Lou Reed & John Cale：Meaning of Trouble With Classicists Songmeaning

The song "Trouble With Classicists" by Lou Reed and John Cale was released in 1990 as part of their collaborative album "Songs for Drella." The album is a tribute to their friend and former Velvet Underground bandmate, Andy Warhol. In "Trouble With Classicists," the lyrics delve into the contrasting attitudes and approaches of different artists. The classicist refers to a more traditional, academic artist or art style, while the impressionist refers to artists who focus on capturing the fleeting impressions of a moment. The song highlights the limitations and shortcomings of these artistic approaches. The classicist is criticized for their lack of curiosity and inability to question the world around them. They merely observe and reproduce what they see without deeper exploration. Similarly, the impressionist is described as being disconnected from their own identity, lost in their observations. The song also touches on the nature of personalities and their tendency to become too self-absorbed with their own style. The reference to illegal aliens and gypsy cabs can be interpreted as a metaphor for artists trying to profit from their own uniqueness without fully understanding or contributing to the art world. The song takes a positive turn in the last verse, expressing a fondness for the unconventional and untrained artists who engage in street art and non-traditional techniques. The concept of staying too long in school refers to how formal education can sometimes stifle creativity and originality. The fear of being labeled a fool is seen as a hindrance to taking risks and pushing boundaries in art. Overall, "Trouble With Classicists" reflects on the dichotomy between traditional and experimental styles of art, critiquing the rigidity of some artists while celebrating the freedom and authenticity of others.