Sally can't dance
Lou Reed · Live In Italy [1998]
she says that she can't do it anymore
She walks down St. Marks Place
and eats natural food at my place
Now Sally can't dance no more
she can't get off of the floor
Sally can't dance no more
they found her in the trunk of a Ford
ooohhh, she can't dance no more
Sally is loosing her face
she lives on St. Marks Place
In a rent-controlled apartment, eighty dollars a month
she has lots of fun, she has lots of fun, but
Sally can't dance no more, ooohhh
Sally can't dance no more
She took too much meth and can't get off the floor
now Sally, she can't dance no more
She was the first girl in the neighborhood
to wear tied-dyed pants, ah, like she should
She was the first girl that I ever seen
that had flowers painted on her jeans
She was the first girl in her neighborhood
who got raped on Tompkins Square, real good
Now she wears a sword, like Napoleon
and she kills the boys and acts like a son
Sally can't dance no more, ooohhh, now
Sally can't dance no more
She can't get herself off the floor, ah, huh
Sally, ooohhh, she can't dance no more
Watch this, now
Sally became a big model
she moved up to eighties and park
She had a studio apartment
and that's where she used to ball, folk singers
and that's where she used to ball, folk singers, but
Sally, she can't dance no more
Sally, she can't dance no more
Sally can't get herself off of the floor
now, Sally, she can't dance no more
(Sally can't dance)
(Sally can't dance)
She knew all the really right people
she went to Le Jardin
She danced with Picasso's illegitimate mistress
and wore Kenneth Lane jewels, really it's trash, but
Sally can't dance no more, ooohhh
Sally can't dance no more
She can't get herself off of the floor
now, Sally, ooohhh, she can't dance no more, no more
Dance, no more can't ...
(Sally can't dance, Sally can't dance)
(Sally can't dance, Sally can't dance)
(Sally can't dance, Sally can't dance)
(Sally can't dance, Sally can't dance)
... repeat and fade out
Sally Can't Dance
Lou Reed's "Sally Can't Dance" stands as a defining track from his 1972 album, *Sally Can't Dance*. The song captures the raw energy of Reed's transition from the Velvet Underground to his solo career, blending rock and roll with a distinct narrative flair. Originally written for the album, the track has become a staple of his live performances, often serving as a high-energy centerpiece. This 1998 recording from *Live In Italy* showcases Reed's enduring vocal power and the dynamic interplay of his touring band. The song's driving rhythm and storytelling approach reflect Reed's ability to craft memorable characters within a concise musical framework. It remains a testament to his influence on rock music, highlighting his skill in merging poetic observation with infectious melodies that resonate across generations of listeners.