The New York Dolls were a rock group formed in New York City in 1971, now f… Read Full Bio ↴The New York Dolls were a rock group formed in New York City in 1971, now famous as a proto-punk band. Though they found limited success during their initial run, the New York Dolls prefigured much of what was to come in the punk rock era, particularly among other NYC bands such as the Ramones. And, even later; the Dolls' over-the-top crossdressing and sexual tone influenced the look of many glam metal groups, especially that of early Mötley Crüe and Poison, and their shambling and sloppy but highly energetic playing style set the tone for many later rock n roll bands.

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)

Baby Tell Me What I'm On
New York Dolls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baby!
Baby I'm so dull!
Oh baby, tell me what I'm on!
Don't wanna ?
Don't wanna be cordial!
Time ? like a dagger in my heart!
My heart!

Baby, tell me what I'm on!
Baby, is the twilight or the dawn?

Curtain of universe ?
Torments of the days leaving me ?
What does the future mean, here in eternity?
Somewhere between I'm ? to see,

Baby, tell me what I'm on!
Baby, is the twilight or the dawn?
Baby, tell me what I'm on!

What good is consciousness?
A bottomless abyss
Like a boat in dark,
Whose eyes have fallen inside, inside!

Baby, tell me what I'm on!
Baby, is the twilight or the dawn?

? don't say that it's the air
This ? in my head,
Bring back your love to me, baby!

Baby, you know it's hurting me, baby!
Like your love to me, baby!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to New York Dolls' song "Baby Tell Me What I'm On" speak to feelings of confusion and disorientation. The singer is addressing a lover or friend, asking them to help them make sense of their current state. They feel dull and detached, and are looking for some kind of clarity or guidance. The repeated refrain of "Baby, tell me what I'm on!" is a plea for someone to help them understand what is happening to them.

The imagery in the song is dark and brooding. The singer references a "dagger in my heart" and a "bottomless abyss". They are tormented by the passing of time and are seeking some kind of answers about the future. They seem lost in their own thoughts and are looking for someone to bring them back to reality.

The final lines of the song are particularly striking. The singer asks their lover to "bring back your love to me" and acknowledges that their current state is hurting them. The implication is that the confusion and disorientation they are experiencing is related to a loss of connection with someone they love. The song is a powerful expression of the pain that can come from feeling disconnected and lost.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby!
Addressing the person's significant other as 'Baby'

Baby I'm so dull!
Feeling uninspired or unimpressive

Oh baby, tell me what I'm on!
Asking significant other what drug or substance is currently affecting them

Don't wanna ?
Don't want to be something (unclear what)

Don't wanna be cordial!
Don't want to be polite or formal

Time ? like a dagger in my heart!
Time feels painful or difficult to deal with

My heart!
Interjection expressing emotion, likely frustration or sadness

Baby, is the twilight or the dawn?
Asking significant other if it is morning or evening

Curtain of universe ?
Unclear what this line means

Torments of the days leaving me ?
Days are causing emotional or physical distress

What does the future mean, here in eternity?
Questioning what the future holds in a seemingly unending present