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)

Private World
New York Dolls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, break-down

To a private world
To a private world

Well, I just lost a love, I'm bound, she drowned or something else
'Cause I get cool and lonely, feelin' sorry for myself

I need a private world
A private world

Oh, you call that drivin' then you see us dream
I call it laughing, tryin' hard not to scream

Private world
Oh, a private world

Oh, the joint start shakin', it's ready to crumble
The boys are dukin', lookin' for a rumble

Need a private world
I need a private world

One that is movin'
At least I'm movin', better shut that door
Private world, private girl, private world
Better keep it confidential

Private world
Whoa oh-oh, private world

Oh, you know I want some money, she replies
When uptown comes downtown, better take her for a ride

Into the private world
I think it's a private world

Oh, baby call, call my name
I'm tryin to explain', that I'm not the same

In a private world
Oh, a private world

'Cause I just lost a love, I'm bound, she drowned or something else
'Cause I get cool and lonely, feelin sorry for myself

I need a private world
Oh, a private world

One that is movin'
At least I'm movin', shut that door
Private world, private girl, private world
You better keep it confidential

You got to keep it confidential
You got to keep it confidential
When I says hush
Child, dont you cry
I'm beggin' you hush
And dry those tears from your eyes
You gotta hush
Dontcha know you gotta hush

Oh, alright

Overall Meaning

The New York Dolls’ song “Private World” speaks of a longing for privacy in a world that feels too public and exposed. The lyrics describe the desire to escape into a private world, away from the scrutiny of others. The phrase “break-down” that opens the song could refer to a mental or emotional breakdown, hinting at the vulnerability the singer feels. The chorus repeats the phrase “private world” as a mantra, emphasizing its importance.

The verses hint at a relationship gone wrong, with the singer having lost a love due to unknown circumstances. The loss has left them feeling “cool and lonely,” suggesting a sense of detachment and emotional distance. The lines “I call it laughing, tryin' hard not to scream” capture the feeling of putting on a façade to hide suppressed emotions.

The song’s bridge brings a more upbeat tone, with the mention of “movin’” and “at least I’m movin’.” The need for privacy is tied to the need for motion and change, perhaps indicating a desire to escape a stagnant situation.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, break-down
The singer is inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the depth and emotion of the song.

To a private world To a private world
The singer wants to escape to a solitary place where he is away from the public eye and free to be himself.

Well, I just lost a love, I'm bound, she drowned or something else 'Cause I get cool and lonely, feelin' sorry for myself I need a private world A private world
The singer is heartbroken after losing his love and needs a personal space to mourn, where he doesn't have to put on a brave face for others.

Oh, you call that drivin' then you see us dream I call it laughing, tryin' hard not to scream Private world Oh, a private world
The singer wants to mock societal norms of perfection by pretending to be happy when he's not but wishes he had a world where he can be honest about his emotions.

Oh, the joint start shakin', it's ready to crumble The boys are dukin', lookin' for a rumble Need a private world I need a private world
The singer uses a metaphor of an earthquake to describe the chaos around him and how he needs to be isolated to cope with it better.

One that is movin' At least I'm movin', better shut that door Private world, private girl, private world Better keep it confidential
The singer desires a private world that's ever-changing, as he's tired of the monotony of his current life, and wishes to keep it a secret from prying eyes.

Oh, you know I want some money, she replies When uptown comes downtown, better take her for a ride Into the private world I think it's a private world
The singer wants to impress his love interest by taking her to his secret hideaway, which would be a unique and romantic experience for both of them.

Oh, baby call, call my name I'm tryin to explain', that I'm not the same In a private world Oh, a private world
The singer wants to communicate to someone that he's going through a difficult phase and needs a space where he can change and grow without judgment or scrutiny.

'Cause I just lost a love, I'm bound, she drowned or something else 'Cause I get cool and lonely, feelin sorry for myself I need a private world Oh, a private world
The singer repeats the first verse to emphasize how he really needs a place where he can grieve his loss and be left alone.

You got to keep it confidential You got to keep it confidential When I says hush Child, dont you cry I'm beggin' you hush And dry those tears from your eyes You gotta hush Dontcha know you gotta hush Oh, alright
The chorus highlights the importance of secrecy for the singer, who needs confidentiality to protect his secrets and keep his private world intact.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARTHUR KANE, DAVID JOHANSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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