About the Song
The Velvet Underground’s After Hours. Released in 1969 on their self-titled third album, this song might not have the raw power of their earlier works, but it lingers with a quiet intensity that resonates deeply.
While the band was known for delving into the darker corners of New York City’s underground scene, After Hours takes a more introspective turn. Imagine yourself on a late night in the city, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by a melancholic stillness. Streetlights cast long shadows, and the only sounds are the distant rumble of a passing train or the lonely wail of a siren. This is the atmosphere After Hours evokes.
Lou Reed’s vocals, often described with words like “deadpan” or “detached,” perfectly capture the feeling of being an outsider looking in. The lyrics paint a picture of someone observing others having a good time, yearning to join in but held back by a sense of shyness or insecurity. It’s a feeling many of us can relate to, that awkwardness on the fringes of a party, the longing for connection yet the fear of rejection.
But After Hours isn’t just about loneliness. There’s a quiet resilience in the music, a slow, steady drumbeat that keeps the song moving forward. It’s a reminder that even in the quiet corners of the night, there’s a certain beauty to be found, a space for introspection and contemplation. So, put on a pot of coffee, dim the lights, and let The Velvet Underground’s After Hours wash over you. It might surprise you with its understated power.