Their self-titled album was an underground sensation, particularly with smooth 70s easy listening ruling the airwaves back then. Chrissie Hynde once commented that every punk band ("And I knew them all") had both New York Dolls albums, illustrating the Dolls' influence. Still, the original line-up experienced many problems, particularly with the mainstream record industry that didn't know what to do with the wild group. Upon their break-up, frontman David Johansen had a moderately successful solo career.
In 2004, the three surviving members reunited for some sporadic touring. In 2006, now down to two surviving members, the band released a new album, 'One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This'. Two albums followed after this: 'Cause I Sez So', in 2009, followed up by a revamped lineup for 2011's 'Dancing Backward in High Heels'.
Sylvain Sylvain died on January 13, 2021. He was 69 years old.
Final lineup
* David Johansen - vocals, harmonica (1971-1977, 2004-2011)
* Sylvain Sylvain - guitar, bass, piano (1971-1977, 2004-2011; died 2021)
* Claton Pitcher - guitar (2011)
* Kenny Aaronson - bass (2021)
* Brian Delaney - drums (2005-2011)
Past members
* Johnny Thunders (deceased) - guitar, vocals (1971-1975)
* Rick Rivets - guitar (1971)
* Arthur Kane (deceased) - bass guitar (1971-1975, 2004)
* Billy Murcia (deceased) - drums (1971-1972)
* Jerry Nolan (deceased) - drums (1972-1976)
* Blackie Lawless - guitar (1975)
* Peter Jordan - bass (1975-1977)
* Chris Robison - keyboards (1975-1977)
* Tony Machine - drums (1976-1977)
* Gary Powell - drums (2004)
* Steve Conte - guitar (2004-2010)
* Sami Yaffa - bass (2005-2010)
* Frank Infante - guitar (2010-2011)
* Brian Koonin - keyboards (2005-2006)
* Earl Slick – guitar (2011)
* Jason Hill – bass (2010–2011)
Showdown
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know you're in my neighborhood
They tell me you're pretty fast on your feet
You best be at the dance hall down on 14th street, you hear
There's gonna be a showdown
There's gonna be a showdown
I've got ten notches on my shoes
I just can't lose
They call me the top cat, right in this man's town
I just want you to meet me, baby, before the sun goes down
There's gonna be a showdown
There's gonna be a showdown
All the girls been losin' faith in me
Don't seem like top cat's great
As he once used to be
I know I'm good
So you better be better
When you get yourself out on that floor
You better have your steps together
There's gonna be a showdown
There's gonna be a showdown
Now my reputation has been one of the fastest men alive
So I'm gonna see how good you are when I count to five
(One) oh man, you better step
(Two) You can do better than that
(Three)come on baby,you better step aside
(Four-Five) And let me get out here and do my jive
There's gonna be a showdown
There's gonna be a showdown, showdown, oh yeah
"Showdown" by New York Dolls is a song about a dance-off or a competition between two dancers. The lyrics sound playful, but they convey an underlying sense of competition and urgency. The song's narrator challenges another dancer to come to the dance hall down on 14th street to compete in a showdown. The singer describes himself as the "top cat" of the town and assures the other dancer that he should be better when he gets out on the floor. The singer is confident in his dance moves, but he is also aware that he needs to step up his game since some girls have been losing faith in him.
The showdown is not just about dancing. It is also a test of the competitors' skills, reputation, and confidence. The singer hints at his reputation as one of the fastest men alive, and he challenges the other dancer to step up his game. The challenge becomes more intense as the singer counts down from one to five, urging the other dancer to step aside and let him do his jive. Overall, the song is a lively and upbeat ode to the art of dance and the spirit of competition.
Line by Line Meaning
Say man, they tell me you think you're pretty good
I heard you think you've got some skills
Don't you know you're in my neighborhood
But you're in my territory
They tell me you're pretty fast on your feet
I hear you're a good dancer
You best be at the dance hall down on 14th street, you hear
Better show up at the 14th street dance hall if you're looking for a challenge
There's gonna be a showdown
We're going to have a dance off
I've got ten notches on my shoes
I've danced so much that I've made marks on my shoes
When it comes to dancin', I just can't lose
I am confident in my own dancing abilities
They call me the top cat, right in this man's town
I am well-known as a skilled dancer in this area
I just want you to meet me, baby, before the sun goes down
I want us to dance against each other before it gets dark
All the girls been losin' faith in me
The girls are starting to doubt my abilities
Don't seem like top cat's great as he once used to be
I don't seem to be as popular as I was before
I know I'm good
But I still believe in my skills
So you better be better when you get yourself out on that floor
You better be a worthy opponent on the dance floor
You better have your steps together
You better be ready with your moves
Now my reputation has been one of the fastest men alive
I have a reputation of being one of the fastest dancers around
So I'm gonna see how good you are when I count to five
I'm going to test your skills when I count to five
(One) oh man, you better step
You need to start dancing
(Two) You can do better than that
You need to step up your game
(Three) come on baby, you better step aside
You need to move out of the way
(Four-Five) And let me get out here and do my jive
It's my turn to show off my dancing
There's gonna be a showdown
We're going to have a dance-off
There's gonna be a showdown, showdown, oh yeah
It's going to be an exciting competition!
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEON HUFF, CINDY SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jessehook8762
The Dolls gave a 100 percent when they played live!! You can see and feel how tight and great these guys were.. Another Bad Ass American band!!!!
@rickytoddbotelho9555
One of the greatest, bestest songs and bands in the history of the world 🌎 ❤️ ✨️ ♥️ 💕
@flinchey6962
Johnny’s Guitar is unmatched and Jerry on drums. Rip billy/killer kane David’s Vocals were special, Syl is still going 48 yrs strong The Dolls were way ahead of their time
@jonasaronson9909
They sure were!
@gogoyubari366
Syl passed away.
@lazlokovacs2263
This cover of Archie & The Drells by the Dolls is killer.
My punk "friends" reject it.
And I play Tighten Up really loud.
@wjb8855
So glad I was a teen in the early 70's, was really getting into Rush when I found the dolls in the cut bin at the local record shop.. Have loved them ever since.
@donovanpsicodelico6916
melhor banda do mundo!!! david, syl ,arthur, johnny, jerry, billy
When I say I'm in love you best believe
I'm in love, L U V
@thebyrdsfan1966
concordo!
@jonsantos8384
Like Lorenzo the bus driver said " There's nothing worse than wasted talent and Johnny lived up to that literally and figuratively. Just wish you were still around ,Rest in peace bro !