanted by the subject of the song.

Another notable aspect of 'Andy's Chest' is its playful and absurdist tone. The verse about Daisy Mae and Biff, where body parts are humorously rearranged, exemplifies this. This absurdity can be seen as a reflection of Warhol's avant-garde approach to art and life, where the conventional is often turned on its head. The song's closing lines, with references to knights in flaming silver robes and bats that turn into princes with a kiss, further emphasize the fantastical and fairy-tale-like quality of the lyrics. Ultimately, 'Andy's Chest' is a celebration of Warhol's eccentricity and the profound impact he had on those around him, wrapped in a package of surreal and imaginative storytelling.