Johnny Thunders, born John Anthony Genzale, Jr (July 15, 1952 - April 23, 1… Read Full Bio ↴Johnny Thunders, born John Anthony Genzale, Jr (July 15, 1952 - April 23, 1991), was a rock and roll guitarist and singer, first with the New York Dolls, the proto-punk glam rockers of the early '70s. During the late '70s, he was a familiar figure on the New York punk scene, both with The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. His screeching, penetrating guitar sound is distinctive and highly influential in punk rock music. Thunders tangled with the demons of fame and drug addiction until his death on April 23, 1991 of a methadone overdose. Some suspect foul play. The theory is that two hustlers met Thunders in a bar and they hung out in his room where they proceeded to kill Thunders, steal his belongings, and spike him with methadone to make it seem like an overdose. This theory arose when Thunders' sister Mariann requested to see the police report and half of the report was missing. The autopsy also showed no evidence of alcohol in his system, which is perplexing because many witnesses say that they saw Thunders drinking with the two men the night before he was killed. Johnny Thunders was 38.

Ask Me No Questions
Johnny Thunders Lyrics

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That was then (that was then)
And now it's today (and now it's today)
Do you remember (do you remember)
What I used to say... to you

That was the past (that was the past)
And that was the last (and that was the last)
Do you remember (do you remember)

How long ago the last was... for lasting you

Seems like I never ever learn
And it's always my turn to lose

Ask me no questions
And I'll tell you no lies
Ask me no questions
I'll be yours tonight

Ask me no questions
And I'll tell you no lies
Ask me no questions

I'll be yours tonight
Ah...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Thunders’ song Ask Me No Questions depict a person who is reflecting back on a past relationship. The use of the phrase “that was then and now it’s today” implies that the person has moved on from the relationship and is living in the present. However, the subsequent line “do you remember what I used to say…to you” hints at the fact that the person is still holding onto memories of the past. The use of repetition in the lyrics, such as “ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies” also highlights the fact that the person is guarded and may not want to revisit the past.

The final lines of the lyrics, “ask me no questions and I’ll be yours tonight” suggest that the person is open to starting a new relationship, but only if it does not involve delving too deeply into their emotions or past. Ultimately, the song portrays a person who is conflicted between moving on from the past and being open to new experiences, but not wanting to be too vulnerable in the process.

Line by Line Meaning

That was then (that was then)
Referring to the past

And now it's today (and now it's today)
Present time

Do you remember (do you remember)
Asking if you recall

What I used to say... to you
Asking if you remember his old words to you

That was the past (that was the past)
Referring to the previous time

And that was the last (and that was the last)
The last time something happened

Do you remember (do you remember)
Asking if you remember that event

How long ago the last was... for lasting you
Asking if you recall how long it has been since that event happened

Seems like I never ever learn
Admitting his repeated mistakes

And it's always my turn to lose
Feeling like he is always the one who loses

Ask me no questions
Don't ask for too much information