Song meaning of All Tomorrow's Parties (demo) by The Velvet Underground

"All Tomorrow's Parties (demo)" by The Velvet Underground is a haunting and introspective song that delves into themes of social class, identity, and the masks we wear to fit into society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a poor girl who is forced to attend various parties, highlighting the stark contrast between her humble background and the opulence of the events she is expected to attend.

The opening lines, "And what costume shall the poor girl wear / To all tomorrow's parties," immediately set the tone for the song. The word "costume" suggests that the girl must put on a facade, wearing clothes that are not her own, to fit in with the upper class attendees. This emphasizes the idea that she is an outsider in this world, forced to wear a mask to hide her true self.

The repetition of the line, "She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown and cry behind the door," further emphasizes the girl's struggle to maintain her facade. The image of her crying behind closed doors suggests that she is deeply unhappy and feels trapped in her role as the entertainer or jester of the party. The use of the word "clown" adds a layer of irony, as clowns are typically associated with joy and laughter, yet here it represents her sadness and isolation.

The lyrics also touch upon the transient nature of her existence, as she is constantly moving from one party to another. The lines, "And what will she do with Thursday's rags / When Monday comes around," suggest that she is constantly discarding one costume for another, never truly finding a place where she belongs. This highlights the emptiness and superficiality of the social scene she is a part of.

The chorus, "For