Lou Reed Lyrics-40 – Nobody reads you (from “Live, Take No Prisoners”) (Now Playing Week 16)

A backhanded compliment is one thing, but to be able to deliver a backhanded insult takes special verbal skill.

Ranting 'n' rambling

In response to a heckler, Lou ad-libbed this statement during the session that became the album “Live, Take No Prisoners,” in 1978. By that time, Lou’s reputation was pretty much established and intact, so he was free to do whatever he wished. And during these sessions recorded at the New York club The Bottom Line, he wanted to rant and ramble with abandon.

Criticizing 'n' praising 

At the time the album was released, it was said that it was going to be called “Lou Reed Talks and Talks and Talks.” Because for much of this double album, that’s all he does. Talk, ramble, criticize, praise, and talk more.    

It’s mostly a long, wide-ranging monologue, but at times, he engages members of the audience. Or disposes of them with comments such as this perfectly phrased backhanded insult. Lou Reed, Anthology of Memorable Lyrics.