The Velvet Underground - After Hours (1969)

Formed in 1964 and featuring Lou Reed and John Cale, this group is often cited as one of the most influential group’s of the 1960s. They were managed by Andy Warhol and frequently played at Warhol’s studio, the Factory. Although they never achieved much commercial success while together, it was said that “the first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band.”

This song comes from the group’s self-titled 1969 album. It was written by Lou Reed and is one of the rare times a song was sung by the group’s drummer, Maureen “Moe” Tucker. Reed said that he could not sing it himself because the lyrics were far too “innocent and pure.”



The Velvet Underground - After Hours (1969)

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Lyrics:

One, two, three
If you close the door
The night could last forever
Leave the sunshine out
And say hello to ‘never’

All the people are dancing
And they're havin’ such fun
I wish it could happen to me

But if you close the door
I'd never have to see the day again

If you close the door
The night could last forever
Leave the wineglass out
And drink a toast to ‘never’

Oh, someday I know
Someone will look into my eyes
And say “Hello,”
“You're my very special one”

But if you close the door
I'd never have to see the day again

Dark party bars; shiny Cadillac cars
And the people on subways and trains
Looking gray in the rain as they stand disarrayed
Oh, but people look well in the dark

And if you close the door
The night could last forever
Leave the sunshine out
And say hello to ‘never’

All the people are dancing
And they're having such fun
I wish it could happen to me

‘Cause if you close the door
I'd never have to see the day again
I'd never have to see the day again; once more
I'd never have to see the day again