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.
Do You Love Me
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You didn't even want me around.
And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.
Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Tell me,
(Tell me,)
Tell me.
Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)
Now do you love me?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Tell me,
(Tell me,)
The song "Do You Love Me" by Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers is a classic rock 'n' roll tune that is all about one man's attempt to win back the love of his life. The song begins with the singer admitting that his lover left him because he couldn't dance. However, he is now back and ready to show her that he can really "shake 'em down." The lyrics are full of confidence and bravado as the singer tries to win back his love interest using his newfound dancing skills.
The chorus of the song is a series of questions directed at the singer's former lover. He asks her if she loves him now that he can dance, and he repeatedly tells her to watch him work it out on the dance floor. The song is essentially a plea for love, as the singer desperately tries to win back the woman who broke his heart.
Overall, "Do You Love Me" is a fun and upbeat song that perfectly captures the spirit of classic rock 'n' roll. It's a catchy tune that will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Line by Line Meaning
You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance,
You hurt me because I didn't fit in with your dance-focused lifestyle.
You didn't even want me around.
You didn't even want me as a friend, let alone a romantic partner.
And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.
But now I have improved my dancing skills and am confident in my ability to impress you.
Do you love me?
Do you really have feelings for me now that I've improved my dancing?
(I can really move, )
I've become a much better dancer than before.
Do you love me?
Do you really love me now that I have the confidence and skill to dance?
(I'm in the groove.)
I'm fully immersed in the music and my dancing, and it feels great.
Now do you love me?
Now that I've become a skilled dancer, are your feelings for me genuine?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Is your attraction to me based on who I am, or just my improved ability to dance?
Watch me, now.
Observe my new found skills and confidence as I dance.
(Work, work)
I'm working hard to impress you with my dance moves.
Ah, work it out baby.
Let's dance and have a good time together.
(work, work)
I'm still working hard to keep your attention and impress you.
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
Your mixed signals and uncertainty about your feelings are making me feel crazy.
(work, work)
I'm still focused on impressing you with my dance skills.
With just a little bit of soul, now
Even though I'm not a perfect dancer, I have soul and passion in my movements.
(work!)
I'm putting all my energy into impressing you with my dance moves.
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
I've learned all kinds of dances and am now a versatile dancer.
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Do you find my dancing impressive and enjoyable?
Tell me,
Please answer honestly and tell me what you really think.
(Tell me,)
I really want to know your thoughts on my newfound dancing skills.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Berry Gordy Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind