Meaning of "The Bells" by Lou Reed

The lyrics of "The Bells" by Lou Reed explore themes of exhaustion, pressure, and a longing for escape. The actor coming home late symbolizes the toll of performing and the burden of city life. The reference to Broadway and the great white Milky Way highlights the glamorous yet demanding nature of show business. The actor's desire to escape and his reckless behavior, such as standing on a ledge without a parachute, suggest a sense of desperation and possibly even self-destructiveness. The repetition of "Here come the bells" can be interpreted as a metaphor for impending doom or a breaking point. Overall, the song paints a dark and introspective picture of the pressures of fame and the pursuit of artistic perfection.