Meaning of "NYC Man" by Lou Reed

Lou Reed's "NYC Man" explores the theme of impermanence within relationships, using the backdrop of New York City, a city known for its fast pace and transient nature, to underscore the idea of relationships coming and going without much sentimentality. The narrator's insistence on straightforwardness suggests that he values honesty and direct communication over deceit or manipulation. The references to Shakespearean tragedies serve to emphasize the universality of fleeting love and betrayals, drawing parallels between the characters in the plays and the narrator's own willingness to move on quickly from failed relationships. The mention of Lear with blinded eyes highlights the narrator's refusal to be emotionally manipulated or blinded to the truth in his relationships, making it clear that he will leave at the first sign of rejection. Overall, the song presents a picture of a man who values his independence and freedom above all else, willing to move on quickly and without regret when faced with rejection or betrayal.