Meaning of "Ecstasy" by Lou Reed

The lyrics of "Ecstasy" delve into the complex emotions that arise from unrequited love and the longing for connection. The song opens with a vivid image of love's fleeting nature, with nothing sticking to the object of the narrator's affection, not even velcro or scotch tape. This sets the stage for the theme of transience and the narrator's inability to keep hold of their source of ecstasy. The lyrics go on to describe the futile attempts the narrator makes to regain this ecstasy, including wrapping themselves in nylon and using duct tape, all to no avail.

The second verse introduces the image of an old Ford with its wheels removed and an empty box in its seat. This symbolizes the emptiness and abandonment that the narrator feels in the absence of their beloved. The mention of a child through a window prompts reflection on missed opportunities and what could have been. The line "The Hudson rocketing with light, the ships pass the Statue of Liberty at night" suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of change, further emphasizing the notion of missed chances.

The following verse introduces the concept of St. Ivory and St. Maurice, names that the narrator is called. These names suggest a sense of purity and sanctity, perhaps reflecting the narrator's perceived righteousness or innocence in their pursuit of love. However, the presence of the scar and the stud through the eyebrow indicate a darker, edgier side to their persona, contrasting with the idealized image of purity. The narrator overlays a new scar on the tattoo that contained the beloved's name, symbolizing their attempt to erase the traces of failed love.

The final verse brings the song full circle, returning to the concept of ecstasy and the inability to hold onto it. The imagery of a moon passing through a cloud and a body floating towards a crowd evoke a sense of detachment and isolation, reflecting the narrator's feelings of being unable to fully connect with their beloved. The mention of a car with no radio, no engine, and no hood further accentuates this sense of emptiness and loss. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that even if the narrator must part from their beloved, they will carry a new scar over their heart, which they will call ecstasy.