"Open House" is a song written and performed by Lou Reed and John Cale, both former members of the influential rock band The Velvet Underground. The song appears on their collaborative album "Songs for Drella," released in 1990. The lyrics of "Open House" depict a conversation between two individuals, one of whom is inviting the other to their apartment on 81st street in New York City. The apartment is described as being located above a bar and across from a subway station and a store selling Mylar scarves. The singer portrays themselves as a somewhat eccentric and reclusive individual with pale skin and silver hair. They express a preference for having people around them but request that others do not touch them. These traits are said to be influenced by a Czechoslovakian custom passed down by the singer's mother. Throughout the song, the singer shares various aspects of their life, including their love for cats and a particular cat named Sam. They mention having St. Vitus dance, a condition characterized by involuntary movements, and creating paper dolls as a result. The singer reveals that they have a job drawing shoes, but the shoes they drew were old and used. They were advised to draw something new instead. The song also touches upon the absence of stars in the New York City sky and the individuals' own personal insecurities. Overall, "Open House" captures the introspective and intimate nature of Reed and Cale's collaborative album, which serves as a tribute to Andy Warhol, their former mentor and the manager of The Velvet Underground. The song explores themes of loneliness, artistic expression, and the complexities of human connection.
