So much of Lou Reed’s work reflects the subtle contrasts and differences between the light and the dark, the good and the bad. A woman can fall in love during the day and then fall into darkness when night comes. A man can experience a perfect day with his friend, only to realize that he will never merit her love.
In the song entitled “I’m Set Free,” we are almost led to believe that the protagonist has finally overcome all the bad habits and escaped the sordid life.
But it’s not to be. Although he is supposedly “free,” and even though he repeats that phrase to reassure himself, he knows that he will soon be caught up in another illusion. In that sense, he’s typically human.
He might be free, but his freedom is ephemeral and elusive.
Lou Reed, Anthology of Memorable Lyrics.