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 Maxās 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
Can
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And then my mind ran away with me
I had a vision at the changing lines
Something's there but it's trying to leave
Take what you can, all you can carry
Take what you can and leave the past behind
Take what you can, all you can carry
We gotta run
I saw the flames come across the ridge
Falling ashes in the northern wind
And you and I have burned every bridge
And now we got to save our souls again
Take what you can, all you can carry
Take what you can and leave the past behind
Take what you can, all you can carry
Take what you can and leave the past behind
We gotta run
There's something moving in the dark outside
I gotta face it when it hits the light
No one can say I didn't have your side
No one can say I left without a fight
Take what you can, all you can carry
Take what you can and leave the past behind
Take what you can, all you can carry
Take what you can and leave the past behind
We gotta run, run
The lyrics of The Heartbreakers' song Can are quite enigmatic yet insightful. The opening line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the song by describing a 'ghost' by the road, signifying a presence or a feeling. The singer then states that their mind ran away with them, indicating that the person is struggling with their thoughts and feelings. The next line, "I had a vision at the changing lines," further emphasizes the idea of something being in a state of flux or change.
The lyrics then take a sharp turn, with the chorus stating, "Take what you can, all you can carry, Take what you can and leave the past behind, We gotta run." This can be interpreted as the singer having the realization that it's time to let go of the past and move on. The line, "Take what you can and leave the past behind," is a powerful metaphor for emotional baggage.
The second verse builds upon the theme of the past, with the imagery of flames and burning bridges. It seems as though the singer has gone through some sort of a painful experience, and now they must "save their souls again." The final verse brings a sense of resolution, with the singer declaring that they will face whatever problems they have to face and fight for what matters.
Overall, The Heartbreakers' song Can is a poignant reflection on the importance of moving on from the past and letting go of emotional baggage.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a ghost by the road tonight
I encountered an unexpected apparition while traveling on the road.
And then my mind ran away with me
I became consumed with thoughts and emotions related to my experience.
I had a vision at the changing lines
At a significant moment of transition, I experienced a profound realization or impression.
Something's there but it's trying to leave
An important entity or idea is present, but it is in the process of departing or being lost.
Take what you can, all you can carry
Collect as many valuable resources as possible, and limit yourself to carrying only what is feasible.
Take what you can and leave the past behind
Move on from previous experiences and hardships, and focus on what is most important for survival.
We gotta run
We must evacuate or flee as quickly as possible.
I saw the flames come across the ridge
A significant danger, such as a wildfire, is rapidly approaching.
Falling ashes in the northern wind
Ashes from the fire are spreading and falling due to winds blowing from the north.
And you and I have burned every bridge
We have severed all connections and relationships with others, potentially leaving us without support in times of need.
And now we got to save our souls again
We must strive to protect and preserve what is most valuable to us, such as our lives and well-being.
There's something moving in the dark outside
An ominous presence or force is making its way towards us in a setting of uncertainty or danger.
I gotta face it when it hits the light
I must confront this looming challenge or threat when it is fully revealed or in plain sight.
No one can say I didn't have your side
I have supported and remained loyal to someone, even in the face of adversity or personal risk.
No one can say I left without a fight
I made every effort to stand up for myself or others in a difficult situation, and did not back down easily.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS EARL PETTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Pahtoon
Holy shit this sounds great.
DutchTreatBagian
Nice guitar riffs
twistedspanner
I've gotta add this to my favourites list. There's a wealth of great Johnny and the Heartbreakers footage I've not seen before. If only they had made a simple cheap video to one of their songs like every other punk bank did they might have had some recognition. It would have saved the media having to deal with bunch of junkies. But instead of making a video all the money they got went up their arm instead. shame. This sounds a bit like Marc Bolan & T+Rex. Fkn great.
twistedspanner
0.46 seconds in you see Keith Levene (former Clash guitarist & future PIL guitarist) being filmed shooting up at the Roxy with fellow slammer rather than play White Riot with The Clash :-)
twistedspanner
@Flinchey Yep you didn't think he was a natural blond did you. Keith Levene 'Live at the Roxy 1977'. I'm guessing it was his only public appearance between leaving The Clash and joining PIL. You could call it performance art. You don't need a guitar š
Flinchey
wow good eye that is Keith never noticed usually due to his shorter hair around this time
Electr1cgypsy
Never heard the version with Johnny singing, cool af.
Leahflower
billy rath was cool too love the Coney Island shirt lol
Grimble Grumble
It's Jerry actually, same voice than other versions (except when it's Waldo singing)but with different more johnnyesque style, with Johnny backing and driving.
twistedspanner
I thought Jonny sung it but now you mention it I can also hear Waldo singing it too. This sounds the best and cleanest sound I've heard so it must be LAMF ( Revisited) Don't think Waldo wasn't present at the remixing with Johnny and Tony James cos 'All by Myself' is left off the album I favour of the b sides. I think LAMF Revisited is the best.ps I think this one was written by Lure & Nolan) There is s version with Jerry Nolan singing but he couldn't sing for toffee) he sounds really lame. He also sang on another outtake. Take a Chance. On the Yonkers demos. But he was the greatest drummer on that scene. No doubt about it.