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)

Bonus Track: You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory
New York Dolls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's hard,
It's so hard

And it's a lonely planet joy
When the song from from the other boys
That's when I'm a lonely planet boy
And I'm tryin', Baby for your love

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Oh, you pick me up
Your outta drivin' in your car
When I tell you where I'm goin
You're always tellin' me it's to far

But how could you be drivin'
Down by my home
When ya know, I ain't got one
And I'm, I'm so all alone

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Oh it's a lonely planet joy
When the song from your other boys
That's when I'm a lonely planet boy
And I'm tryin', I'm cryin',
Baby for your love

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Oh, It's so lonely

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Oh can't you hear me callin'
I'm a thousand miles away
And I don't want to stay
I'm thinkin' words I gotta say

Cause I want to be there witcha
And I know what to bring
I remember, from the days
You got over, everythin'

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Oh it's a lonely planet joy
When the song from your other boys
That's when I'm a lonely planet boy
And I'm tryin', I'm cryin',
Can't ya see I'm dyin'
Baby, for your love

Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah
Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah
Whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah

Now you are lonely

Overall Meaning

The New York Dolls' song "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" is a melancholic ballad that expresses the feeling of loneliness and heartbreak. The song starts with the singer acknowledging how difficult it is to deal with the pain of lost love. He talks about being a "lonely planet boy" when he listens to songs from other artists and reflects on his own loneliness.

The second verse talks about the girl he loves driving him around, but never taking him home. He questions her actions because he does not have a home and feels alone. The chorus repeats the idea that he is a "lonely planet boy" trying and crying for her love. He wonders if she can hear him calling from a thousand miles away and wants to be with her again.

The song's lyrics are layered with metaphors and images that explore the theme of loneliness. The phrase "you can't put your arms around a memory" adds to the sense of loss and longing. Overall, the song paints a picture of someone who is going through a difficult time and is searching for a way to reconnect with the person they love.

Line by Line Meaning

It's hard,
Life is difficult,

It's so hard
It's especially difficult

And it's a lonely planet joy
It's a strange kind of happiness, one that is lonely

When the song from from the other boys
When I hear a song played by someone other than myself

That's when I'm a lonely planet boy
That's when I feel alone and isolated

And I'm tryin', Baby for your love
I'm trying my best to win your love

Oh, you pick me up
You give me a ride or make me feel better

Your outta drivin' in your car
You're driving your car without a clear destination

When I tell you where I'm goin
When I share my plans with you

You're always tellin' me it's to far
You always say that my plans or destinations are too far away

But how could you be drivin'
But I wonder how you can be driving