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
U.S. 41
The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over the hill at dawn
Had to make that wage man
That's how we got along
My daddy's life was workin'
Workin' all day long
Put food on the table
And the children sang a song
My grandad's name was Pulpwood
Wore a coat of green
Took a wife in '31
Drove the big machine
My daddy load the lumber
Put it on the truck
Used to see him walkin' home on U.S. 41
That's right, U.S. 41
All my life's been workin'
Out the door and gone
Got to make that overtime
Keep us movin' on
Need a drink of water
To get out of the sun
Burnin' up to make that wage on U.S. 41
That's right, U.S. 41
The boss man owns the business
Keeps it goin' strong
Be blowin' like a hurricane and
Work like nothin's wrong
We got to keep on movin'
'Til the bell gone ring
Fill her up with kerosene
And let that lady sing
Whoa now, let that lady sing
His given name was Lucky
His wife's name Annie Brown
Run outside the law
And they chased him right on down
Lucky faced the lawman
The captain drew his gun
They put him with a sling blade
On U.S. 41
That's right, U.S. 41
The Heartbreakers' song "U.S. 41" is a tribute to the hardworking people of a bygone era who had to work long hours, often doing physically demanding jobs, just to make ends meet. The song is a unique blend of country, blues, and rock influences that gives it an authentic and gritty feel. The first verse sets the tone, with the singer's father coming home tired after a long day's work. The second verse then turns to the singer's grandfather, who worked in the lumber industry and was often seen walking home on U.S. 41 after a long day.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of pride in the hard work that these men did, even if it meant spending long hours away from their families. The chorus echoes this sentiment with the phrase "Got to make that wage on U.S. 41," capturing the idea that these men were willing to do whatever it took to provide for their loved ones. The final verse takes the story in a different direction, with Lucky and Annie Brown, two fugitives who faced a violent end on U.S. 41.
Overall, "U.S. 41" is a powerful tribute to a time and a place that is often overlooked in popular culture. It celebrates the sacrifices and hard work of ordinary people, and it does so with a gritty and authentic sound that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever worked a physically demanding job to provide for their family.
Line by Line Meaning
My daddy came a marchin'
The singer's father worked hard every day to provide for their family.
Over the hill at dawn
The father would wake up early to start work.
Had to make that wage man
The father worked hard to earn enough money to support his family.
That's how we got along
Working hard was a way of life for the family in order to survive.
My daddy's life was workin'
The father's life revolved around his job.
Workin' all day long
The father worked long hours every day.
Put food on the table
The father's hard work provided food for the family.
And the children sang a song
The children were happy and grateful for their father's hard work.
Yes, the children sang a song
The children appreciated everything their father did for them.
My grandad's name was Pulpwood
The singer's grandfather worked in the timber industry.
Wore a coat of green
The grandfather likely wore a uniform for his job.
Took a wife in '31
The grandfather got married in 1931.
Drove the big machine
The grandfather drove heavy equipment for his job.
My daddy load the lumber
The father loaded lumber onto a truck for transport.
Put it on the truck
The father's job was to load logs onto a truck for transport.
Used to see him walkin' home on U.S. 41
The father had to walk home after a long day of work because he couldn't afford a car.
That's right, U.S. 41
U.S. 41 was the road the father walked home on.
All my life's been workin'
The singer has worked hard his whole life.
Out the door and gone
The singer leaves for work early every day.
Got to make that overtime
The singer works extra hours to earn more money.
Keep us movin' on
Working hard is necessary to keep their family afloat.
Need a drink of water
The singer is hot and thirsty from working in the sun.
To get out of the sun
The singer needs relief from the scorching sun.
Burnin' up to make that wage on U.S. 41
The singer is suffering in the heat while working hard to earn a living.
The boss man owns the business
The employer is the owner of the company.
Keeps it goin' strong
The boss is responsible for keeping the business operating smoothly.
Be blowin' like a hurricane and
The boss is demanding and uncompromising.
Work like nothin's wrong
Employees are expected to work hard, despite any difficulties they may face.
We got to keep on movin'
The workers cannot afford to stop working, even if they are tired or sick.
'Til the bell gone ring
Employees must work until their shift ends.
Fill her up with kerosene
The workers need to refill their equipment with fuel to keep working.
And let that lady sing
The equipment will run smoothly and make a humming sound when it's filled with fuel.
His given name was Lucky
The singer is describing a man named Lucky.
His wife's name Annie Brown
Lucky's wife was named Annie Brown.
Run outside the law
Lucky had a history of breaking the law.
And they chased him right on down
Lucky was pursued by law enforcement for his illegal actions.
Lucky faced the lawman
Lucky was confronted by a law enforcement officer.
The captain drew his gun
The officer pulled out his gun.
They put him with a sling blade
Lucky was either arrested or killed as punishment for his crimes.
On U.S. 41
This event took place on U.S. 41.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: TOM PETTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind