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.
New Pleasure
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Lyrics
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It corresponds to mine
We're in a room the door closes
Automatic aut (hypnosis) matic automatic auto-
New pleasure, new pleasure
(Whisper in my ear, we go away)
New Pleasure, new pleasure
Too weak for life you have become
You can't get dressed you're too numb
But we assume sublime poses
Deep in true to life (hypnosis) true to life in true to life in
New pleasure, new pleasure
(Whisper in my ear, we go away)
New Pleasure, new pleasure
You're in too deep you can't survive
Or can't be you past twenty-five
A day's a week the monster dozes
Deep in passionate (hypnosis) passionate in passionate in
New pleasure, new pleasure
(Whisper in my ear, we go away)
New Pleasure, new pleasure
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The lyrics to Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers' song "New Pleasure" speak about finding a new pleasure, a new escape from the harsh realities of life. The first stanza talks about two individuals, whose minds are wrecked, but they find solace in each other as they are in a closed room. The repetition of the phrase "automatic" gives the impression that they have succumbed to a sort of inescapable hypnosis. The second stanza speaks about one person being too weak for life, too numb to even get dressed. Yet, they indulge in sublime poses, again highlighting the idea of escapism. The last stanza mentions that one person is in too deep and can't survive, succumbing to the monster in their mind. They are deep into passionate hypnosis and it feels like a new pleasure. In each stanza, they whisper to each other, hinting at the secrecy of their newfound pleasure.
The song speaks to a larger theme of addiction, wherein individuals may rely on destructive outlets to escape their harsh realities. It also highlights the concept of shared experiences and how they can provide a space for mutual escape. The repetition of the phrase "new pleasure" almost highlights the fleeting nature of the situation, and how it is merely a temporary escape from reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mind's a wreck but that's fine
Even though your mind is not in a good state, it aligns with mine and we find comfort in each other's company.
It corresponds to mine
Our minds are similar and we relate to each other.
We're in a room the door closes
We are in a confined space and are isolated from the outside world.
Automatic aut (hypnosis) matic automatic auto-
The repetitive sounds and motion of the closing door puts us in a hypnotic state.
New pleasure, new pleasure
We seek and desire new experiences that bring us pleasure.
(Whisper in my ear, we go away)
We communicate privately and escape from our current reality.
Too weak for life you have become
Life has been challenging for you and you feel unable to cope with it.
You can't get dressed you're too numb
Your emotional state has left you physically and mentally incapacitated.
But we assume sublime poses
Despite our struggles, we put on an appearance of elegance and refinement.
Deep in true to life (hypnosis) true to life in true to life in
We become fully immersed in our new reality and let go of our past troubles.
You're in too deep you can't survive
You have become too involved in a situation that may lead to your downfall.
Or can't be you past twenty-five
You may feel that you are too old to pursue your dreams or make significant changes to your life.
A day's a week the monster dozes
Time passes slowly and we feel trapped by our circumstances.
Deep in passionate (hypnosis) passionate in passionate in
We become lost in our passions and desires, and prioritize them over everything else.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD HELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind