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.
Can't Keep My Eyes On You
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No doubt without a care
The way you wear your clothes
The way you wear your hair
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
The way you look at me
The way I look at you
Just like I go for you
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you
I get a jugular buzz
Would gladly kill for love
And when your skirt starts to fall
I'm on a librium ball
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you
Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you
I saw you standing there
No doubt without a care
The way you wear your clothes
The way you wear your hair
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
Can't keep my eyes on you (x8)
Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you
The lyrics to Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers' song "Can't Keep My Eyes on You" convey a sense of infatuation and desire for someone who captivates the singer's attention. The opening lines depict the singer observing the object of their affection, noting that they exude confidence in the way they dress and style their hair. However, despite the singer's attempts, they admit to being unable to divert their gaze away from this person. The repetition of the phrase "Can't keep my eyes on you" emphasizes their struggle to focus on anything else.
The lyrics also highlight a mutual attraction between the singer and the person they are fixated on. The singer recognizes that the other person is also interested in them, drawing a parallel between their feelings: "The way you look at me, the way I look at you, I know you go for me, just like I go for you." This mutual attraction intensifies the desire the singer feels, suggesting a deep connection and infatuation.
The lyrics take a somewhat darker turn towards the end, with lines such as "I get a jugular buzz, would gladly kill for love" and "when your skirt starts to fall, I'm on a librium ball." These lyrics suggest a sense of addiction and reckless abandon that the singer experiences when encountering this person. The mention of "librium," a sedative drug used to treat anxiety and withdrawal symptoms, implies that the singer's infatuation with this person has a powerful and potentially harmful hold over them.
Overall, "Can't Keep My Eyes on You" is a song that delves into the overwhelming fascination and desire someone can have for another person. It explores the struggles of maintaining focus when faced with an all-encompassing infatuation and the potential dangers that can arise from such intense emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw you standing there
I caught a glimpse of you in that moment
No doubt without a care
You appeared confident and carefree
The way you wear your clothes
The manner in which you dress yourself
The way you wear your hair
The style in which you arrange your hair
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
I find it impossible to divert my attention away from you
The way you look at me
The gaze you direct towards me
The way I look at you
The way in which I gaze at you
I know you go for me
I am aware that you are attracted to me
Just like I go for you
Similar to how I feel drawn to you
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
I find it impossible to divert my attention away from you
Can't keep my eyes on you
It's difficult for me to look away from you
You know you're something new
You possess qualities that are refreshing and different
And I'm in love with you
I have developed strong feelings of affection towards you
I get a jugular buzz
I experience an exhilarating sensation in my veins
Would gladly kill for love
I am willing to go to extreme lengths for love
And when your skirt starts to fall
As your skirt begins to descend
I'm on a librium ball
I feel under the influence of a tranquilizer drug
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
I find it impossible to divert my attention away from you
Can't keep my eyes on you
It's difficult for me to look away from you
You know you're something new
You possess qualities that are refreshing and different
And I'm in love with you
I have developed strong feelings of affection towards you
Can't keep my eyes on you
It's difficult for me to look away from you
You know you're something new
You possess qualities that are refreshing and different
And I'm in love with you
I have developed strong feelings of affection towards you
Can't keep my eyes on you (x8)
I find it impossible to divert my attention away from you
Can't keep my eyes on you
It's difficult for me to look away from you
You know you're something new
You possess qualities that are refreshing and different
And I'm in love with you
I have developed strong feelings of affection towards you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JERRY NOLAN, WALTER LURE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind