About the song
“Coney Island Baby,” Lou Reed’s sixth solo studio album released in January 1976 by RCA Records, stands as a testament to his romantic and introspective songwriting. The album is notable for its heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic themes, drawing inspiration from Reed’s personal experiences and relationships.
Anthony DeCurtis describes “Coney Island Baby” as potentially the most romantic album in Reed’s career, with many of its songs dedicated to and influenced by his girlfriend at the time, Rachel Humphreys. Reed’s affection for Rachel is palpable throughout the album, particularly highlighted in the title track where he dedicates the song to “Lou and Rachel, and all the kids at P.S. 192,” a reference to the Brooklyn school he attended as a child.
The title track itself is a poignant reflection on love and longing, infused with Reed’s trademark lyrical style and heartfelt delivery. It continues a narrative that Reed had previously explored in his poetry, particularly in “The Coach and Glory of Love,” which was published in The Harvard Advocate in 1971.
Among the album’s highlights is “She’s My Best Friend,” originally recorded by Reed’s legendary band, the Velvet Underground, and later included on their 1985 compilation album “VU.” This track, along with others on “Coney Island Baby,” showcases Reed’s ability to blend rock and roll with introspective storytelling, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant listening experience.
Critically, “Coney Island Baby” has garnered acclaim for its musicality and Reed’s revitalized approach. Reviewers have praised the album’s production, noting Reed’s return to more expressive and confident vocals, alongside inventive musical arrangements that feature both electric and acoustic guitars. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone highlighted the album’s songs as structured and melodic, emphasizing their timeless appeal and Reed’s renewed musical prowess.
Robert Christgau, in his review for “Christgau’s Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies,” noted the album’s warmth and Reed’s vulnerability, particularly evident in the title track’s introspective lyrics.
Overall, “Coney Island Baby” remains a standout in Lou Reed’s discography, celebrated for its blend of personal reflection, romanticism, and musical innovation. It continues to resonate with listeners as a testament to Reed’s enduring influence on rock music and his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion through his artistry.
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Lyrics
You know, man, when I was a young man in high school
You believe in or not, that I wanted to play football for the coach
And all those older guys
They said that he was mean and cruel but you know
I wanted to play football, for the coach
They said I was a little too lightweight to play lineback and so I’m playing right-end
Wanted to play football for the coach
‘Cause, you know some day, man you gotta stand up straight unless you’re gonna fall
Then you’re going to die
And the straightest dude I ever knew was standing right for me, all the time
So I had to play football for the coach
And I wanted to play football for the coach
When you’re all alone and lonely
In your midnight hour
And you find that your soul
It has been up for sale
And you’re getting to think about
All the things that you done
And you’re getting to hate
Just about everything
But remember the princess who lived on the hill
Who loved you even though she knew you was wrong
And right now she just might come shining through
And the
Glory of love
Glory of love
Glory of love, just might come through
And all your two-bit friends have gone and ripped you off
They’re talking behind your back saying “man, you are never going to be no human being”
And you start thinking again about all those things that you’ve done
And who it was and what it was
And all the different things that made every different scene
Ah, but remember that the city is a funny place
Something like a circus or a sewer
And just remember, different people have peculiar tastes
And the
Glory of love
The glory of love
The glory of love, might see you through
Yeah, but now, now
Glory of love
The glory of love
The glory of love might see you through
Glory of love, uh, huh-huh
The glory of love
Glory of love, glory of love
Glory of love, now, glory of love, now
Glory of love, now, now, now, glory of love
Glory of love, give it to me now, glory of love to see you through, huh
Oh, my Coney Island baby, now
I’m a Coney Island baby, now
I’d like to send this one out to Lou and Rachel
And all the kids at P.S. one-ninety-two (Coney Island baby)
Man, I’d swear, I’d give the whole thing up for you