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

Do You Love Me
The Heartbreakers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance,
You didn't even want me around.
And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.

Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)

Now do you love me?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Tell me,
(Tell me,)
Tell me.

Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)
Now do you love me?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?

Tell me,
(Tell me,)

Overall Meaning

The Heartbreakers' song You Don't Love Me is a classic tale of heartbreak and redemption, using dance as a metaphor for personal growth and overcoming rejection. The opening lines of the song set the stage for the singer's pain – they were rejected by their partner because they couldn't dance. This rejection caused immense heartbreak, and the singer was banished from their partner's life. However, rather than wallowing in their misery, the singer has returned to show their partner that they have grown and changed. They now have the confidence and ability to "shake 'em down" on the dance floor, hoping to win back their partner's affections.

The chorus of the song repeatedly asks the question "Do you love me?" as the singer performs increasingly impressive dance moves. These moves are described as being "in the groove" and "mashing potatoes" among other dance styles. The questions become more urgent as the song progresses, with the singer asking directly if their partner loves them now that they can dance. The song ends with the singer pleading with their partner to tell them if they still love them.

Overall, You Don't Love Me is a fun and upbeat song that uses dance as a metaphor for personal growth and redemption. The singer has transformed themselves from a rejected partner into an impressive dancer and is hoping to win back their love through their new skills.

Line by Line Meaning

You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance,
You ended our relationship because I was unable to dance.

You didn't even want me around.
You didn't even want me to be around you anymore.

And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.
Now I am here to prove to you that I am capable of dancing well.

Do you love me?
Do you have romantic feelings for me?

(I can really move, )
(I am a great dancer,)

Do you love me?
Do you have romantic feelings for me?

(I'm in the groove.)
(I am feeling the music.)

Now do you love me?
Do you have romantic feelings for me now?

(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
(Are you attracted to me now that I can dance well?)

Watch me, now.
Observe me, now.

(Work, work)
(Put in effort, exert oneself)