About the song
“Walk on the Wild Side,” an iconic song by Lou Reed from his 1972 album “Transformer,” stands as a testament to its era, celebrated for its daring exploration of taboo subjects amidst a backdrop of New York City’s vibrant counterculture scene. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, the song was released as a double A-side with “Perfect Day,” solidifying its place as one of Reed’s most renowned compositions.
At its core, “Walk on the Wild Side” serves as a lyrical journey through the lives of various individuals navigating the gritty urban landscape of 1970s New York. The song boldly addresses themes such as transgender identity, drug use, male prostitution, and oral sex—topics that were largely considered taboo at the time of its release. Each verse introduces a character inspired by real-life personalities associated with Andy Warhol’s Factory, including Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, Joe Dallesandro, Jackie Curtis, and Joe Campbell (also known as the “Sugar Plum Fairy”).
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Walk on the Wild Side” garnered widespread acclaim and became Lou Reed’s breakthrough hit and signature song. It received extensive radio play and continues to resonate with listeners for its candid portrayal of marginalized communities and its evocative portrayal of a bygone era in New York City.
In 2010, Rolling Stone recognized the song’s enduring influence by ranking it at number 223 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. Three years later, the Grammy Hall of Fame honored “Walk on the Wild Side,” cementing its status as a cultural touchstone and musical masterpiece.
Described by The New York Times as a “ballad of misfits and oddballs,” the song remains a siren call that captures the imagination, drawing listeners into a world that is both gritty and glamorous, nostalgic yet timeless. Lou Reed’s evocative storytelling and David Bowie’s visionary production culminate in a song that not only defined an era but continues to resonate as a symbol of artistic courage and social commentary.
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Lyrics
Holly came from Miami, F.L.A.
Hitch-hiked her way across the U.S.A.
Plucked her eyebrows on the way
Shaved her legs and then he was a she
She says, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
Said, “Hey, honey
Take a walk on the wild side”
Candy came from out on the Island
In the back room she was everybody’s darling
But she never lost her head
Even when she was giving head
She says, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
Said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
And the colored girls go
“Doo do doo do doo do do doo…”
Little Joe never once gave it away
Everybody had to pay and pay
A hustle here and a hustle there
New York City’s the place
Where they said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, Joe
Take a walk on the wild side”
Sugar Plum Fairy came and hit the streets
Looking for soul food and a place to eat
Went to the Apollo
You should’ve seen them go, go, go
They said, “Hey, sugar
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”, alright
Huh
Jackie is just speeding away
Thought she was James Dean for a day
Then I guess she had to crash
Valium would have helped that bash
She said, “Hey, babe
Take a walk on the wild side”
I said, “Hey, honey
Take a walk on the wild side”
And the colored girls say
“Doo do doo do doo do do doo…”