Song meaning of After Hours (live version 1) by The Velvet Underground

"After Hours" by The Velvet Underground is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of longing, escapism, and the desire for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone yearning for a different reality, where they can escape the harshness of the day and find solace in the night.

The song opens with a humorous introduction by Lou Reed, where he jokingly mentions his initial plan to perform the song himself in a gold lamé dress. This sets the tone for the song's exploration of identity and the masks we wear to be accepted by society. Reed's decision to have Maureen Tucker sing the song instead reflects the idea that sometimes, certain truths are more readily accepted when they come from someone else.

The first verse sets the stage for the song's central theme. The narrator expresses a desire to close the door on the day, shutting out the mundane and embracing the eternal night. They long for the carefree atmosphere of a party, where people are dancing and having fun. The line "I wish it could happen to me" conveys a sense of longing and yearning for a life that seems out of reach.

The chorus reinforces this desire for escape, with the repeated line "But if you close the door, I'd never have to see the day again." Here, the narrator sees closing the door as a metaphorical act of shutting out reality and the responsibilities that come with it. It represents a longing for a world where they can exist outside the constraints of time and obligations.

The bridge introduces a contrast between the darkness and the light. The mention of "dark party bars" and "shiny Cadillac cars" highlights the allure of the night and the glamour associated with it. The people on subways and trains are described as looking "gray in the rain," emphasizing the monotony and dreariness of everyday life. However, the line "people look well in the dark" suggests that in the shadows, people can hide their flaws and present themselves in a more appealing light.

The final verse reiterates the desire to close the door and embrace the everlasting night. The narrator longs for the joy and freedom they see others experiencing, expressing a wish for it to happen to them as well.

Overall, "After Hours" by The Velvet Underground is a melancholic exploration of escapism and the yearning for a different reality. The lyrics capture the universal desire to escape the mundane and find solace in the night, where one can be free from the constraints of the day.