Meaning of "Egg Cream" by Lou Reed

"Egg Cream" by Lou Reed captures the essence of nostalgia and reminiscence for a simpler time in the artist's life. The references to specific locations in Brooklyn where the best chocolate egg creams were served evoke a sense of community and shared experiences with friends. The song celebrates the joys of childhood pleasures, like enjoying a tasty drink with friends, amidst the chaos of a less-than-ideal environment. The mention of dealing with knife fights and unruly kids in the street juxtaposed with the comfort found in a chocolate egg cream paints a picture of resilience and finding moments of joy in challenging circumstances. The repetition of "You scream, I steam, we all want egg cream" throughout the song adds a sense of camaraderie and unity in shared experiences, both past and present.