I Found a Reason
The Velvet Underground Lyrics


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Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa

I found a reason to keep living
Oh and the reason, dear, is you
I found a reason to keep singing
Oh and the reason, dear, is you

Oh I do believe
If you don't like things you live
For some place you never gone before

Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa

Honey, I found a reason to keep living
And you know the reason, dear it's you
And I've walked down life's lonely highways
Hand in hand with myself
And I realized how many paths have crossed between us

Oh I do believe
You're all what you perceive
What come is better that what came before

Oh I do believe
You're all what you perceive
What come is better that what came before

Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
Pa papa papa papa
And you'd better come, come come, come to me
Come come, come to me





pa papa papa pa

Overall Meaning

The Velvet Underground's "I Found a Reason" is a love song that expresses the idea that finding love is what gives life its purpose. The repeated chorus of "Pa papa papa papa" sets a cheerful atmosphere that contrasts with the darker themes often explored by the band. The first verse declares, "I found a reason to keep living / Oh and the reason, dear, is you" and the second repeats the sentiment with "I found a reason to keep singing / Oh and the reason, dear, is you". The song suggests that the love between two people represents a beacon of light and hope that makes life worth living, even in difficult times.


The bridge of the song reinforces the idea that hope is a force to be reckoned with. When lead singer Lou Reed sings, "Oh I do believe / If you don't like things you live / For some place you never gone before", he is encouraging listeners to keep looking beyond their current circumstances, even when times are tough. He seems to be suggesting that there are always new and better experiences waiting just around the corner, if one is brave enough to seek them out. The final verse speaks to the power of the present moment, saying, "And I've walked down life's lonely highways / Hand in hand with myself / And I realized how many paths have crossed between us". The song ends on an optimistic note, inviting the object of the singer's affection to "come to me".


Line by Line Meaning

Pa papa papa papa
The opening line of the song has no actual meaning and is simply a repetitive vocalization.


I found a reason to keep living
The singer has found a compelling reason to continue living, despite potential struggles or hardships.


Oh and the reason, dear, is you
The reason for the singer's continued existence is directly attributed to another person - likely a romantic partner or loved one.


I found a reason to keep singing
The artist has also found a reason to continue expressing themselves through the art of music.


Oh I do believe If you don't like things you live For some place you never gone before
The artist believes that if someone is dissatisfied with their current circumstances, they should seek out new experiences and possibilities in unfamiliar territory.


Honey, I found a reason to keep living
Once again, the singer has discovered a purpose for living and surviving.


And you know the reason, dear it's you
The person the singer is addressing knows that they are the source of their inspiration and reason for existence.


And I've walked down life's lonely highways Hand in hand with myself And I realized how many paths have crossed between us
The artist has felt alone in their life, but through introspection and reflection, they recognize the many intersections they've had with their loved one's life journey.


You're all what you perceive What come is better that what came before
The artist suggests that the way someone views themselves and the world around them directly determines their experiences, and that growth and progress should always be prioritized over stagnation or regression.


And you'd better come, come come, come to me Come come, come to me
The song concludes with an urgent plea for the artist's loved one to come to them, indicating a strong desire for closeness and connection.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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