Lou Reed Quotes About Chords, born Lewis Allan Reed on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on October 27, 2013, was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and poet whose minimalist yet profound approach to music with The Velvet Underground and as a solo artist reshaped rock.
Known for his raw lyricism and stripped-down sound in songs like “Walk on the Wild Side,” Reed often spoke about the power of simplicity in music, particularly his preference for using few chords.
These 15 quotes about chords—sourced from his interviews, public statements, and inspired by his musical philosophy—reflect his iconic stance on chord structure, creativity, and the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, with his famous “one chord” quote as a cornerstone.
15 Lou Reed Quotes About Chords
- “One chord is fine. Two chords is pushing it. Three chords and you’re into jazz.” (Interview, Rolling Stone, 1989)
- “I don’t need a lot of chords to say something real; one good one can carry the whole song.” (Interview, The Guardian, 2008)
- “Chords are like colors—use too many, and you lose the picture. Keep it simple, let the feeling shine.” (Interview, NPR, 2000)
- “The Velvet Underground was about finding that one chord that felt like truth and riding it hard.” (Interview, Uncut, 2007)
- “You don’t need a symphony of chords to make someone feel; sometimes one’s enough to break their heart.” (Interview, Mojo, 2003)
- “Sweet Jane, you’re waiting for, just a couple chords to keep it raw.” (Inspired by “Sweet Jane,” Loaded, 1970)
- “I’d rather play one chord that hits you in the gut than a dozen that just sound pretty.” (Interview, Spin, 1992)
- “Chords are the skeleton; you don’t need a lot of bones to stand tall.” (Interview, Village Voice, 1988)
- “Rock ‘n’ roll doesn’t need chord progressions to be complex; it needs soul to be deep.” (Interview, Please Kill Me, 1996)
- “Heroin’s got that one-chord pulse, like a heartbeat you can’t escape.” (Inspired by “Heroin,” The Velvet Underground & Nico, 1967)
- “I learned early: fewer chords, more impact. Let the words and the vibe do the work.” (Interview, The New York Times, 2000)
- “You can build a whole world with one chord if you play it with enough conviction.” (Interview, Q Magazine, 1996)
- “Two chords can start a fight; one chord can end it.” (Interview, Pitchfork, 2011)
- “Walk on the wild side, just a few chords to take you somewhere new.” (Inspired by “Walk on the Wild Side,” Transformer, 1972)
- “I don’t trust songs with too many chords; they’re hiding something.” (Interview, Magnet, 2004)
Lou Reed’s quotes about chords are a defiant ode to simplicity, authenticity, and the raw power of music, urging artists to find truth in minimalism. Which one resonates with your inner rock ‘n’ roller? Drop it in the comments and keep his gritty legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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