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.

Que Sera Sera
Johnny Thunders Lyrics

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When I was just a little boy
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be happy, will I be rich
Here's what she said to me

Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be

When I was just a little brat, I asked my teacher
What will I be?
Will I be a mess, will I have success
This is what she said to me

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be

When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my darlin' what should we be?
Will I be happy, will you be sad?
This is what you said to me

Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Thunders's song Que Sera Sera are a reflection of the uncertainties of life and the inevitability of destiny. The song conveys a sense of resignation to fate and an acceptance that what comes our way cannot be changed, but will simply be what it will be. The singer in the song is reflecting on the questions he asked various people when he was younger, seeking answers about what his future held.

The first verse sees the singer asking his mother about his future. He is wondering whether he will be happy or wealthy, and his mother responds with the phrase Que Sera, Sera, which translates to "whatever will be, will be". The second verse sees the singer asking his teacher about his future, wondering whether he will be a success or a mess. The teacher responds with the same phrase, Que Sera, Sera. The final verse sees the singer asking his lover about their future, and again the response is Que Sera, Sera.

The song suggests that we should not fret about what is to come, but rather live in the moment and take life as it comes. The catchy melody and repetitive chorus of Que Sera, Sera has made it a classic anthem of acceptance and hope for each new generation.

Line by Line Meaning

When I was just a little boy
At a young age, he questioned what his future holds

I asked my mother, what will I be
He asked his mother what he will become in life

Will I be happy, will I be rich
He asked if his future will be prosperous and fulfilling

Here's what she said to me
His mother gave him an answer

Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see
The future is unknown and would happen inevitably

When I was just a little brat, I asked my teacher
He continued asking what his future will hold

Will I be a mess, will I have success
He wondered if he would become a failure or a success

This is what she said to me
His teacher provided an answer

When I grew up and fell in love
He grew up and fell in love with someone

I asked my darlin' what should we be?
He questioned what their future together would be like

Will I be happy, will you be sad?
He asked if their future will bring happiness or sorrow

This is what you said to me
His darling gave him an answer

Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be

What will be, will be
The future is inevitable

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans, Billianne, Elijah Hill

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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