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 born to lose
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This city is so cold
And I'm, I'm so sold
That's why I'm know
I said hit it
Born to lose, born to lose, born to lose
Oh baby I'm born too loose
Nothing to do
I've nothing to say
Only one thing that I want
It's the only way
I said hit it
Born to lose
I said hit it
Born to lose
I said hit it
Born to lose
Oh baby I'm born too loose
Oh baby I'm born too loose
Living in a jungle
It ain't so hard
Living in the city
It will eat out, eat out your heart
I said hit it
Born to lose
I said hit it
Born to lose
I said hit it
Born to lose
Baby I'm born too loose
Oh baby I'm born too loose
Oh baby I'm born too loose
Oh baby I'm born to ...
The Heartbreakers' "Born to Lose" is a song about feeling trapped in a city that is cold and unforgiving. The singer is sold on the idea that they are meant to fail and that they are "born to lose." They have nothing to do and nothing to say, except for the fact that they want to live their life in a way that feels true to them.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "born to lose" three times, with the addition of "oh baby I'm born too loose." While the lyrics may seem pessimistic and bleak, the melody and instrumentation of the song are fast-paced and energetic. This contrast creates a feeling of tension and release, as if the singer is stuck in their surroundings but desperately trying to break free.
The second verse introduces the idea of the city as a jungle, and the singer's inability to survive in this environment. They sing about how living in the city will "eat out your heart." The repetition of the phrase "I said hit it" throughout the song can be interpreted as a call to action, urging the listener to do something about their situation even if they feel like they are destined to fail.
Line by Line Meaning
That's the way you go
This is the path you choose to take
This city is so cold
The environment is harsh and unfriendly
And I'm, I'm so sold
I am fully committed to this lifestyle
That's why I'm know
It explains why I am certain of my choices
Nothing to do
I have no purpose or entertainment
I've nothing to say
I have no voice or message to convey
Only one thing that I want
There is only one goal I am set on achieving
It's the only way
It's the only path to take
Living in a jungle
Surviving in the harsh world
It ain't so hard
It's not that difficult
Living in the city
Surviving in the urban environment
It will eat out, eat out your heart
It can take a toll on one's emotional wellbeing
Born to lose
Destined to fail
Oh baby I'm born too loose
I am doomed because of my carefree nature
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN GENZALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind