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)

Daddy Rolling Stone
New York Dolls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Girl you think you've had loving,
Girl you think you've had fun,
Girl you ain't a seen nothin' 'til I come along.
I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy,
Yeah I'm a daddy daddy I'm daddy rolling stone.

I got a friend named Cody,
He's got a girl named Chris,

I'm gonna steal that girl though he's twice my size,
'Cause I know how to shake it like this.

I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy,
Yeah I'm a daddy daddy I'm daddy rolling stone,
I'm daddy rolling stone, I'm daddy rolling stone,
Daddy rolling stone, call me daddy rolling stone.

I said I got a friend named Cody,
He's got a girl named Chris,
I'm gonna steal that girl though he's twice my size,
'Cause I know how to do it like this.

I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, daddy,
I'm daddy rolling stone, I'm daddy rolling stone,

Just call me daddy rolling stone dear,
Long hair long nose, daddy rolling stone

Overall Meaning

The New York Dolls’ “Daddy Rolling Stone” is a song about confidence, dominance, and allure. The singer exudes pride and charm as he proclaims his status as a “daddy rolling stone.” The song is a classic example of rock ‘n roll machismo, as the lyrics suggest that the singer has a way with women and can steal any girl he desires.

What is interesting about the song is the way it portrays masculinity. The singer is brash, cocky, and unapologetic. He believes that he possesses a unique quality that makes him irresistible to women. However, the song also has a sense of vulnerability. The singer recognizes that he is not the only man in the world, and that there are other men who may be bigger, stronger, or more attractive than he is. Nevertheless, he is undaunted and confident that his charm will win the day.

The song speaks to the primal human desire for validation and attention. The singer yearns to be desired and admired, and he believes that his status as a “daddy rolling stone” gives him the power and prowess to achieve those goals. The song is an expression of youthful energy and bravado, and it captures the raw, unbridled confidence of rock ‘n roll in its early days.

Line by Line Meaning

Girl you think you've had loving,
You may believe that you know love and have experienced it, but you have not truly experienced it until you have been with me.

Girl you think you've had fun,
You might believe that you know what it means to have a good time, but you do not until you have been with me.

Girl you ain't seen nothin' 'til I come along.
You have not yet witnessed anything truly exceptional until you have laid your eyes on me and experienced my company.

I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy,
I am a father-figure, an attractive and experienced man others look up to, someone who can provide for and protect others.

Yeah I'm a daddy daddy I'm daddy rolling stone.
I am a free-spirited, adventurous and unpredictable person who lives life to the fullest and does whatever he wants. I am 'daddy rolling stone' - the man who never stays in one place for too long.

I got a friend named Cody,
I have a friend called Cody.

He's got a girl named Chris,
Cody has a girlfriend called Chris.

I'm gonna steal that girl though he's twice my size,
Despite the fact that Cody is twice my size, I plan to seduce and take his girlfriend Chris away from him.

'Cause I know how to shake it like this.
I am confident in my ability to attract and impress Chris with my skills and charm, knowing that I can make her want me instead of Cody.

I'm daddy rolling stone, I'm daddy rolling stone,
I am a free-spirited and adventurous man who never stays in one place for too long. I am always on the move, seeking new experiences.

Daddy rolling stone, call me daddy rolling stone.
I am known as 'daddy rolling stone', the man who is always exploring, on the road, experiencing new things and living life to the fullest.

I said I got a friend named Cody,
As I previously mentioned, I know a man named Cody.

He's got a girl named Chris,
Cody is in a relationship with a woman called Chris.

I'm gonna steal that girl though he's twice my size,
I remain confident in my ability to sway Chris' affections despite being of a smaller physical stature than Cody.

'Cause I know how to do it like this.
I know exactly how to win Chris over because I am confident in my own abilities and character.

I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, I'm a daddy, daddy,
I am a father-figure, someone that others look up to and someone who can provide for and protect others.

I'm daddy rolling stone, I'm daddy rolling stone,
I am a man who is always exploring, always seeking new adventures and experiences, never staying in one place for too long.

Just call me daddy rolling stone dear,
Feel free to refer to me as 'daddy rolling stone'.

Long hair long nose, daddy rolling stone
I am the modern-day equivalent of the proverbial 'rolling stone', leading an untraditional, unpredictable and adventurous lifestyle with long hair and a life that is always on the go.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: OTIS BLACKWELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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