White Light/White Heat (song)

"White Light/White Heat"
Song

"White Light/White Heat" is a song by American avant-garde rock band The Velvet Underground, taken from their second album "White Light/White Heat" . It is a fast, relatively aggresive start to the album, almost punk-like, and is often cited as a major influence by punk bands. It is about the use of Amphetamine (Speed). It was written when members of the band, after a long night of doing the drug, went outside. The combination of the drugs and the bright sunlight caused them to experience "white light/white heat." It is sung mainly by Lou Reed, with John Cale and Sterling Morrison on backing vocals. The song, much like I'm Waiting for the Man, features pounding rock and roll style piano.