Lou Reed’s song ‘Berlin’ is the title track from his 1973 album – Reed’s third outing that was received as a disturbing departure from the upbeat tunes that marked his early days. Dealing with a sombre story of loss and longing of a pair of lovers, ‘Berlin’ was rarely performed live by Lou, until 2007 when he staged a tour of the album and had it filmed as a movie project by Julian Schnabel.

For A#5, Martine Sitbon included the above image of Lou Reed in the series of music portraits by celebrated photographer Mick Rock – this image was taken in 1972, just before the release of ‘Berlin’.

BERLIN BY LOU REED

© 1973 Lou Reed | RCA Records

“In Berlin, by the wall
you were five foot ten inches tall
It was very nice
candlelight and Dubonnet on ice

We were in a small cafe
you could hear the piano play
It was very nice
it was paradise

You’re right and I’m wrong
hey babe, I’m gonna miss you now that you’re gone
One sweet day

Oh, you’re right and I’m wrong
you know I’m gonna miss you now that you’re gone
One sweet day
One sweet day

In a small, small cafe
we could hear the guitars play
It was very nice
candlelight and Dubonnet on ice

Don’t forget, hire a vet
he hasn’t had that much fun yet
It was very nice
hey honey, it was paradise

You’re right and I’m wrong
oh babe, I’m gonna miss you now that you’re gone
One sweet day
You’re right, oh, and I’m wrong
you know I’m gonna miss you now that you’re gone
One sweet day
One sweet day

One sweet day, one sweet day
Oh, one sweet day
One sweet day, baby-baby, one sweet day
one sweet day, one sweet day”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4be4Az5BM-c[/youtube]