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 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
I don't know why you just don't blow
Radar love cause you're always around
Following me never saying a word
Looking hypnotically insane
The lyrics of Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers' song "Let Go" depict the singer's obsession with someone he cannot cut loose from. He sees her everywhere he goes - in the crowd, the parking lot, at the lounge, and as he stands with the rest of the kids on the street corner. There is something about her that he cannot shake off, and he wonders what it is that drives her so much. The haunting lyrics reveal a sense of entrapment, as he feels like he is being followed by this person who never says a word but stares at him hypnotically, making him feel insane.
The song's chorus echoes his plea to be released from this obsession, as he sings "Let Go...I don't know why you just don't blow." The repetition of these lines captures his frustration and desperation to break free. The song's lyrics showcase Thunders' ability to articulate raw and vulnerable emotions, as his raspy voice adds to the emotional intensity of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh everyplace I go I see your face in the crowd
No matter where I go, I can't escape the memory of you. Your face is always there in the crowd, haunting me.
In the parking lot or in the lounge
Your presence is felt even in the most mundane places like parking lots and lounges.
Standing on the corner with the rest of the kids
You seem so ordinary, just standing on the corner with everyone else.
I say what is it baby, what is it
I can't comprehend why you have such a hold on me. What do you want from me?
Let go
I want to break free from your grip.
I don't know why you just don't blow
I don't understand why you can't just leave me alone and let me be.
Oh what is it baby that drives you wild
What is it about me that fascinates you so much?
Radar love cause you're always around
I feel like you're always watching me, like you have some kind of radar that makes you seek me out.
Following me never saying a word
You follow me like a shadow, never speaking, just silently observing me.
Looking hypnotically insane
Your intense focus on me is unsettling, and your eyes seem to hold a wild, almost insane quality.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerry Nolan, Johnny Thunders
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind