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.
I Love You
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 "I Love You" by Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers is a declaration of love filled with raw emotion and a hint of vulnerability. The lyrics express the unexplainable feeling of being in love and the struggle to find the right words to describe it. The singer is deeply in love and cannot contain his feelings, wanting desperately to express his love to his beloved. He sees the world in a different light and the words he wants to use to describe his love for her are beyond his grasp - he can only say "I love you".
The chorus tells us that he's playing it straight for once and there's no doubt about his sincerity in expressing his love for her. However, he senses that his beloved may not reciprocate his feelings and warns her not to put him down just because he's turned around. In spite of these fears, he remains steadfast and continues to speak truthfully about his love. The repetition of the phrase "baby I love you" emphasizes the depth of his emotion and his need to express it.
Overall, the song is a classic love ballad that conveys the emotions of love and vulnerability. The song is a declaration of honest and unabashed love that can be felt through the raw and emotive vocals. The song is a classic example of the punk rock movement of rejecting societal norms and pursuing personal freedom of expression.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look in your eyes, I see words I can't describe
I have strong feelings for you that are hard to express with words, but I can see them in your eyes
Every word I'm telling you and I tell you, I love you
I want you to know that I'm being sincere when I say 'I love you'
Oh, don't try to put me down
Please don't try to make me feel bad about myself or our relationship
Oh, just because my back is turned all around
Don't assume I'm not invested in this relationship just because I'm not facing you at the moment
I'm playing it straight for once 'cause, baby I love you, I really do
I'm being honest and genuine about my feelings for you, and I want to be transparent in our relationship
There's no one like you an' baby I love, baby, I love you
You are unique and special to me, and I want you to know how deeply I care for you
No matter what I do, baby I love you and I tell you, I love you
My love for you is unconditional and I want to remind you of that
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Berry Gordy Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fullrom1
What a guitar tone !!!! THIS IS true rock n roll !!!
terri369
my best love song. Johnny is none other than a perfect rock music composer.
The Triumph of the Thrill
The coolest love song ever. When Johnny was on there was no one like him.
Anthi
Well said.
Des Manes
finally someone put the studio version up! great!
The Triumph of the Thrill
Fucking awesome, breathtaking and heartbreaking (pun intended). At his best the guy sure could nail a tune.
Tomás Vera - Musician
How to make a love song badass, only Johnny could do this!!
Anthi
Absolutely brilliant!
Tate Thompson
This song pretty much sums up everything ya dig about a chick, don't need fancy 5 minute solo's, million chord changes.
Rose Blanc
such a nice lovely love song