Lady Godiva's Operation - The Velvet Underground

Lady Godiva, dressed so demurely

Pats the head of another curly-haired boy

Just another toy

Sick with silence, she weeps sincerely

Saying words that have oh so clearly been said

So long ago

Draperies wrapped gently 'round her shoulder

Life has made her that much bolder now

That she found out how

Dressed in silk, satin, lace and envy

Pride and joy of the latest penny-fare

Pretty passing care

Hair today now dripped in the water

Making love to every poor daughter’s son

Isn’t it fun?

Now today, propping grace with envy

Lady Godiva peers to see if anyone’s there

And hasn’t a care

«Doctor is coming,» the nurse thinks sweetly

Turning on the machines that neatly pump air

The body lies bare

Shaved and hairless, what once was screaming

Now lies silent and almost sleeping

The brain must have got away

Strapped securely to the white table

Ether causes the body to wither and writhe

Underneath the white light

Doctor arrives with a knife and baggage

Sees the throat, of oh so much cabbage

That must now be cut away

Now comes the moment of great decision

Doctor’s making his first incision

One goes here

One goes there

«The ether’s leaking,» says someone who’s sloppy

The patient, it seems, is not so well sleeping

Screams echo up the hall

Don’t panic, someone give him pentathol instantly

Doctor removes his blade cagily slow from the brain

By nine out of ten

The head won’t move