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
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' song Born to Lose is an anthem to the feeling of being lost and resigned to the city's coldness. The singer recognizes that he was "born to lose" and there is "nothing to do" and "nothing to say" about his situation. He feels like he is a misfit in this world and doesn't belong here in a way that leaves him with no choice but to accept his fate. The sense of defeat and resignation is palpable, a byproduct of a life that has been filled with disappointment.
The lyrics beautifully capture the way it feels to be lost and defeated, but the song's energy takes on a life of its own. The song is fast and jagged, like a race to the finish line that never comes, and each repetition of "born to lose" feels like an attempt to outrun fate. The song carries a sense of urgency, like the singer needs to get out of the city and away from his life as soon as possible, lest he get trapped in a cycle of despair and loneliness.
In conclusion, Born to Lose is a perfect representation of the feelings of disconnection and resignation, and through the song's high energy and repetitions of "born to lose," the sense of urgency and the singer's need to escape from the city to try his luck elsewhere come to the fore.
Line by Line Meaning
That's the way you go
This verse alludes to the fact that the singer is very familiar with the city and its surroundings.
This city is so cold
The singer describes the city's weather to be very cold.
And I'm, I'm so sold
Despite the city's harsh conditions, the singer is committed to staying and making the most of it.
That's why I'm know
The artist is confident in their decision to stay in the city and pursue their goals.
Born to lose, born to lose, born to lose
The phrase 'born to lose' repeats, emphasizing the artist's belief that they are not meant to succeed.
Oh baby I'm born too loose
The singer implies that they were never destined to fit in, as they are too carefree and unfocused.
Nothing to do
The singer is idle, and they have no clear path forward to keep them occupied.
I've nothing to say
The artist has no words to describe their lack of purpose and direction in life.
Only one thing that I want
The singer knows that they want something, but are unable to articulate what that thing may be.
It's the only way
Regardless of their purpose or goals, the artist is committed to following their own path.
Living in a jungle
The city can feel like a wild jungle, where anything can happen and danger is always present.
It ain't so hard
Despite the chaos of the city, the artist has adapted to its challenges and does not find it difficult.
Living in the city
The singer is describing the city and the way people live around them.
It will eat out, eat out your heart
The city can have a negative impact on your emotions and mental health, overwhelming a person's spirit.
Baby I'm born too loose
The singer is once again acknowledging their carefree nature and the difficulties it may bring.
Oh baby I'm born too loose
The repetition in this phrase reinforces the fact that the artist is aware they don't fit the expectations of a conforming person.
Oh baby I'm born too loose
The artist feels out of place and is aware that they were never meant to follow the traditional path in life.
Oh baby I'm born to
The last line of the song is cut off, leaving an open interpretation of the singer's final thought.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Genzale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind