Johnny Thunders (vocals/guitar) and Jerry Nolan (drums) had quit the New Yo… Read Full Bio ↴Johnny Thunders (vocals/guitar) and Jerry Nolan (drums) had quit the New York Dolls, and that same week Richard Hell (vocals/bass) was forced out of Television. The trio joined forces, and after a few shows added Walter Lure (vocals/guitar), who had played with a group called the Demons.

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

Can't Keep My Eyes On You
The Heartbreakers Lyrics

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I saw you standing there
No doubt without a care
The way you wear your clothes
The way you wear your hair
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)

The way you look at me
The way I look at you

I know you go for me
Just like I go for you
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)

Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you

I get a jugular buzz
Would gladly kill for love
And when your skirt starts to fall
I'm on a librium ball
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)

Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you

Can't keep my eyes on you
You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you

I saw you standing there
No doubt without a care
The way you wear your clothes
The way you wear your hair
Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)

Can't keep my eyes on you (x8)

Can't keep my eyes on you

You know you're something new
And I'm in love with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Heartbreakers' song "Can't keep my eyes on you" express the singer's infatuation and admiration for someone they see standing there. The person's appearance, their fashion sense, and hairstyle capture the singer's attention. The repetition of "Can't keep my eyes on you" emphasizes the intensity of the attraction the singer feels towards this individual.

The second verse highlights the mutual interest between the singer and the person they are enamored with. The way they look at each other suggests a reciprocated connection, as both parties are drawn to one another. The chorus reinforces the idea that the singer can't take their eyes off this person because they are "something new" and the singer is falling in love with them.

The third verse introduces a sense of desire and even obsession. The line "I get a jugular buzz, would gladly kill for love" implies a heightened emotional state, emphasizing the intensity of the singer's infatuation. The mention of the person's skirt falling and the reference to a "librium ball" (likely referring to the sedative drug Librium) further accentuates the singer's struggle to maintain focus due to their overpowering attraction.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of overwhelming captivation and desire for someone whose presence grabs the singer's attention and makes them unable to look away.

Line by Line Meaning

I saw you standing there
I noticed you in that moment

No doubt without a care
You appeared carefree and confident

The way you wear your clothes
Your fashion sense and style

The way you wear your hair
Your hairstyle and how you carry it

Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
I'm completely captivated by you

The way you look at me
The gaze you direct towards me

The way I look at you
My own intense gaze towards you

I know you go for me
I sense your attraction towards me

Just like I go for you
Likewise, I am attracted to you

Can't keep my eyes on you (x4)
I am completely unable to divert my attention from you

Can't keep my eyes on you
I cannot stop staring at you