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
Goin' Steady
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Going steady with you
We're going steady, we're going steady,
Going steady with you
You gotta cross that line if you get some
Some fresh heart
I'm looking for a teenage Judy
We're going steady, we're going steady
Going steady with you
We're going steady, we're going steady,
Going steady with you
You gotta choose me if you want me
Flip some baseball card
You cross that line if you get some
Cause once is not enough
I tell you once is not enough
I tell you once is not enough
I tell you once baby
If you don't often come
You gotta choose me if you want me
And flip some baseball card
You cross that line and you get some
Ooh some fresh heart
I said you get some fresh heart
I said you get some fresh heart
I said you get some baby
If you don't often come
We're going steady, we're going steady
Going steady with you
We're going steady, we're going steady,
Going steady with you
We're going steady, we're going steady
Going steady with you
We're going steady, we're going steady,
Going steady with you
The Heartbreakers' song "Goin' Steady" is about the excitement and uncertainty of teenage love. The chorus repeats the phrase "We're going steady, we're going steady, going steady with you", emphasizing the commitment and stability that the singer desires in his relationship. However, the verses suggest that the singer is still exploring his options and looking for the right partner.
The first verse includes the lines "You gotta cross that line if you get some, some fresh heart," which could be interpreted as a reference to physical intimacy. The singer is looking for a "teenage Judy", a reference to the character Judy in the classic movie "Rebel Without a Cause", who represents the wild and rebellious spirit of youth. The second verse includes the lines "You gotta choose me if you want me, flip some baseball card," which suggests that the singer wants to be pursued and chosen by his partner.
Overall, "Goin' Steady" captures the excitement and confusion of teenage romance, as the singer navigates the desire for commitment and stability while also exploring his options and trying to find the right partner.
Line by Line Meaning
We're going steady, we're going steady
We're committed to each other and are in a serious relationship
Going steady with you
You are the one I'm committed to and we're exclusively dating
You gotta cross that line if you get some
In order to truly experience love and intimacy, you have to take risks and step out of your comfort zone
Some fresh heart
New feelings of love and passion that come from pursuing a relationship
I'm looking for a teenage Judy
I want to find a young and innocent love, like that of Judy Garland in her teenage years
So I can get a running start
To feel the rush of excitement and energy that comes with starting a new relationship
You gotta choose me if you want me
I want you to commit to me and make me feel special by choosing me over others
Flip some baseball card
Take a chance on me, like flipping a coin or card to see the outcome
Cause once is not enough
One encounter or date is not enough to truly know and experience love and connection
I tell you once is not enough
I want to emphasize that one time is not enough and that I want a real, ongoing relationship
If you don't often come
If you don't make an effort to be with me and prioritize our relationship, it won't work out
You cross that line and you get some
Taking a risk and crossing boundaries in a relationship can lead to more passion and love
Ooh some fresh heart
Experiencing new and exciting feelings of love and passion
I said you get some fresh heart
I want to emphasize that taking risks and exploring new feelings can lead to a fresh and exciting relationship
We're going steady, we're going steady
We're still in a committed relationship
Going steady with you
And it's with you, the person I am committed to
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN GENZALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind