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)
Maimed Happiness
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep trying to acquiesce
It's like a tempestuous child
You play with and humor to keep
Quiet as you possibly can
Til finally it goes to sleep
Life takes a lot of finesse
It's a maimed happiness
Keep myself to every way
Both refined and uncouth
Then maybe once in a while
I can be with the truth
Don't know if there's that much to be said
For this world, or the time that we spend
I doubt that I'd wanna live
This wasted life over again
Yeah I been to the doctor
Said there ain't much he can do
"You got the human condition
Boy, I feel sorry for you."
There's a sorrowful joy
I known since hours ago
Joyful sorrow, I guess
It's a maimed happiness.
The song 'Maimed Happiness' by New York Dolls is a song that depicts a happy yet flawed moment in time. The lyrics center around the idea of a 'maimed happiness,' one that is both joyous yet hindered, lacking in depth or completeness. The songwriter attempts to grasp this feeling of joy and hold onto it, knowing that it will ultimately fade, much like a tempestuous child that eventually falls asleep. He speaks of the finesse needed to navigate life and find happiness, acknowledging the challenges and imperfections inherent in it.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of authenticity, with the songwriter describing his desire to be both refined and uncouth and only occasionally being able to be true to himself. He laments the world and the time we are given, wondering if there is truly anything worthwhile to be said about it or the experiences we have. He concludes with a visit to the doctor, who can offer no cure for the human condition, leaving him with a 'sorrowful joy.'
Overall, the song is a thoughtful reflection on the complexities and imperfections of life and the happiness that can be found within them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a maimed happiness
While it's classified as happiness, it comes with limiting terms and conditions.
I keep trying to acquiesce
I attempt to comply with the constraints of this happiness.
It's like a tempestuous child
This happiness is erratic and hard to control.
You play with and humor to keep
You try to entertain and appease this happiness to keep it calm.
Quiet as you possibly can
You silence yourself to maintain the peace.
Til finally it goes to sleep
Until this happiness reduces to a relaxed state.
Life takes a lot of finesse
Life requires skill and poise to navigate.
Keep myself to every way
I try to act accordingly in all situations.
Both refined and uncouth
I attempt to behave elegantly, but sometimes it gets rough.
Then maybe once in a while
Occasionally
I can be with the truth
I can be open and honest about my feelings and thoughts.
Don't know if there's that much to be said
There isn't a lot to say.
For this world, or the time that we spend
About this world, or the length we spend here.
I doubt that I'd wanna live
I wouldn't want to live again.
This wasted life over again
Repeating this aimless existence.
Yeah I been to the doctor
Yes, I visited the physician.
Said there ain't much he can do
He stated that he can't do much.
"You got the human condition
"You have the problems inherent to humanity.
Boy, I feel sorry for you."
I empathize with you, my friend."
There's a sorrowful joy
There's a sad pleasure.
I known since hours ago
I've been aware of this for several hours now.
Joyful sorrow, I guess
Perhaps, it's also an enjoyable sadness.
It's a maimed happiness.
Overall, this happiness comes with restrictions and limitations.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN KOONIN, BRIAN D. DELANEY, DAVID JOHANSEN, SAMI LAURI TAKAMAKI, STEVEN J. CONTE, SYLVAIN MIZRAHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind