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)
Chatterbox
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said Chatterbox
I said ya squalk a lot
See'mon gimma some lips
Yeah Chatterbox
I call you up
Don't give me no line
On the chatterline
All dressed up
I got nowhere to go
Seems like fun night
On the telephone
Said Chatterbox
I said ya squalk a lot
See'mon gimma some lips
Yeah Chatterbox
See'mon see'mon see'mon
Yeah Chatterbox
See'mon see'mon see'mon
Yeah Chatterbox
I said Chatterbox
I said Chatterbox
I said ya squalk a lot
See'mon gimma some lips
Yeah Chatterbox
Call you up
Don't give me no line
I'm comin in your home
On the telephone
All dressed up
I got nowhere to go
Seems like fun night
On the telephone
I said Chatterbox
I said ya squalk a lot
See'mon gimma some lips
Yeah Chatterbox
See'mon see'mon see'mon
Yeah Chatterbox
See'mon see'mon see'mon
Yeah Chatterbox
I said Chatterbox
In "Chatterbox," New York Dolls frontman David Johansen sings about a woman who talks too much, demanding her attention while also acknowledging her vivacity. He addresses her as "Chatterbox" and asks her to stop talking so much and to give him a kiss. Johansen explains that despite her loudness, he has no one else to talk to, so he continues to call her on the phone. He suggests that there's a possibility of a fun night together, despite not having plans originally.
The song's lyrics are straightforward, and the melody is simple and catchy, fitting within the genre of glam and punk rock that the Dolls are associated with. "Chatterbox" is an example of the Dolls' raw, unpolished sound, with its choppy rhythmic structure and sharp guitar riffs. Johansen's voice, which is both gritty and full of bravado, fits perfectly with the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
I said Chatterbox
I am addressing the person I call Chatterbox
I said ya squalk a lot
I am informing the Chatterbox character that they talk excessively
See'mon gimma some lips
I am requesting some affection or attention from the Chatterbox
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
I call you up
I am making a phone call to the Chatterbox character
Don't give me no line
I don't want to hear any excuses or untruths from the Chatterbox
I'm comin in your home
I am metaphorically invading the Chatterbox's personal space through the phone call
On the chatterline
I am referring to the phone call as the means of communication
All dressed up
I am ready to go out
I got nowhere to go
I'm at home with nothing to do
Seems like fun night
I suggest that being on the phone with the Chatterbox is exciting
Said Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
See'mon see'mon see'mon
I am urging the Chatterbox to take some form of quick action
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
I said Chatterbox
I am addressing the person I call Chatterbox again
Call you up
I am communicating with the Chatterbox through a phone call again
See'mon see'mon see'mon
I am again urging the Chatterbox for quick action
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
I said Chatterbox
I am addressing the person I call Chatterbox yet again
I said ya squalk a lot
I am informing the Chatterbox character that they talk excessively
See'mon gimma some lips
I am requesting some affection or attention from the Chatterbox
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
See'mon see'mon see'mon
I am urging the Chatterbox for quick action once again
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
See'mon see'mon see'mon
I am yet again urging the Chatterbox for quick action
Yeah Chatterbox
I am referring to the person again
I said Chatterbox
I am addressing the person I call Chatterbox for the last time
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY THUNDERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JoeGarchar1960
Johnny's like a surgeon, drops his operating instrument on the floor, picks it up and continues right along with the surgery until finished. A true professional. I keep telling my doctor, this is how it's done. RIP Mr. Thunders!
@curtandoscar
TRUTH!! Punk rock surgeon!
@zepps88
"The Dolls were an attitude. If nothing more, they were a great attitude." - Johnny Thunders
@tenbroeck1958
This is Rock n Roll/ proto-Punk: Wearing a dress was actually illegal in NYC back then. Love it.
@zepps88
this is some of the most raw and dirty rock n roll there is. i wish i was alive during the protopunk era
@sunsun9918
https://youtu.be/C3UbwIdycIo
@gwugluud
Well, pick up a guitar or some drumsticks or something and form a band and do something about it. It's what I and my buds are doing. Rock and Roll is only dead if you and I LET it be.
@TOBY5783
The Doors copycatz
@angelicbeing8931
Rest in peace Sylvain. You will be missed but now you can put your arms around Johnny 😢❤🎸🎤
@curtandoscar
David's hoarse shout at the end "Johnny Thunders!" ... perfect capper on a truly great little piece of rock history. Thank god they taped these things.