"Forever Changed" is a song by Lou Reed and John Cale, which was released on their collaborative album "Songs for Drella" in 1990. The album is a tribute to their former Velvet Underground bandmate, Andy Warhol, who passed away in 1987. "Forever Changed" reflects on the impact Warhol had on their lives and the changes they underwent as artists and individuals. The lyrics depict a sense of transformation and loss. The reference to a train entering the city symbolizes Reed and Cale losing themselves in the fast-paced urban environment, never to be the same again. They recount taking a trip around the world, encountering different cultures and experiences, but never fully returning to their former selves. The song acknowledges the perception others may have of them being frivolous or cold, depending on one's perspective. Society tends to categorize and capture people's identities, but the artists refuse to conform to societal expectations. The repetition of "forever changed" emphasizes the profound impact these experiences have had on their lives, leading to a permanent transformation. Reed and Cale express their determination to embark on a new journey, leaving their old lives behind. They seek employment in the city, relying on work to sustain them and distance themselves from their past. They mention a few good friends, potentially referring to their friendship with Warhol, who continue to support them through their artistic endeavors. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that their old lives are fading from view, as they embrace a new way of being. Overall, "Forever Changed" encapsulates the personal evolution and artistic growth of Lou Reed and John Cale, inspired by their shared experiences with Andy Warhol and the impact he had on their lives.
