Joey grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, feeling optimistic about the future but just a hairs breath above poverty. His mother, Charlotte, encouraged an interest in music in both Joey and his brother Mitchell Hyman a/k/a Mickey Leigh. Charlotte spelled Joey's birth name 'Jeffry' without the 'e' as she wanted to make him different. Joey was a fan of The Who and other such poppy rock bands (particularly "oldies" groups). Also inspired by the DIY-based loose, anarchic garage rock groups such as The Stooges, Joey took up drums at 13, playing throughout his teen years while also dabbling in vocals. Joey was originally the drummer for the Ramones, with Dee Dee Ramone handling the singing. Upon Tommy Ramone's suggestion that some particular parts of the band didn't work, he became the vocalist. Joey and his bandmates attended Forest Hills High School.
He was said to be the "heart and soul" of the Ramones, and his favorite songs they had performed were often the ballads and love songs. C.J. Ramone called Joey the "hippie of the group". Among punk rock fans, and underground music fans in general, Joey became a counter-cultural icon. After the heyday of the Ramones in the mid-70s, they remained only an underground act throughout the 80s and 90s, but their influence among rock music has been immense.
Joey was distinctive due to his towering height of 6 ft 6 in (1,98m), ectomorphic form, and long shock of black hair that almost completely obscured his face. Joey was known to have suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Joey was born sterile, so he never fathered any children. He also never married. Friends and family have credited him as being an extremely friendly, jovial, and caring person.
Joey did not speak to guitarist Johnny Ramone for many years. The animosity began when Johnny "stole" Joey's girlfriend Linda, whom Johnny later married. They were also strongly averse to each other's politics as well, Joey being a left-leaning liberal while Johnny was a staunch conservative. The pair never made up with each other.
Joey died of lymphoma on April 15, 2001. He apparently had had the disease for a long time; he was sighted at a New York City cancer clinic that specializes in lymphoma in the mid 1990s. His passing was a sad shock to many, and seemed to signal the end of a generation. Countless memorials, both by fans and the rockers he influenced, followed.
Joey co-penned and recorded the song "Meatball Sandwich" with Youth Gone Mad. For a short time before his death, he took the role of manager and producer for the punk rock group The Independents. His solo album Don't Worry About Me was released in 2002, and it featured the popular single "What a Wonderful World", his cover of the Louis Armstrong classic. In addition, this album featured a song entitled "Maria Bartiromo" in tribute to the popular CNBC anchor, which Joey had a crush on.
On November 30, 2003, Joey Ramone Place was officially named a new street in New York City. It is located alongside the block where the Ramones got their start at CBGB. His birthday is annually celebrated by rock and roll nightclubs, hosted in New York City by his brother. In January 2007, Joey Ramone's mother, Charlotte Lesher, passed away as well, mourned by Ramones fans across the world.
Christmas
Joey Ramone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with you
Where is Santa and his sleigh?
And tell me why was it always this way?
Where is Rudolph? Where is Blitzen baby?
Merry Christmas, merry merry merry Christmas
All the children are tucked in their beds
Sugar-plum fairies dancing in their heads
Snow is falling, swirling falling, merry Christmas
I love you and you love me
And that's the way its got to be
Why have we been torn apart
'Cause Christmas ain't the time for breaking each others hearts
All the children are tucked in their beds
Sugar-plum fairies dancing in their heads
Snow is falling falling falling baby
I love you and you love me
And that's the way that its got to be
Why have we been torn apart
Cause Christmas ain't the time for breaking each others hearts
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with you
The song "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by Joey Ramone is an upbeat Christmas song that encourages people to put aside their differences and enjoy the holiday spirit together. The lyrics express a wish to avoid conflict and enjoy the festive season with loved ones. The singer asks where Santa and his reindeer are and wonders why it always feels the same at Christmas. He reminds us that all children are tucked up in their beds with visions of sugar plum fairies, and snow is falling peacefully outside.
The theme of love is also present in the song. Joey Ramone sings that he loves his partner, and they love him too, but they've been torn apart by conflict. He pleads that Christmas isn't the time for breaking each other's hearts, and it's a message that resonates with many people. The joy of Christmas and the spirit of love and togetherness should overshadow any disagreements we may have with each other.
Overall, the song is a reminder of the importance of expressing love, unity, and peace during the holiday season. It encourages people to put aside their differences and come together to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight
The singer wishes for a peaceful Christmas and does not want to engage in any kind of conflict on this special day.
Where is Santa and his sleigh?
The singer wonders where Santa Claus is and if he will come to bring presents to the children.
And tell me why was it always this way?
The singer wonders why Christmas always brings up past conflicts and unpleasant memories.
Where is Rudolph? Where is Blitzen baby?
The singer is looking for Santa's reindeer to appear and help Santa with his deliveries.
Merry Christmas, merry merry merry Christmas
The singer is extending his Christmas greetings in a cheerful and festive manner.
All the children are tucked in their beds
The singer pictures children fast asleep in their beds, dreaming of Christmas morning and what Santa will bring them.
Sugar-plum fairies dancing in their heads
The singer imagines children dreaming of a magical land filled with dancing sugar-plum fairies.
Snow is falling, swirling falling, merry Christmas
The singer describes the beautiful snow falling outside on Christmas, creating a magical and wintery atmosphere.
I love you and you love me
The singer expresses his love for someone and acknowledges their love in return.
And that's the way its got to be
The singer believes that their love for each other is important and should remain unchanged.
Why have we been torn apart
The singer questions why they have had disagreements or been separated from each other in the past.
Cause Christmas ain't the time for breaking each others hearts
The singer believes that Christmas is a time for love and forgiveness, and that people should not let conflicts or disagreements ruin the holiday spirit.
Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with you
The singer wishes to avoid any kind of argument or conflict with a specific person on Christmas night, and hopes for a peaceful celebration.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joey Ramone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind