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)
Pirate Love
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got to talk that talk
You've got to be that girl
In the diamond world
See'mon cut me so fast
[Chorus:]
Pirate love
Pirate love
Is what I'm wanting for
I never ever needed it so bad
Yeah!
Well the blood's running cold, ain't it
All the mommies are praying
Little girls are saying 'no'
And big girls always want more
[Chorus]
Well I'm locked in all these getups
Everybody seems too cruel
I can't tell who's who
Without a bag of voodoo
Pirate love
Is what I'm looking for
Pirate love
Is what I'm wanting for
I never ever needed it so fast
Fast!
Fast!
[Chorus]
The New York Dolls' "Pirate Love" is a song that speaks to the desire for adventure and excitement that is often present in youth. The song's lyrics suggest that in order to live an exciting life, you have to be willing to take risks, to be bold, and to stand out from the crowd. The chorus of "pirate love" is a nod to the rebellious and adventurous spirit of pirates, who are often seen as outlaws and free-spirits. The song suggests that the singer is looking for that same kind of excitement and unpredictability in a relationship.
The verses of the song paint a picture of a world that is confusing and full of contradictions. The line "all the mommies are praying, little girls are saying 'no'" suggests that there are conflicting messages about what it means to be a woman in this world. The singer seems to feel trapped in this confusing world, unsure of how to navigate the social hierarchy.
Overall, "Pirate Love" is a song that speaks to the desire for adventure and the frustration that comes with feeling stuck in a world that doesn't make sense.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got to walk that walk
You need to have confidence and swagger in your demeanor
You've got to talk that talk
You need to have the language and speech of someone who is cool and tough
You've got to be that girl
You need to embody the persona of a person who has made it in a world full of riches and fame
In the diamond world
You need to be successful and thriving in a world of luxury and sophistication
See'mon cut me so fast
I want to feel the raw thrill of life and adventure, so let's do something daring and dangerous
Pirate love
I desire a love that is rebellious and free-spirited, not contained by social norms
Is what I'm looking for
I'm actively searching for a passionate and adventurous partner
Is what I'm wanting for
A desire for a love that is unconstrained by societal expectations and rules
I never ever needed it so bad
I have never felt this intense desire for a love that is rebellious and free
Well the blood's running cold, ain't it
The world can feel cold, cruel and indifferent to us all
All the mommies are praying
The respectable figures in our society are scared and worried about the chaos in the world
Little girls are saying 'no'
Innocent and naive people are resisting and rejecting the harsh realities of life
And big girls always want more
The more experienced and jaded people always crave for more power, success, and pleasure
Well I'm locked in all these getups
I'm trapped and restricted by the expectations that society has imposed on me
Everybody seems too cruel
Everyone appears to be merciless and selfish in a world dominated by status and wealth
I can't tell who's who
It's difficult to differentiate between genuine people versus those who are fake and scheming
Without a bag of voodoo
It's impossible to discern true intent without a supernatural or mystical guidance
I never ever needed it so fast
I have never yearned so much for a love so daring and intense
Fast!
I want it now and I want it quickly
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: J. THUNDERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicolas LEGENDRE
fantastic group !
Javi
I like the heartbreakers version, but I like this version more. The New York Dolls are legends in my eyes.
Doug Chasteen
Syl doin well on the electric piano here. Wow.
xan imal
cool man
Baron of Livonia.
R.I.P. Sylvain. David Jo last one. This version is better than one on L.A.M.F. in my opinion. Now Billy, Johnny & Arthur got Sylvain to play with again.