You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory
Johnny Thunders
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It doesn't pay to try All the smart boys know why It doesn't mean I didn't try I just never know why Feel so cold and all alone 'Cause, baby, you're not at home And when I'm home Big deal, I'm still alone Feel so restless; I am Beat my head against a pole Try to knock some sense Down in my bones And even though they don't show The scars aren't so old And when they go They let you know [Chorus] You can't put your arms around a memory You can't put your arms around a memory You can't put your arms around a memory Don't try, don't try You're just a bastard kid And you got no name 'Cause you're living with me We're one and the same And even though they don't show They scars aren't so old And when they go They let you know [Chorus x 2]
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10 facts about this song
Artist Development"You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" is a solo piece by Johnny Thunders, who was a prominent member of the proto-punk rock band New York Dolls. Thunders' song deviates from his usual aggressive punk style, showing a softer and more introspective side.
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Song MessageThe song essentially is about the agonizing pain of nostalgia and how it is impossible to physically embrace a memory.
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Release Date"You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" was released in 1978 as part of Thunders' solo album "So Alone."
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Album SuccessThe album "So Alone", where the song features, has been cited as Thunders' most compulsive and potent works, gaining critical acclaim for its striking honesty and rawness.
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TributeThe song was a dedication to Thunders' deceased girlfriend Anette, highlighting the depth of personal emotions in the lyrics.
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Cover VersionsVarious artists have covered "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory," signifying its influence in rock music. Some notable covers include those by Guns N' Roses and Duff McKagan.
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Emotional ImpactThis song was high on dramatic and emotional content, and fans felt it captured the essence of loss and longing beautifully, making it one of the standout tracks in Thunders' solo career.
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Song TitleThe song title is derived from a line in the psychological drama film 'The Mind Snatchers'.
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GenreAlthough Johnny Thunders was mainly known as a punk rock artist, "You can't put your arms around a memory" is more like a classic rock ballad than a punk rock song.
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Posthumous RecognitionDespite Thunders' tragic death due to drug abuse in the early ’90s, this song continues to be recognized as one of his finest works.
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Citation
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"You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9814211/Johnny+Thunders/You+Can%27t+Put+Your+Arms+Around+a+Memory>.
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