Is The Velvet Underground Sadomasochistic? Analysis and Origin of 'Venus in Furs'

Venus in Furs is considered one of the Velvet Underground’s most popular songs. The lyrics tell the story of a man, Severin, who is extremely infatuated with a woman and wants to be her sex slave, saying “comes in bells, your servant, don't forsake him. Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart." This song was inspired by the 1870 novel, Venus in Furs, by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. The word sadomasochism, meaning an "interaction, especially sexual activity, in which one person enjoys inflicting physical or mental suffering on another person, who derives pleasure from experiencing pain," comes from the last names of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch and Marquis de Sade, both authors who wrote of dominance. Venus in Furs, the novel, tells the story of a man, Severin, who is mentioned in the song, who is so besotted with a woman, Wanda, that he offers to be her sex slave. At first, she is disgusted by this idea but she begins to enjoy it exponentially. Near the end of the novel, Wanda becomes infatuated with another man and chooses to be his sexual servant, causing Severin to lose the desire to be her sex slave. Many songs since this 1967 Velvet Underground tune have been made alluding to “venus in furs,” although at this point they are referencing the song more than the novel.  It is believed that The Velvet Underground chose to use this song because it so reflected the sexual revolution and the counterculture of the 1960s.

The music in Venus in Furs uses similar instruments to the Beatles songs, I’m Only Sleeping and Love You To, from their 1966 album, Revolver. Instruments used in Venus in Furs include John Cale’s cacophonous viola and Lou Reed’s Ostrich guitar, which is a guitar with all four strings of the same note, albeit different octaves. John Cale was experimental with his music, playing various instruments throughout his time in The Velvet Underground. His unique style is prevalent throughout this song.