"Hello It's Me" is a song by Lou Reed and John Cale, two American musicians who were part of the influential experimental rock band The Velvet Underground. The song is a heartfelt tribute to their late friend and mentor, the iconic pop artist Andy Warhol. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and longing for not having communicated more with Warhol while he was alive. The narrator expresses how they miss Warhol's unique perspective and ideas, and how they were inspired by watching him create art. The song also references a specific incident when Warhol asked for speed (amphetamines) during a time when their friend Billy Name, another important figure in the Warhol circle, was sick and isolated. There is a sense of guilt in the narrator's realization that they had doubted Warhol's intentions and good heart. The lyrics mention a gallery show featuring Warhol's cow wallpaper and floating silver pillows, hinting at his iconic artistic style. The narrator admits to not paying enough attention and regrets not defending Warhol when others laughed at him. The song highlights the controversy and criticism Warhol faced, referring to headlines questioning whether his persona and art were genuine or just a "put-on." However, the lyrics express that the public's perception of Warhol has changed, and the narrator harbors some lingering resentments that can never be undone. The song concludes with a farewell to Warhol, acknowledging their late goodbye and expressing the desire for Warhol to appreciate the tribute. The narrator admits that it may be too late to convey their feelings, but it is the only way they know how to express their emotions towards Warhol. Overall, "Hello It's Me" serves as a tribute to the complex and enigmatic figure of Andy Warhol. It reflects both the admiration and conflicted emotions that Lou Reed and John Cale had towards their late friend and artistic inspiration.
