Song meaning of Andy's Chest by The Velvet Underground

"Andy's Chest" by The Velvet Underground is a whimsical and surreal song that delves into themes of transformation, desire, and the power of imagination. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fantastical world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.

The song opens with the narrator expressing a desire to be a bat, swooping after someone. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for pursuing someone with a sense of freedom and unpredictability. The line "If the last time you were here, they were a bit cuckoo" suggests that the person being pursued may have had a tumultuous past or may be seen as unconventional.

The chorus introduces the idea of nature and its elements being drawn to this person. The line "All the trees are calling after you" implies a sense of longing and attraction, while "all the venom snipers after you" suggests that danger and temptation are also drawn to them. The question "Are all the mountains bolder after you?" hints at the person's magnetic presence and the impact they have on their surroundings.

In the second verse, the narrator expresses a desire to be something that bites, rather than being restrained like an endangered ocelot on a leash. This can be seen as a longing for freedom and a willingness to take risks. The image of being tied to the end of someone's string and flying in the air at night suggests a sense of being under their control or influence.

The pre-chorus introduces the concept of honey bears and their transformation when shaved. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for shedding one's inhibitions or societal expectations. The line "You have a hairy-minded pink bare bear" suggests a sense of vulnerability and openness.

The third verse takes a more surreal turn, describing a bizarre scene where a woman's hands become her feet and her belly button becomes her mouth. This can be seen as a metaphor for the power of words and the idea that one's speech can shape their reality. The line "When people say her feet smell, they mean her nose" plays with the idea of perception and how words can be twisted or misinterpreted.

The final chorus presents a series of images that are meant to emphasize the grandeur and extravagance associated with the person being sung about. The mention of curtains laced with diamonds, Roman noblemen, melting ice cap mountain tops, and knights in flaming silver robes all contribute to a sense of opulence and admiration.

Overall, "Andy's Chest" is a song that invites listeners into a dreamlike world where imagination reigns and the boundaries of reality are blurred. The lyrics explore themes of desire, transformation, and the power of perception, creating a rich and evocative listening experience.