I wonder if he's walking on the wild side.

I have loved this song since I was a little kid, funny thing considering the subject matter.

When you were a LITTLE kid?! Not exactly kid music, as you pointed out.

I think my favorite song from him is "Sweet Jane":

Yea, I'm surprised Walk on the Wild Side got any airplay. I used to say it was my favorite song when I was 10. I think the double bass was what drew me in. 

The double bass on that song is excellent, it's true.

As for the lyrics, it's as if Lou Reed was daring them to play it on the radio.