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)
06. Puss 'N' Boots
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like you're ten feet tall
Go ahead
Lickity split
Better move quick
Better not slip
Better get hip
Lookin' for a hoot
I'm gonna shout,
Where'd you get those boots!
Just like Puss 'n' Boots
I hope you don't get shot for tryin'
Oh baby, shot for tryin'
Oh little rhinestone target
Has to change his name
Cause all the boys and girls
Think that you're too easy game
Don't you know the shoes
Is makin' him lame
Shut him up boss
Keep the change
Just like Puss 'n' Boots
I hope you don't get shot for tryin'
Get shot for tryin' Shot for tryin'
There's just one thing
That I'm trying to say
Sometimes you got to get away some place
And now you're walkin'
Just like you're ten feet tall
Oh, Boy girl that's just all
Just like Puss 'n' Boots
I hope you don't get shot for tryin'
Baby shot for tryin'
If all you want to do is save your face
And what you gonna do after this place
I'm screamin' help help help
Full of grace, now what I say
Little rhinestone target
Has to change his name
All the boys and girls
Think he's too easy game
Don't you know the boots
Are makin' him lame
I'm screamin' shut him up boss
Keep the change
Just like Puss 'n' Boots
I hope you don't get shot for tryin'
Baby shot for tryin'
Well this is one thing that I'm tryin' to say
sometimes you got to get away some way
Until you're walkin' just like you're ten foot tall
Boy girl that should be all
Just like you're ten foot tall
I sure hope you don't fall oh,
When you're ten foot tall
Go ahead now
Making that split
Better move quick
Better not slip
Better get hip
I done plead the fifth
Going for a hoot
I thought I'd shout
Hey where did you get those boots
Just like Puss 'n' Boots
I hope you don't get shot!
The New York Dolls's song "Puss in Boots" is a fun and energetic rock song about the persona of someone who has become confident and a little bit cocky, strutting around like they are ten feet tall. The song references "Puss in Boots," the clever and charismatic cat character from the classic fairy tale, who similarly was known for being suave and walking with style. Throughout the song, the persona is encouraged to move fast, stay alert, and be careful not to slip up or get caught doing something they shouldn't. Though the lyrics come across as light and playful, there are some darker undertones as well- references to being shot and the danger of being seen as an "easy game" allude to the risks of living life on the edge.
In the chorus of the song, the lyrics repeat the phrase "I hope you don't get shot for tryin'" over and over again. This line is particularly interesting because it can be interpreted both literally and figuratively- it could mean that the persona is in physical danger, or it could mean that they are taking risks that could damage their reputation or social standing. The phrase "Puss in Boots" itself is also an intriguing one, as it has been used in many different contexts over the years, from a literary character to a brand of cat food.
Line by Line Meaning
And now you're walkin', just like you're ten feet tall
You seem more confident and proud than ever before
Lickity split, better move quick, better not slip, better get hip
You need to move quickly and carefully to avoid any mishaps
I don't think it fits, lookin' for a hoot, I'm gonna shout, Where'd you get those boots!
I don't think that outfit looks good on you, but those boots are amazing and I want to know where you got them
Just like Puss 'n' Boots, I hope you don't get shot for tryin', oh baby, shot for tryin'
Just like the character Puss 'n' Boots, I hope you don't face any danger or negative consequences for trying something new or bold
Oh little rhinestone target has to change his name, 'cause all the boys and girls think that you're too easy game
You need to alter your behavior or image, as people are taking advantage of you
Don't you know the shoes are makin' him lame, shut him up boss, keep the change
Those shoes are causing problems for him, please silence him and pay me for my service
There's just one thing that I'm trying to say, sometimes you got to get away some place
I just want to convey that taking a break or a change of scenery can be beneficial
If all you want to do is save your face, and what you gonna do after this place, I'm screamin' help help help
If your main priority is maintaining your reputation, then what will you do next? I'm expressing my concern
Full of grace, now what I say, little rhinestone target has to change his name
I'm speaking in a polite and respectful manner, but it's important that he rebrands himself
Well, this is one thing that I'm tryin' to say, sometimes you got to get away some way
Again, I want to emphasize that taking a break or getting away from a situation can be helpful
Making that split, better move quick, better not slip, better get hip, I done plead the fifth, going for a hoot, I thought I'd shout, Hey where did you get those boots
I'm making a quick move and trying my best not to make any mistakes. I'm enjoying myself and want to know where you got those awesome boots
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing, A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: DAVID JOHANSEN, SYLVAIN MIZRAHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind