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)
You Don't Have To Cry
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "You Don't Have To Cry" by New York Dolls talks about a relationship that is not perfect but still worth pursuing. The lyrics start with the singers falling into town, but they do not have a specific destination or plan. However, they are together, and that's what matters to them. The line "It's only inside our minds" suggests that the paradise they seek is not a physical place but rather a state of mind that they can create together. They still carry the stain of the universe with them, indicating that they have not escaped their problems and struggles, but they have found each other to endure them.
The song touches upon the idea of travelling and going from city to city, where lights are pretty, but also imposes on us the right to enjoy them. The lyrics suggest that there are difficulties to face, such as thieving time, disguising itself as grief, and the feeling of abandonment. The writer encourages his companion not to worry or wait for him, stating that they don't have to yell and things don't have to burn. There's a sense of acceptance and peace that comes through the piece, which suggests that the two of them can sit in solitude and revel in each other's company.
In conclusion, the song's lyrics convey the idea that a relationship is worth pursuing, even when everything is not perfect externally. They encourage each other to live in the moment and make the most of what they have, rather than worrying about what they don't have. There's a sense of freedom in their love, which allows them to find paradise anywhere.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll falling into town
We are arriving in the city
Let me lift you high
Allow me to elevate your spirits
It's only inside our minds
Our perception of reality is subjective
Paradise got left behind
Our past memories of blissful experiences have faded away
Where we're gonna go
What is our next destination?
Where we're gonna stay
Where will we find temporary shelter?
What we're gonna do
How will we fill our time in the city?
Are we gonna find a way to play
Can we still have fun despite our uncertain circumstances?
A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere
We have left an impact on the world, wherever we go
We go from city to city
We are nomadic in nature
Where lights are pretty
The city's nightlife is attractive to us
Beautiful people dance around everywhere
There is youthful energy flowing through the streets
Right imposed that ? and the wind blowing the newspaper
Authority figures reign over society and the winds of change are present
To the square right here
We are currently in a public gathering spot
Time is always just a thieve
Time passes by quickly and we can never get it back
Disguising itself as a grief
Loss of time creates feelings of sadness and regret
Until you abandon your ?
We must relinquish our attachment to the concept of time
You you don't have to yell
There's no need to be angry or upset
Or wait for my return
I will come back to you
Things don't have to burn
We don't need to cause destruction or chaos
Sit in solitude
Take time to reflect alone
A stain in the universe as we ? anywhere
We will leave our mark on the world, no matter where we are
You don't have to cry
There is no need for tears
You can dry your eyes
Your sadness will go away
Let me see you smile
I want to witness your happiness
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVID R. JOHANSEN, JASON STAEHLER HILL, SYLVAIN MIZRAHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind