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
One Track Mind
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hada think up a song
To live like i wish
I had to flop like a fish
in the confusion
I made an illusion
I spit out a track
and i dont look back
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
Over You
Everythings nice
when you're coved in ice
But you open yer eyes
and it's one big lie
Well I feel right in home
in This Room of my own
My rule book is finish
it says dont come in
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
Over You
I got tracks on my arms
tracks on my face
there's track on the walls
and all over the place
But i don't think I'd miss it
if I had you to fix it
I just want you
for just one night
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
Over You
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
I Gotta One Track Mind
Over You
The Heartbreakers' song 'One Track Mind' speaks to the idea of living life on one's own terms, despite what others may think or say. The lyrics suggest that the singer has chosen a certain path, one that may be unconventional or even frowned upon, but he is committed to it nonetheless. He reflects on the confusion that led him to this decision, and how he may have created an illusion for himself to justify his choices. However, he is resolute in his decision to 'flop like a fish' and not look back.
The chorus of 'I Gotta One Track Mind' is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's determination to stay the course, even as he acknowledges the tracks on his arms, face, and walls - symbols of the chaos and destruction that might accompany such a lifestyle. He takes solace in being alone in his room, where he can be free to do as he pleases without judgment or interference from others. However, he also expresses a desire for connection, and suggests that his one track mind might change if he could be with the object of his affection for just one night.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was born
From the moment I came into this world, I knew that my purpose was to create a song.
I hada think up a song
I realized that if I wanted to live the life I truly desired, I needed to express myself through music.
To live like i wish
I was determined to live life on my own terms, despite any obstacles or challenges that came my way.
I had to flop like a fish
I had to be willing to take risks and embrace failure in order to achieve my dreams.
in the confusion
As I navigated the ups and downs of life and the music industry, things often felt chaotic and overwhelming.
I made an illusion
To cope with the stress and uncertainty, I sometimes created a false sense of security or control for myself.
I spit out a track
Despite the challenges I faced, I continued to create music that was true to myself and my experiences.
and i dont look back
I refused to dwell on the past or let my mistakes hold me back from pursuing my dreams.
Everythings nice
Things may seem perfect on the surface, but appearances can be deceiving.
when you're coved in ice
Emotional detachment and a desire to avoid vulnerability can make it seem like everything is under control.
But you open yer eyes
Once you face reality and let down your guard, the truth can be painful and hard to accept.
and it's one big lie
The illusion of control and independence can crumble in the face of genuine emotion and connection.
Well I feel right in home
Despite the confusion and chaos of the world around me, I found solace and security in my music and the creative process.
in This Room of my own
In the space of my own mind and creativity, I controlled my own destiny and found a sense of purpose.
My rule book is finish
I had my own set of standards and values that defined who I was and the music I created, and I didn't need anyone else's approval.
it says dont come in
I didn't want others to impose their expectations or opinions on me or my creative process.
I got tracks on my arms
The scars and evidence of past struggles and pain are clear and visible.
tracks on my face
The emotional toll of my past struggles is etched on my face and in my heart.
there's track on the walls
The impact of my struggles and the creative process is evident in everything around me, including my environment.
and all over the place
My struggles and experiences are a part of everything I do and create.
But i don't think I'd miss it
Although my past struggles and pain have played a formative role in my music and creativity, I don't necessarily need them to continue to create.
if I had you to fix it
A genuine connection with someone else could help me to heal and move forward from my past struggles.
I just want you
Despite my initial reluctance to let others into my life and my creative process, I crave connection and intimacy.
for just one night
Even if it's just for a brief moment, I'm willing to let go of my need for control and independence to experience a deeper connection.
I Gotta One Track Mind
Despite everything, my devotion to music and creative expression remains steadfast and unwavering.
Over You
However, my desire for connection and intimacy, and my willingness to let go of past pain and struggles, is centered on you.
Writer(s): Jerry Nolan, Walter Luhr Copyright: BMG Vm Music Ltd.
Contributed by Samuel V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.