Kill Your Sons

Album: Sally Can't Dance (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • As a teenager, Lou Reed was sent to a mental hospital for psychiatric care when he was caught engaging in homosexual activity. While there, he received electroconvulsive therapy - shock treatment. The treatments left Reed feeling like a "vegetable," and he said that it caused him to lose his memory and his ability to concentrate enough to read: hence the lyrics, "But every time you tried to read a book you couldn't get to page 17, because you forgot where you were so you couldn't even read." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    James - Lexington, KY

Comments: 1

  • Funkspiel from Cambridge, MaI'm puzzled why on "A Night With Lou Reed" video, he sings "You're going to kill your sons" and everywhere else it's "They're going to kill your sons".

    He sometimes sings PCP instead of PHC, maybe he wants to forget that place.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.