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
Love Comes In Spurts
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who wanted love that was wild
Though tight as slow motion
But crazed with devotion
Insane with devotion
A whole other notion
I was fourteen and a half
Love comes in spurts (oh no it hurts)
Love comes in spurts (it hurts)
Love comes in spurts (oh no, 'cause)
Love comes in spurts (it always hurts)
I just can't get wise
To those tragical lies
Though I now know the facts
They still cut like an Saxe
'Cause love comes in spurts
In dangerous flirts
And it murders your heart
They didn't tell you that part
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
Love comes in spurts
The Heartbreakers' song "Love Comes in Spurts" describes the intense feelings of love that often begin at a young age. The lyrics speak to a desire for a love that is wild and passionate but also the pain that comes along with it. The use of the phrase "Love comes in spurts" implies that love is not consistent or easy to understand, but rather comes in unpredictable bursts that can be both exhilarating and painful.
The first verse of the song makes it clear that the singer is young and inexperienced in matters of love. They desire a love that is "tight as slow motion but crazed with devotion," indicating a deep, passionate connection. However, they are "insane with devotion" and recognize that this intensity is not without risk. The second verse reveals that the singer is now older and wiser but has still been hurt by love. They have learned the hard way that love can be dangerous, and that it "murders your heart" without warning.
The repeated refrain of "Love comes in spurts" reinforces the idea that love can't be controlled, predicted, or fully understood. The song is a powerful statement about the highs and lows of falling in love and the emotional risks that come along with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a child
As a child, I was naive and inexperienced in the ways of love.
Who wanted love that was wild
I desired a passionate and intense love.
Though tight as slow motion
I wanted a love that felt slow-moving, but with a firm grip on my heart.
But crazed with devotion
Despite my calm exterior, my love was wild and irrational.
Insane with devotion
My love was so intense that it bordered on madness.
A whole other notion
Love was more complicated and difficult than I ever imagined.
I was fourteen and a half
I was young and inexperienced when I first fell in love.
And it wasn't no laugh
Love was not the joyful experience I thought it would be.
Love comes in spurts (oh no it hurts)
Love can be unpredictable and painful.
Love comes in spurts (it hurts)
Love can cause emotional pain and distress.
Love comes in spurts (oh no, 'cause)
Love can catch you off guard and leave you feeling unprepared.
Love comes in spurts (it always hurts)
Love can never be pain-free.
I just can't get wise
Despite my experiences, I still struggle to understand love fully.
To those tragical lies
I have been deceived before, and I am cautious of falling into the same traps.
Though I now know the facts
Despite my knowledge, love still has its mysteries and surprises.
They still cut like an Saxe
Even though I know better, the pain of love still hurts.
'Cause love comes in spurts
Love can be unpredictable and sudden.
In dangerous flirts
Love can be tricky and even risky sometimes.
And it murders your heart
Love can cause great emotional pain and turmoil.
They didn't tell you that part
Love is not always portrayed honestly or accurately in movies or books.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD HELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind