Vicious (Lou Reed song)

"Vicious" is a song written by Lou Reed, released as a single in 1973 and originally featured on Transformer, Reed's second post-Velvet Underground solo album.

Origins
Lou Reed told Rolling Stone that Andy Warhol inspired the song: "He said, 'Why don't you write a song called 'Vicious'? And I said, 'What kind of vicious?' 'Oh, you know, vicious like I hit you with a flower.' And I wrote it down literally."

Reception
Cash Box said that "Reed's lyric has a somewhat sarcastic tone that makes the listener take note almost immediately. Here again, he shines with a driving rocker and a great story line that should make this effort a natural hit."

In popular culture
"Vicious" was featured on season 4, episode 5 of the Showtime TV series Billions.

Personnel

 * Lou Reed - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
 * David Bowie - backing vocals
 * Mick Ronson - lead guitars
 * Herbie Flowers - bass
 * John Halsey - drums, cowbell, congas, maracas