Perfect Day

Right on target, Jeema It is a creepy, depressing, brilliant emotional song. I can't believe I was so stupid as to not associate this song with heroin addiction, as heroin was such a big part of Lou Reed's life, and as so many other songs are likely about the same subject (e.g., Personal Jesus).

@Bgoh that’s the thing - from what I understand, heroin was NOT a big part of Lou Reed’s life. The drug that Lou Reed struggled with for years was amphetamine. I’m not saying I know what Lou’s intentions were, (and I’m not saying Lou didn’t ever use, or struggle with heroin, but speed was his drug of choice. Then, later, alcohol - listen to the Blue Mask for THOSE songs) but I don’t think the song is “about” heroin (insofar as it’s considered a love song to heroin - or any other drug), I think maybe drugs are one reason he feels worthless, but I think the song is an ode to his significant other at the time.

I am not sure if all the talk about PD being about heroin started with Trainspotting, but it certainly added to that interpretation (24 years after the song was released).

lets just say its about an addict... heroin or otherwise.

This song in no way explicitly mentions heroin. Its simply about putting one's problems on hold and ignoring real life to be with someone. You've taken that "someone" and interpreted it as heroin.

sure its a pop song, its about anything anyone wants but

it was definitely inspired by heroin. especially at this time lou was probably going through hit share of h. im sure lou was doing more meth but this song is what getting off on opiates feels like

You're reading too much into it. Can we just accept that Lou is not a totally fucked up guy and actually had a decent day with someone he liked? Why does every song have to be about drugs on this site, fucking christ. He's not one to use extended metaphors about heroin. I know this because he wrote this song called "Heroin"? He was pretty straightforward with that. The song was used in the movie for dramatic irony.

You're gonna reap just what you so - pretty much that thought that when the junk wears off, detox awaits. And if you've ever been dependent on opiates, you know how FUN that is.

I agree with this poster. Personal experience with drugs does make one qualified to judge if somebody is describing a relationship with a drug. Maybe Lou Reed is more to the point and wouldn't put hidden meanings in his songs. I don't know much about him. I just know that every word fits the drug interpretation to me. According to The Independent article Reed said "That's a lovely song. A description of a very straightforward affair." He didn't say who or what the affair was with. I think that it is not necessarily correct to believe that the songwriter himself is fully conscious of what he is writing about. If we know that he was using drugs at the time, this could have subtly influenced the creative process.

I have been using opiates for quite a while and have never experienced physical tolerance/withdrawl and would say that I have had some bad (borderline addiction) and some good (successful self medication) results.

Injecting heroin would create a sudden onset and a shorter duration of effects, but the effects of opiates that I have used gradually unfold over a period of 12 hours, thus creating a "perfect day" which comes to a peaceful resolution after "dark." Maybe he could have been repeatedly shooting up at the locations mentioned in the song though.

In my experience, you may look back at the end and think "that was a perfect day". It doesn't matter what you are doing. I could be running errands, visiting friends, or becoming very introverted as described in the song. One would certainly be content doing mundane activities like going to the zoo or seeing a movie. The repeated references to "home" could refer to the anticipation of lying down at the end of the day and experiencing what is known as "the nod".

"Problems left alone": the application to opiates is obvious.

"Weekenders on our own": Weekend warrior. Drugs distinct from the workday routine. Time to be completely free with no responsibilities.

"You just keep me hanging on". Drugs as a solace to get through all the BS.

The bittersweet mood is felt with mild guilt buried beneath the high and the knowledge that things won't stay so "perfect".

I see the song as very uplifting, but that is just my own bias as I see using drugs as an ethical choice to avoid getting caught up in the evils of society. The evil is seen in all types of relationships and in work, but more than anything in romantic relationships. Competition, environmental destruction, greed, manipulation, phoneyness. Drugs stand apart from all this, hence making you "forget yourself" (your ego and habits) and see yourself as "someone good" (spiritually pure). Forget your neuroticism. Be very polite and agreeable. More social, never getting angry or frustrated.

"You're going to reap just what you sow" can be seen as a double-edged sword. Literally savouring the the abundant poppy harvest and spreading the joy to other people in the park. A gift from god. Or gradually sinking into physical addiction and having your life fall apart around you (what did you expect?).

Lazy day with your girlfriend or lazy day on opiates. Whatever interpretation best resonates with you. It's not that different really. An intimate relationship that creates comfort and feelings of peaceful transcendence; or a selfish, addictive insular thing with many potential ways for the magic to wear off and a reluctance to accept the inevitability of this happening one way or another.

I think that the song also describes modern, first world problems. One thinks "I really have nothing to complain about", but there is that creeping sense of malaise. Things can get really stressful, but at the end of the day it's not that important if people think that you're a big shot. You're not going to go hungry or wind up in a war zone. You anticipate your free time, but when it comes you get bored or self destructive. Even when you get the 9-5 job and the girlfriend, there is still something missing. Society offers you small entertainments for a Saturday afternoon such as going to the zoo or going to a movie. Addictions to drugs or generic romance are an escape, but they may only exacerbate the monotony of it all.

I certainly hope you've managed to kick this addiction -- I have never tried heroin, but it sounds like getting off the stuff is damn near impossible. I will say a prayer for all addicts. God bless you.

"The whole country sang along with some addled smackhead, wandering round the park. HA! "
And it was for the children! (Orphans, if I remember correctly.)

Yeah, the BBC using it a commercial just tickles me pink! I wonder if any of the suits there had any idea the song was an ode to heroin? Lol.

re. the Beeb recording --- you forget to mention the genius little ps. at the end where the composer touches his nose in a gesture of complicity to anyone in the know, other junkies mainly, to say " these goons have no idea what they're singing --- taking their vainglorious form-over-content little ride on my song --- and me and you we get to laugh last ". The whole set-up playing straight into confirming the junkie's cool sense of superiority, bought with his supposed degradation.

The BBC recording (and nose touching, a la Guarrandango's comment) is here:

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