Sword Of Damocles - Externally
Lou Reed · Other Songs - Lou Reed
is right above your head
They're trying a new treatment
to get you out of bed
But radiation kills both bad and good
it can not differentiate
So to cure you they must kill you
the Sword of Damocles hangs above your head
Now I have seen lots of people die
from car crashes or drugs
Last night on 33rd st.
I saw a kid get hit by a bus
But this drawn out torture over which part of you lives
is very hard to take
To cure you they must kill you
the Sword of Damocles above your head
That mix of morphine and dexedrine
we use it on the street
It kills the pain and keeps you up
your very soul to keep
But this guessing game has its own rules
the good don't always win
And might makes right
the Sword of Damocles is hanging above your head
It seems everything's done that must be done
from over here though things don't seem fair
But there are things that we can't know
maybe there's something over there
Some other world that we don't know about
I know you hate that mystic shit
It's just another way of seeing
the Sword of Damocles above your head
Sword Of Damocles - Externally
Lou Reed's "Sword Of Damocles - Externally" stands as a stark, minimalist addition to his extensive discography, reflecting his signature blend of punk energy and poetic introspection. Released within the context of his later work, the track exemplifies Reed's ability to distill complex themes into concise, impactful recordings. The song's title alludes to the ancient Greek philosopher's precarious existence, a metaphor Reed often employed to explore themes of anxiety, impending doom, and the fragility of life. By stripping away excess, the recording focuses on the raw power of the melody and Reed's distinctive vocal delivery, characteristic of his post-punk era output. It serves as a testament to his enduring influence on alternative rock, demonstrating how a simple composition can carry profound emotional weight and philosophical depth.