The band's first, self-titled album was released in 1988, and it met with a great fan response as well as gave the band two hit singles in the United States: "When I See You Smile" and "Price of Love". Positive reviews followed by massive tours built up immense expectations about the songwriting talent of the band in their future endeavors. However, on their second album, entitled 'Backlash', the one and only single failed to enter the U.S. Top 40, peaking instead at only number 42. Critical views were also mixed on the release.
Soon after the band recorded their second album 'Backlash', in 1991, the group disbanded. Members went their separate ways even before the album could be mixed. In a later interview, frontman John Waite said that, while he enjoyed playing to stadium-sized audiences again, he wasn't happy with the somewhat 'corporate rock' image that the Bad English had been tagged as having. He has since had a solo career focused more on mellower singer-songwriter music.
Life At The Top
Bad English Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And that's enough to hang around with those who think they know
But if you've got the image, and symbols of success
You must be doing something right, to keep up with the Jones's
They made it from the castin' couch, the sex was rock an' roll
They're everybody's business, inquiring minds must know
Every slummy little detail, every superficial move
She said, take me walking where the surf is slow
He said, what's wrong with right here, I got places to go
[Chorus]
Life at the top, down on your knees, don't stop, don't stop, give it to me
Life at the top, where nothing is free
It's alright, alright, baby won't you live it with me
If you get up on the table, you're gonna lose your place
In the city of angels, where fame's a state of grace
If you need a plastic surgeon, honey, I know an ace
You can't change your past, but he can change your face
She said, take me walking where the surf is slow
He said, what's wrong with right here, I got places to go
[Chorus]
He said, baby, take me far away from here
She said, you already arrived, can't you see yourself clear
Life at the top (alright, alright)
Shakin' the money tree (alright, alright)
Give it everything you got (alright, alright)
Shake it one time for me (don't stop, don't stop)
[Chorus]
(Life) at the top, down on your knees, alright, alright, baby live it with me
(Life at the top) This stealin' thing you got, in the land of the free
(Don't stop, don't stop) So come on baby why won't you
Why don't you steal from me
(Life at the top) My my my my my my yeah
(Life at the top) It's alright (life at the top) it's alright, in real life
(Life at the top) alright, yeah
In the city of the angels, you can get it where you want it
Get it where you want it, get where you want to, want it, want it to be
The lyrics of Bad English's song "Life At The Top" reflect the high-paced and shallow lifestyle of celebrities who do everything possible to keep up with the Joneses. The song talks about a couple who are trying to fit into this superficial and appearance-driven world. The opening line "He looks like De Niro, she's his Brigitte Bardot" indicates that the couple is trying hard to create a perfect image - one that is appealing and enviable.
The song portrays a world where everything is on display - every little detail of the couple's life is interesting to people. The lyrics reflect how people's lives are constantly under scrutiny and how everything about them is a subject of gossip. The chorus "Life at the top, down on your knees, don't stop, don't stop, give it to me" somewhat describes the attitude of the elites towards their achievements and success.
The song also touches upon the subject of changing oneself to fit the societal standards of beauty. The lyrics "You can't change your past, but he can change your face" suggest that people in this world will go to any extent to meet the societal standards of beauty and success. The song ends with the line "In the city of the angels, you can get it where you want it," which indicates that the city of Los Angeles is a place where people can achieve whatever they desire- but at a cost.
Line by Line Meaning
He looks like Deniro, she's his Brigitte Bardot
He resembles Robert De Niro, and she is his equivalent of the French actress Brigitte Bardot
And that's enough to hang around with those who think they know
Their looks are enough to allow them to associate with people who believe they are informed
But if you've got the image, and symbols of success
However, if you have the desired appearance and signs of accomplishment
You must be doing something right, to keep up with the Jones's
You are evidently doing well to be keeping up with others considered to be successful.
They made it from the castin' couch, the sex was rock an' roll
They became famous through sexual acts while auditioning, and the experience was said to be intense.
They're everybody's business, inquiring minds must know
Their personal lives are a subject of public concern, and everyone seems to want to know more.
Every slummy little detail, every superficial move
All unsavory and seemingly irrelevant information about them is readily available for consumption.
And you can buy it retail, in pink and black and blue
You may purchase it at a price, packaged in a superficial and attractive way.
She said, take me walking where the surf is slow
She requested a leisurely stroll in a relaxing oceanic environment.
He said, what's wrong with right here, I got places to go
He did not want to spend time doing nothing, and preferred to be on the move.
[Chorus]
This section of the song is the chorus.
If you get up on the table, you're gonna lose your place
Should you stand on the table, you will relinquish your position.
In the city of angels, where fame's a state of grace
In Los Angeles, where fame is revered as a divine attribute.
If you need a plastic surgeon, honey, I know an ace
If you need recommendation for a plastic surgeon, I have the ideal person.
You can't change your past, but he can change your face
You are unable to alter your history; however, he can alter your appearance.
He said, baby, take me far away from here
He uttered, darling, transport me somewhere else.
She said, you already arrived, can't you see yourself clear
She replied, you are where you need to be, why can't you perceive the situation accurately?
In the city of the angels, you can get it where you want it
In Los Angeles, you can receive whatever you want.
Get it where you want it, get where you want to, want it, want it to be
You can get it, be where you want to, or want it to be.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN WAITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind