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.
Let's Go
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Lyrics
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In the parking lot or in the lounge
Standing on the corner with the rest of the kids
I say what is it baby, what is it
Let go
Let go
Let go
Oh what is it baby that drives you wild
Radar love cause you're always around
Following me never saying a word
Looking hypnotically insane
Let go
Let go
Let go
I don't know why you just don't...
I don't know why you just don't blow
Oh everyplace I go I see your face in the crowd
In the parking lot or in the lounge
Standing on the corner with the rest of the kids
I say what is it baby, what is it
Let go
Let go
Let go
Let go
Let go
I don't know why you just don't...
Let go
Let go
Let go
Let go
Let go
I don't know why you just don't... let go
The first stanza of Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers' song "Let's Go" is about someone who can't escape from an obsessive and possessive lover. The singer describes how, no matter where he goes, he sees his lover's face in the crowd. Whether in the parking lot or at a bar, his lover is always around, watching him. The singer is asking his lover what is it that she wants from him, what is it that drives her wild.
In the second stanza, the singer admits that he doesn't understand why his lover is so obsessed with him. He likens her infatuation to radar love because she's always following him, yet never saying a word. The singer observes that his lover looks hypnotically insane, suggesting that she's not only possessive, but also unstable.
The chorus of the song is a plea for his lover to let go, and for the singer to be free of her. He doesn't know why she can't just move on and leave him alone, despite his clear discomfort with the situation. The repetition of the words "let go" emphasizes the singer's desire to be free from the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh everyplace I go I see your face in the crowd
No matter where I am, I always see your face among the people around me.
In the parking lot or in the lounge
Whether it's outside or inside, your presence is always felt.
Standing on the corner with the rest of the kids
You blend in with the crowd of people, not standing out in a special way.
I say what is it baby, what is it
I can't comprehend why you're always around me and what you want from me.
Let go
Release yourself from whatever is keeping you attached to me.
I don't know why you just don't blow
I don't understand why you don't just walk away and leave me alone.
Oh what is it baby that drives you wild
What is the reason you're so obsessed with me and can't seem to let go?
Radar love cause you're always around
Your constant presence makes me feel like you're tracking my movements.
Following me never saying a word
You follow me in silence, not speaking or revealing your intentions.
Looking hypnotically insane
Your obsessive behavior and appearance create an eerie and unsettling effect on me.
Let go
Once again, I implore you to release yourself from whatever binds you to me.
I don't know why you just don't...
I still can't comprehend why you're so obsessed with me.
Let go
I urge you to let go of your obsession and move on.
Let go
Release yourself and move on with your life.
Let go
Finally, let go of whatever is tying you to me.
Contributed by Landon O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.