See the lyrics of “Sweet Jane” by The Velvet Underground an American rock band and the song was released in 1970.
Sweet Jane Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Standin’ on the corner
Suitcase in my hand
Jack is in his corset, Jane is in her vest
And me, I’m in a rock ‘n’ roll band
Huh
Riding in a Stutz Bear Cat, Jim
Ya know, those were different times
Oh, all the poets they studied rules of verse
And those ladies, they rolled their eyes[Chorus]
Sweet Jane, woah
Sweet Jane, oh oh
Sweet Jane[Verse 2]
Let me tell ya somethin’, Jack, he is a banker
And Jane, she is a clerk
And both of them save their monies
Hah, and when, when they come home from work
Ooh, sittin’ down by the fire, oh
The radio does play the classical music there, Jim
The March of the Wooden Soldiers
All you protest kids, you can hear Jack say
Get ready[Chorus]
Sweet Jane, come on, baby
Sweet Jane, oh
Sweet Jane[Verse 3]
Some people, they like to go out dancin’
And other peoples, they have to work, just watch me now
And there’s even some evil mothers
Well, they’re gonna tell you that everything is just dirt
You know that women never really faint
And that villains always blink their eyes, ooh
And that, ya know, children are the only ones who blush
And that life is just to die
But anyone who ever had a heart
Oh, they wouldn’t turn around and break it
And anyone who ever played a part
Oh, they wouldn’t turn around and hate it[Chorus]
Sweet Jane, oh woah
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane[Bridge]
Heavenly wine and roses
Seem to whisper to her when he smiles
Heavenly wine and roses
Seem to whisper to her, hey, when she smiles
La, la, la, la-la-la
La, la, la, la-la-la
La, la, la, la-la-la
La, la, la, la-la-la[Outro]
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
SEE ALSO: De Colores Lyrics – Joan Baez
About The Song Sweet Jane
“Sweet Jane” is one of the most iconic songs by The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed and featured on their 1970 album Loaded.
The song is notable for its blend of rock and lyrical storytelling, encapsulating themes of innocence, societal expectations, and the passage of time.
The lyrics present a narrative featuring two characters, Jack and Jane, who embody a seemingly conventional lifestyle.
Jack is depicted as a banker, while Jane works as a clerk. They represent a domestic ideal, contrasting sharply with the rock and roll lifestyle that the narrator, presumably Reed himself, identifies with.
The opening lines set the scene with vivid imagery, highlighting a sense of nostalgia for “different times” when poets adhered to the rules of verse.
As the song progresses, it shifts from this idyllic portrayal to more complex themes. Reed’s lyrics touch on human experiences such as love, heartbreak, and societal critique.
Phrases like “anyone who ever had a heart / they wouldn’t turn around and break it” suggest a longing for emotional honesty amid life’s complexities.
The juxtaposition of Jack and Jane’s mundane existence with the narrator’s rock ‘n’ roll persona invites listeners to reflect on choices and the nature of happiness.
Musically, “Sweet Jane” features a catchy melody and an infectious chorus that has contributed to its enduring popularity.
The song has undergone various interpretations over the years, with some listeners speculating about its connections to drug culture or deeper societal commentary.
Despite these interpretations, it remains a quintessential piece of rock music history, celebrated for its lyrical depth and melodic appeal.