In 1976, Hell either was kicked out of the Heartbreakers or quit the group, depending on whom you believe, and was replaced by Billy Rath, who, according to legend, was a gigolo. Hell went on to form his own band, The Voidoids.
Arriving for a European tour just as the UK punk scene was building momentum, the Heartbreakers developed a following playing in and around London. The band's members and image were widely associated with drug use, specifically, heroin. The Sex Pistols invited them to open for them on the ill-fated Anarchy Tour. They shortly signed with Track Records. Their debut--and only--studio album, L.A.M.F., featured all the Heartbreakers' popular live songs. The release of the album put a huge strain on the band, because of anger among some band members over the poor quality of the mix. Several of the members of the band left at this point. The band reformed in 1979 for a few farewell shows at Max’s Kansas City with drummer Ty Stix sitting in for Nolan. The resulting live album Live at Max's Kansas City '79 is considered a punk classic. The Heartbreakers' song, London Boys, is a swipe at the Sex Pistols, in response to the Pistols' New York, a put-down of the New York Dolls.
The band re-formed occasionally to play at New York clubs until the death of Johnny Thunders in 1991. Jerry Nolan died a few months later, in 1992. Live shows often consisted of songs performed with the New York Dolls or taken from Johnny Thunders' solo career. Richard Hell rarely plays music live, concentrating instead on writing and spoken-word performances. Billy Rath's whereabouts are currently unknown, leading to various rumors such as that he died or became a priest. Walter Lure still performs about once a month with his band the Waldos, performing mostly Heartbreakers songs
07 You Gotta Lose
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mother was a pinhead and my father was a fly.
That's why I love you darlin' with a love that's so unique:
Your glistenin' wings they complement your head's exquisite peak.
You gotta lose, you gotta lose
Not too long ago I knew a guy who thought he can't be beat
But he got rabies on his rubies now he can't unlace his feet.
But when you're twenty minutes late your fate is patient and will wait.
You gotta lose, you gotta lose
I know it's hard for you to face the fact Max Factor failed your face
And that your social life's misshapen 'cause you feel so out of place
And that the most magic man you'd meet and ask your soul to keep
Still could only love you from a distance one man deep.
You gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose
The Heartbreakers' song "You Gotta Lose" is a satire on the societal standards of physical beauty and a commentary on the inevitable nature of life's ups and downs. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who may be seen as unattractive in the eyes of society, with references to having a pinhead and fly for parents. However, despite this perceived physical deformity, the singer still loves the subject of the song for their unique qualities, specifically the shine of their wings and the peak of their head.
The chorus of "You gotta lose, you gotta lose" can be interpreted as both a warning and universal truth. The first verse mentions a man who thought he was invincible, only to succumb to the fatal disease of rabies. The second verse mentions feeling great and insensate for twenty minutes, but destiny catches up eventually. The repeated phrase "you gotta lose" can be seen as a reminder that no one can escape the inevitable cycle of ups and downs in life, and to never become too overconfident or complacent.
Overall, The Heartbreakers' use of dark humor and satire in "You Gotta Lose" serves as a commentary on the absurdity of societal beauty standards and the realities of life's struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I hope I don't seem immodest when I tell you that my, my
I don't mean to brag but let me tell you about my unusual parents
Mother was a pinhead and my father was a fly.
My mother had an abnormally small head and my father was a fly, which makes me a unique person
That's why I love you darlin' with a love that's so unique:
I have a special appreciation for your unique beauty because of my own unique background
Your glistenin' wings they complement your head's exquisite peak.
I find your shimmering features and unique qualities extremely attractive
You gotta lose, you gotta lose
Sometimes you have to accept defeat
Not too long ago I knew a guy who thought he can't be beat
I once knew someone who was very confident in their abilities
But he got rabies on his rubies now he can't unlace his feet.
That person got caught up in their own ego and made a mistake that paralyzed them
And I for twenty minutes yesterday felt great, felt insensate,
I had a brief moment of happiness and carefree feeling yesterday
But when you're twenty minutes late your fate is patient and will wait.
However, if you're not on time, your destiny will still be there waiting for you
I know it's hard for you to face the fact Max Factor failed your face
I understand that it's difficult for you to accept that beauty products can't fix everything
And that your social life's misshapen 'cause you feel so out of place
I recognize that you struggle to fit in socially because of your insecurities
And that the most magic man you'd meet and ask your soul to keep
Even the most perfect man you meet would only be able to love you from afar
Still could only love you from a distance one man deep.
He may be enchanted by you, but he wouldn't be able to commit fully
You gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose, you gotta lose
Sometimes acceptance of defeat is necessary in life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICHARD HELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charleshall3372
That Triple Verse!
@deranged_nubreed
Anywhere to watch this full gig ?
@jerrifinley330
The guitars are having fun
@realsinisterminister
Doesn't suit Thunders style
@user-hv5uy7ct6g
So awesome