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)
Temptation To Exist
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give me another kiss
Tell me how you love me
A mesmerizing kiss
That I can't resist
Say I'm the way you want me
So I can breathe your perfume
Dancing with you around the room
Stripped of facade and costume
The drag with being born
It's really not a thorn
Baby it's a dagger
Most people would deny
Say it's a piece of pie
To you it doesn't matter
I hear about the sad affairs
Up on the heights of despair
Someone's always perishing
By the self they have assumed
Temptation to exist
Obsession to persist
Death-defying romance
Give me another kiss
Show me what I've missed
Baby, since our last dance
So I can get back in tune
Dancing with you around the room
Long after a masquerade
No facade, no costume
The New York Dolls' song Temptation to Exist is an ode to obsession and the search for meaning in life. The opening lines "Temptation to exist, give me another kiss, tell me how you love me, a mesmerizing kiss that I can't resist," sets the tone for a story about passion and the longing for true connection. The singer is in search of someone to give meaning to their existence and satisfy their desire for love and intimacy. They are willing to do anything to feel alive, including putting themselves in danger, as evidenced by the line "death-defying romance".
The second verse of the song is a commentary on the struggle of finding one's place in the world. The line "the drag with being born, it's really not a thorn, baby it's a dagger" suggests that life is not just difficult, but it can also be deadly. The singer acknowledges that many people deny the hardships of life and pretend that everything is okay, but to them, it's a matter of life and death. They paint a bleak picture of the world, describing the "sad affairs up on the heights of despair" and the people who perish due to the false image they present to the world.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the search for meaning and connection, and the fear of being alone in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Temptation to exist
I have a desire to live and be recognized in the world.
Give me another kiss
Kiss me again to make me feel wanted and loved.
Tell me how you love me
Express your love for me verbally.
A mesmerizing kiss
A kiss so enchanting that it captivates and entrances.
That I can't resist
A kiss so irresistible that I cannot help but give in to it.
Say I'm the way you want me
Tell me that I am the ideal version of myself that you desire.
So I can breathe your perfume
Allow me to be near you and enjoy your scent.
Dancing with you around the room
Move with me in harmony, enjoying each other's company.
Long after a masquerade
Long after we have put on a facade for others.
Stripped of facade and costume
Unburdened by the expectations and judgments of others.
The drag with being born
The weight and burden of being born into this world.
It's really not a thorn
It's not just a minor annoyance or inconvenience.
Baby it's a dagger
It can be a deep wound or painful experience.
Most people would deny
Many people choose to ignore or deny this reality.
Say it's a piece of pie
Some people think that life is easy or uncomplicated.
To you it doesn't matter
You understand the seriousness of the situation.
I hear about the sad affairs
I hear stories of tragic situations.
Up on the heights of despair
In the depths of sadness and hopelessness.
Someone's always perishing
Someone is always dying or losing themselves.
By the self they have assumed
As a result of the identity they have created for themselves or the expectations they have internalized.
Obsession to persist
An intense fixation to continue and endure.
Death-defying romance
A love so deep that it transcends life and death.
Show me what I've missed
Remind me of what I've been missing without you.
Baby, since our last dance
Since the last time we were together.
So I can get back in tune
So that I can regain a sense of harmony and connection with you.
No facade, no costume
Without any pretense or hiding our true selves.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Satya Grahatmaja
Temptation to exist
Give me another kiss
Tell me how you love me
A mesmerizing kiss
That I can't resist
Say I'm the way you want me
So I can breathe your perfume
Dancing with you 'round the room
Long after a masquerade
Stripped of facade and costume
The drag with being born
It's really not a thorn
Baby it's a dagger
Most people would deny
Say it's a piece of pie
To you it doesn't matter
I hear about the sad affair
Up on the heights of despair
Someone's always perishing
By the self they've assumed
Temptation to exist
Obsession to persist
Death-defying romance
Give me another kiss
Show me what I miss
Baby since our last dance
So I can get back in tune
Dancing with you 'round the room
Long after a masquerade
No facade no costume
Sam Flynn
how are these guys not talked about more often.. stumbled across the on Pandora.. sounds like a bonus track in a Tarantino film.
Jayne Meacham
this song is a pearl, but MOST of their music is not like this. i wish it was.
455todrive
I could definitely see this in a Tarantino scene
Khan Shar
Phenomenal song. Love me some David Jo
Greg
Damn.... So different from old New York Dolls but its so good.
czifrik68
Awesome..!!! Thanks For Posting.!! ..This Show Was AWESOME..!!!! :D
Some Guy
is this in reference to Emil Cioran?
Satya Grahatmaja
I think that so