Arriving just as the UK punk scene was building momentum, the Heartbreakers developed a following playing in and around London. The Sex Pistols invited them to open on the ill fated Anarchy Tour. They shortly signed up with Track Records. Their debut--and only--studio album, L.A.M.F., featured all the Heartbreakers' popular live songs. The release of the album put a huge strain on the band because of anger among some band members over the poor quality of the mix. Several members left at this point. The band reformed in 1979 for a few farewell shows at Max’s Kansas City with drummer Ty Stix filling in for Nolan. The result was the live album Live at Max's Kansas City '79, considered a punk classic.
The band re-formed occasionally to play at New York clubs (and for a sold out show at The Lyceum in London, England in 1984) until the death of Thunders in 1991 of a supposed methadone overdose. The facts remain unclear: Johnny's passport and money were missing. The coroner's report said no alcohol was in his bloodstream, though many witnesses say Johnny was drinking the night before with people that he had just met. He was 38 years old. Jerry Nolan died of a stroke a few months later at age 40.
Live shows often consisted of songs performed with the New York Dolls or taken from Thunders' solo career. Richard Hell rarely plays music live, concentrating instead on writing and spoken word performances. Billy Rath's whereabouts are currently unknown, leading to various rumors such as that he died or became a priest. Walter Lure still performs about once a month with his band the Waldos, playing mostly Heartbreakers songs. The influence of Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers is still noticeable today in many punk rock bands. Johnny Thunders solo work is mainly made up of live albums, although he recorded the critical success So Alone in 1978 and Que Sera Sera in 1985. He often worked with Patti Paladin of the band Snatch and they recorded an album of covers, Copycats in 1987.
Baby Talk
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby walk and baby talk to you
Well I don't mind baby anytime
You and me baby I tell you alright
Well I don't mind, I don't mind
I don't mind, any old time
I don't mind, I don't really mind
Well baby walk and baby talk
Baby walk and baby talk to you
Well I don't mind baby anytime
You and me baby I tell you alright
I don't mind
And I don't mind
I don't mind
The lyrics to Johnny Thunders's song Baby Talk are relatively simple, but their meaning is open to interpretation. The repeated phrase "baby walk and baby talk" could be referencing the communication and connection between two people, specifically between Johnny and his lover. He doesn't mind when his lover talks or walks, any time is fine with him because he enjoys being around her. The repeated phrase "I don't mind" could allude to a lack of concern or worry about the relationship, as if Johnny is content and happy with whatever he and his lover may have. The phrase "tonight's alright" seems to further emphasize the idea of living in the moment and enjoying the present.
Overall, the lyrics to Baby Talk seem to capture a carefree and spontaneous attitude towards love and relationships. There is a sense of not wanting to overthink or complicate things, but rather to simply enjoy the time spent with one's lover.
Line by Line Meaning
Well baby walk and baby talk
I want to be close to you, both physically and mentally.
Baby walk and baby talk to you
I want you to communicate with me and show me affection.
Well I don't mind baby anytime
I am always willing to spend time with you, no matter the circumstance.
You and me baby I tell you alright
I believe we make a good team and our relationship is going well.
I don't mind, I don't mind
I am not bothered by anything and am content with our current situation.
I don't really mind
I am completely okay with everything and don't have any complaints.
Tonight's alright
I am looking forward to spending the evening with you and having a good time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHNNY GENZALE-
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind