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)

Talk To Me Baby
New York Dolls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We'll falling into town
Let me lift you high
It's only inside our minds
Paradise got left behind
Where we're gonna go
Where we're gonna stay
What we're gonna do
Are we gonna find a way to play

A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere

We go from city to city
Where lights are pretty
Beautiful people dance around everywhere
Right imposed that ? and the wind blowing the newspaper

To the square right here
Time is always just a thieve
Disguising itself as a grief
Until you abandon your ?
You you don't have to yell
Or wait for my return
Things don't have to burn
Sit in solitude
A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere

You don't have to cry
You can dry your eyes

You don't have to cry
Let me see you smile

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to New York Dolls' song "Talk To Me Baby" seem to be about two people falling in love and experiencing the excitement and uncertainty that comes with it. They're falling into town, and the singer wants to lift their companion high. The verses are filled with questions about where they're going to go, what they're going to do, and if they'll be able to find a way to play. These questions could be interpreted as a fear of the unknown that comes with a new relationship.

The chorus seems to be a reassurance to his companion that she doesn't have to yell or cry. The singer wants to see her smile and reassure her that everything will be fine. The line "A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere" is a bit unclear, but it could be interpreted as the two of them leaving their mark on the world together. The end of the chorus seems to be a gentle reminder that the new relationship doesn't have to end in flames.

Overall, the song seems to be about the ups and downs of falling in love and the fear and uncertainty that comes with it. The lyrics describe a feeling of excitement and a need to reassure each other that everything will be okay.

Line by Line Meaning

We'll falling into town
We are arriving in the city

Let me lift you high
Let me make you feel happy

It's only inside our minds
Our happiness exists only in our thoughts

Paradise got left behind
We left our paradise or ideal location behind

Where we're gonna go
Where should we go next?

Where we're gonna stay
Where will we sleep tonight?

What we're gonna do
What activities can we do?

Are we gonna find a way to play
Can we find a way to have fun?

A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere
We leave our mark on the world, wherever we go

We go from city to city
We travel frequently

Where lights are pretty
In places with beautiful lighting