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The song was written by Lou Reed and Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground, who Nico had collaborated with for their debut album the previous year.

The title of the song is a reference to the 1966 film of the same name by Andy Warhol, which Nico starred in herself. The film was an experimental reality movie that focused on the various residents of the Hotel Chelsea during Warhol’s Factory days. Many of them were Bohemian artists, drop outs, and drug addicts, which is also described in the lyrics of the song, and also referred to are turning tricks, heroin, S&M, amphetamine and silver foil.

Running at just under seven and a half minutes long, “Chelsea Girls” is similar in style to a ballad, telling the stories of various residents at the hotel. It features guitar work from both Reed and Morrison, who wrote the song together, as well as a flute and string section, both of which are prominent throughout the song.

Nico stated in interviews that she “hated” the flute, but had no say in the matter because it was in the hands of Tom Wilson, who produced the album.