I'm Waiting for the Man
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| "I'm Waiting for the Man" | ||
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| Song by The Velvet Underground | ||
| from the album The Velvet Underground and Nico | ||
| Released | March 1967 | |
| Recorded | May 1966 T.T.G. Studios, Hollywood, California | |
| Genre | Rock and roll | |
| Length | 4:39 | |
| Label | Verve Records | |
| Writer(s) | Lou Reed | |
| Composer(s) | Lou Reed | |
| Producer(s) | Andy Warhol | |
| The Velvet Underground and Nico track listing | ||
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"I'm Waiting for the Man" is a song by the American rock band The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed. It was first released on their 1967 debut album, The Velvet Underground and Nico. The song chronicles a man purchasing 26 dollars worth of heroin in Harlem; the man that the singer is waiting for in the title is his drug dealer. Along with traditional guitar, bass, and drums, the song also features rock and roll style piano. It is one of the band's more popular songs, and one of their many compositions about drug abuse. After leaving the band in 1970, Lou Reed continued to incorporate the song into his solo live performances. Reed does not often sing the song himself anymore.
In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it #159 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
[edit] Demo version
Before the final album version of the song was re-recorded at T.T.G. Studios, Hollywood, California, a different take of the song was originally recorded at Scepter Studios in New York City. This take of the song is slightly shorter, the piano is less audible and instead of drums, a tambourine is implemented. Also of note is that Reed sings "I'm waiting for the man" at the beginning of the song. Through the album version, Reed sings "I'm waiting for my man".
[edit] Cover versions
Velvet Underground members Lou Reed, Nico, and Maureen Tucker have all recorded solo versions of the song. Other artists who have recorded covers of it include Bauhaus (with Nico), David Bowie, The Celibate Rifles, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Vanessa Paradis, and Slaughter & The Dogs. The original recording was also included, in remixed form, on the 2 Many DJs compilation album As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt. 2.
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