The song "I'm Waiting For The Man" is a collaboration between Lou Reed, John Cale, and Nico, released in 1967 as part of their debut album "The Velvet Underground & Nico". The song explores themes of addiction, desperation, and the realities of urban life. The lyrics depict the narrator waiting for their drug dealer, referred to as "my man". They have twenty-six dollars, which they will exchange for drugs. The setting is in the neighborhood of Lexington Avenue in New York City, a known area for drug activity. The narrator feels sick, dirty, and almost lifeless, emphasizing their dependence on drugs. In the second verse, a passerby questions the narrator, asking if they are "chasing our women around" and criticizes their presence in the uptown area. The narrator responds by explaining that they are just searching for a friend, deflecting any potential confrontation. Eventually, "my man" arrives, described as dressed in black with fancy shoes and a hat. He is always late, a common trait among drug dealers. The lyrics suggest that he provides a "sweet taste" or a fix, and the narrator has to hurry and leave because time is limited. The song also touches on the racial dynamics of the time, with the mention of a white person traversing through predominantly African American neighborhoods. The line "Hey white boy, what you doin' uptown?" implies a sense of judgment and curiosity from those in the area. The chorus, "Baby, don't you holler, darlin', don't you bawl and shout, I'm feeling good, you know I'm gonna work it on out," suggests a temporary relief or escape that drugs provide from the troubles of life. The narrator acknowledges feeling good and confident in the moment, but also recognizes the transient nature of this feeling. They end by saying that tomorrow, their circumstances may be different. Overall, "I'm Waiting For The Man" reflects the realities of addiction, the desperation that drives individuals to seek drugs, and the cyclical nature of dependence. It is a gritty portrayal of urban life and the struggles faced by individuals involved in drug use.
