Style It Takes
John Cale & Lou Reed/John Cale & Lou Reed Lyrics
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You want your freedom, make your freedom mine
'Cause I've got the style it takes
and money is all that it takes
You've got connections and I've got the art
You like my attention and I like your looks
and I have the style it take
and you know the people it takes
I'll turn the camera on and I won't even be there
A portrait that moves, you look great I think
I'll put the Empire State Building on your wall
Watch the sun rise above it in your room
Wallpaper art, a great view
I've got a Brillo box and I say it's art
It's the same one you can buy at any supermarket
'Cause I've got the style it takes
And you've got the people it takes
This is a rock group called The Velvet Underground
I show movies on them
Do you like their sound
'Cause they have a style that grates and I have art to make
Let's do a movie here next week
We don't have sound but you're so great
You don't have to speak
You've got the style it takes (Kiss)
You've got the style it takes (Eat)
I've got the style it takes (Couch)
We've got the style it takes (Kiss)
John Cale's song "Style It Takes" is an observation of the shallow world of privilege, fame and glamour. The first verse presents a relationship between the singer and someone with money and connections. The singer is willing to trade their own freedom for that of their partner, and suggests that with their style, they can make the partner's dreams of freedom come true. The second verse talks about an artistic pursuit- capturing a portrait on film that moves- but even this seems mostly for show. The singer admits that the Brillo box they have is no different from one you can buy at the supermarket, yet he can make it out to be art with his "style". He also name-drops a band- The Velvet Underground- but it's unclear whether he actually cares about their music or they're just another accessory he can use to cultivate his carefully-crafted persona.
Overall, the song paints a picture of a person who is invested in their personal image and making a statement about themselves, but isn't necessarily interested in the art, music or creativity that they're showcasing. It's a critique of a society that values surface-level appearances and connections over substance and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got the money, I've got the time
You possess wealth and I have availability for an undertaking
You want your freedom, make your freedom mine
You desire autonomy, but I can provide that for you through our partnership
'Cause I've got the style it takes
Because I possess the qualities that are necessary for success
and money is all that it takes
And financial resources are the only requirement for achieving success
You've got connections and I've got the art
You have influential relationships and I possess creative talent
You like my attention and I like your looks
You appreciate the focus I give to you, and I find you physically attractive
and I have the style it take
And I possess the qualities required for success
and you know the people it takes
And you possess the connections that are necessary for success
Why don't you sit right over there, we'll do a movie portrait
Would you mind taking a seat, so we can create a film-like portrait together?
I'll turn the camera on and I won't even be there
I'll set up the camera and then step out of frame
A portrait that moves, you look great I think
We will create a vibrant portrait together, and I think you will look fantastic in it
I'll put the Empire State Building on your wall
I will integrate an image of the Empire State Building into your décor
Watch the sun rise above it in your room
You can appreciate a virtual sunrise in your own personal space
Wallpaper art, a great view
A visual masterpiece in your own home, creating a beautiful atmosphere
I've got a Brillo box and I say it's art
I own a Brillo box, and I consider it to be a piece of art
It's the same one you can buy at any supermarket
It is the identical Brillo box that can be easily obtained at a grocery store
'Cause I've got the style it takes
Because I possess the qualities that are required for success
And you've got the people it takes
And you possess the influential connections that are required for success
This is a rock group called The Velvet Underground
The musical ensemble referred to as The Velvet Underground
I show movies on them
I exhibit films featuring their music
Do you like their sound
Do you appreciate their particular style of music
'Cause they have a style that grates and I have art to make
Because their style of music is jarring and unpleasant, while I possess the creative talent to produce art
Let's do a movie here next week
We could create a film-like endeavor in this location next week
We don't have sound but you're so great
We do not have the capability to include audio, but you are a fantastic participant
You've got the style it takes (Kiss)
You possess the qualities required for success, like the act of kissing
You've got the style it takes (Eat)
You possess the qualities required for success, like the act of eating
I've got the style it takes (Couch)
I possess the qualities required for success, like relaxing on a couch
We've got the style it takes (Kiss)
Together, we possess the qualities required for success, like the act of kissing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN DAVIES CALE, LOU REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind