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
All or Nothin'
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You didn't wanna but he made you
Wipe his brass from time to time
It left a picture in your mind. You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
My load is wide, my street is narrow
My skin is thicker, my heart is tougher
I don't mind workin', but I'm scared to suffer
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
Sweet chariots of L.A. swing low
At twilight time the smog makes a rainbow
So keep one eye on the weather
You had it good, you wanted better
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
The Heartbreakers' song All or Nothin' is a highly contemplative and introspective piece featuring two verses along with a chorus that repeats the title multiple times. As the song commences, it narrates the story of a girl who did not want to participate in her father's military activities but was coerced to do so. The image of the girl reminiscing of wiping her father's brass at regular intervals has left a picture in her mind of the strict and demanding environment in which she grew up. The vocal delivery of these lines gives the impression that the girl was left with no alternative but to submit to the will of her father.
In the second verse, a male protagonist delivers his sentiments about his condition in life. The singer talks about himself as a fallen arrow, suggesting that he was once soaring, but over time, has reached a point approaching the ground. He mentions that while his load is wide, his street is narrow. This line juxtaposes the vast possibilities of the world with the reality of narrow choices in actuality. This line is followed by a powerful couplet where he mentions that his skin is thicker, but his heart is tougher. This notion of developing a hard exterior in order to survive is a prevailing theme throughout the song. In the chorus, the notion that the singers want everything is reinforced, but they acknowledge that it's either all or nothing.
Line by Line Meaning
Your daddy was a Sgt. Major
Your father was an authoritarian figure who expected your obedience.
You didn't wanna but he made you
You were forced to do things you didn't want to do because of your father's authority.
Wipe his brass from time to time
You had to perform menial tasks for your father, like polishing his brass.
It left a picture in your mind. You know? You know?
The memories of your father's strictness and expectations remain with you to this day.
You want it all, you want it all
You have a strong desire for complete fulfillment and success in life.
All or nothin'
You're not willing to settle for anything less than complete satisfaction and success.
Here am I a fallen arrow
You feel like you're not living up to your potential or expectations.
My load is wide, my street is narrow
You have a lot of responsibilities, but feel limited in the opportunities and resources available to you.
My skin is thicker, my heart is tougher
You've developed thick skin and a strong heart through the struggles and challenges of life.
I don't mind workin', but I'm scared to suffer
You're willing to put in effort and work hard, but afraid of the pain and hardship that often comes with it.
Sweet chariots of L.A. swing low
You're hoping for good things to come your way.
At twilight time the smog makes a rainbow
Even through the difficulties and struggles of life, there can still be moments of beauty and hope.
So keep one eye on the weather
Stay aware of the changing circumstances and situations around you.
You had it good, you wanted better
You've experienced some level of success or fulfillment, but have higher aspirations and desires.
You know? You know?
You're seeking validation and affirmation for your desires and ambitions.
You want it all, you want it all
You have a strong desire for complete fulfillment and success in life.
All or nothin'
You're not willing to settle for anything less than complete satisfaction and success.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEFFREY LYNNE, MICHAEL W CAMPBELL, THOMAS EARL PETTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnny zell
Your daddy was a Sgt. Major
You didn't wanna but he made you
Wipe his brass from time to time
It left a picture in your mind. You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
Here am I a fallen arrow
My load is wide, my street is narrow
My skin is thicker, my heart is tougher
I don't mind workin', but I'm scared to suffer
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
Sweet chariots of L.A. swing low
At twilight time the smog makes a rainbow
So keep one eye on the weather
You had it good, you wanted better
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
Moe kancha
Most underrated song
Susan Andrew
Love this song 🎵 Tom petty and heartbreakers ❤️🙏🎵🎸🙏
Angel Chavez
This song rules!!
Sam P
Heard this for the first time the other day. Loved it instantly. Second time I'm hearing it right now. Damn good!
Guillaume Gillon
fantastique musique ! the great Tom Petty and his band !
Kristen Luther
Totally i love this song i can rock out 2 this man he wrote awesome songs especially this one All or Nothing can't get enough of tom petty never ever.🎶😃😇🎵
Carol fidler
Great song by the best rock and roll musician ever. 🎩🎸🎼✨💖
Sue Reaney
Wow, that sent shivers up my spine! :)
Sue Reaney
Definitely! Mind you, I haven't yet heard a Tom Petty song that I haven't liked, and I have one heck of a collection of his music! :) No matter if I hear Tom sing 'live' or listen to a recording, it all sounds great, in my humble opinion. Can you tell that I'm a fan?! :)
Dakota. Dreng Nelson
Sue Reaney good song right?!?