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)
This Is Ridiculous
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drive a busted dinosaur of a car
If I didn't love my honey
I woulda never ever woulda got this far
I woulda stayed in bed, pulled the covers over my head
And slept until there's no more war
How did it come to this?
This is ridiculous!
This is getting too funky
A man of my stature can't live like this
When I talk about some money
All I ever do is reminisce
I guess it's too austere, I just wanna disappear
And come back when the joint starts to swing
How did it come to this?
This is ridiculous!
Won't pay a nickel on morphine
Really I don't need that much help
If I wanna jump out a window
I can do it perfect all by myself
Or I could stay in bed, pull the covers over my head
And sleep until they find a cure
How did it come to this?
This is ridiculous!
Ridiculous!
Can't make a dime with these mother-jumpers.
Ridiculous!
The lyrics of New York Dolls' song "This Is Ridiculous" can be interpreted as a commentary on the absurdity and challenges of living in poverty. The opening line "I ain't got no money" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer describes driving a "busted dinosaur of a car" and feeling unable to provide for his or her loved ones. The refrain "This is ridiculous!" underscores the frustration and helplessness of the situation.
The second verse expands on this theme, with the singer yearning for a better standard of living and lamenting the fact that he or she can only reminisce about money. The line "A man of my stature can't live like this" highlights how poverty strips people of their dignity and pride. The singer fantasizes about disappearing until things improve, indicating a sense of hopelessness and defeat.
The final verse is the most poignant, as the singer contemplates suicide but ultimately decides to keep going despite lacking the resources to fully address his or her physical and mental health needs. The refrain "This is ridiculous!" takes on a darker tone here, as the singer expresses a sense of resignation to the absurdity of his or her circumstances.
Overall, "This Is Ridiculous" is a powerful reflection on the toll that poverty takes on people's lives and spirits, and a reminder of the immense challenges faced by those living in poverty.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't got no money
I am financially unstable and facing several financial troubles.
Drive a busted dinosaur of a car
I own a very old and rundown vehicle which is unreliable.
If I didn't love my honey, I woulda never ever woulda got this far
My love for my partner has been a driving force for me to progress in life despite my financial struggles.
I woulda stayed in bed, pulled the covers over my head, And slept until there's no more war
If it wasn't for my partner, I would have given up and resorted to hiding and avoiding my problems.
This is getting too funky, A man of my stature can't live like this, When I talk about some money, All I ever do is reminisce
My current situation is unbearable and I am limited by my financial status, I long for more money while I struggle to make ends meet.
I guess it's too austere, I just wanna disappear, And come back when the joint starts to swing
My situation is too severe which makes me want to withdraw and hide, only to come back when the situation is better.
Won't pay a nickel on morphine, Really I don't need that much help
I am not willing to spend money on things that I do not need or can do without, such as medication.
If I wanna jump out a window, I can do it perfect all by myself
I don't need anyone's help to end my life, I am capable of suicide by myself if I ever reach that point.
Or I could stay in bed, pull the covers over my head, And sleep until they find a cure
If I ever feel overwhelmed, I can retreat to my bed and sleep until my problems go away, or hope for a permanent solution to present itself.
How did it come to this? This is ridiculous!
I am surprised by how life has turned out for me and feel that my situation is unfair and overwhelming, it is ridiculous.
Ridiculous! Can't make a dime with these mother-jumpers. Ridiculous!
I am frustrated and feel powerless as I struggle to make a living and accumulate wealth.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID JOHANSEN, STEVE CONTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind