Brett Dennen (born October 28, 1979) is a folk/pop singer-songwriter from O… Read Full Bio ↴Brett Dennen (born October 28, 1979) is a folk/pop singer-songwriter from Oakdale, California, United States. He has been compared to Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, and Wynonna Judd.

In 2004, Dennen released his first self-titled album, Brett Dennen. His second album was So Much More, which includes the singles "Ain't No Reason", "She's Mine", and "Darlin' Do Not Fear". A few songs charted as iTunes top downloads in the days following the album's release in November 2006. [1] Dennen also contributed a cover of "Private Life" to the 2006 tribute album Drink To Bones That Turn To Dust: A Toast To Oingo Boingo.

Dennen's music has been featured in several television shows, including"Roadtrip Nation" on PBS, Grey's Anatomy, the House episode "Family", The Unit episode "Freefall", and the Scrubs episode "My No Good Reason". In addition to television series, Dennen's music has also been used in national advertising campaigns for companies such as Hilton Hotels.

He has toured extensively across the U.S. with his band (including drummer Randy Schwartz), supporting such musicians as John Mayer and guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. As of fall 2007, he is currently touring with Guster and singer-songwriters Meiko and Joshua James.

Dennen has been a part of The Mosaic Project, San Francisco Bay Area based nonprofit, since its inception. The Mosaic Project works towards a peaceful future by uniting young children of diverse backgrounds, providing them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empowering them to strive for peace. As The Mosaic Project's Resident Rock Star, Dennen created an original musical curriculum for the program, which they released as an album called Children's Songs for Peace and a Better World, in 2003. It won a Children's Music Web 2004 Award and a Parent's Choice 2004 Approved Award.

In November, 2007, Dennen was named as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "10 Artists To Watch."

Discography

* Children's Songs for Peace and a Better World (2003)
* Brett Dennen (2004)
* So Much More (2006)
* Hope for the Hopeless (2008)

Comeback Kid
Brett Dennen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well maybe it's the common curse
Maybe things get bad before they get worse
I don't wanna become someone
Who can't live up to what I already done

Don't keep it just to figure it out
When it rains and pours and then it runs out
I was crying on the bathroom floor

And just when I thought I could take no more well

Here comes the comeback
The kid is back he's back on track
And there goes my hero
He's an underdog he's coming out on top and
Come on come on back that's my dog

It was a park through the trailer park
She went whistling through the graveyard
She came to raise the dead
And I was a stain on her unmade bed

I found a lover and then I lost myself
And now I'm nowhere she's somewhere else
And the boys with the brown skinny legs
They go on and on she sees but I say

Hey here comes a comeback
The kid is back he's back on track
And there goes my hero, he's a underdog
That's coming out on top

And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back now comeback comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog that's my dog

Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na na
Hey

I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low low low low
Why was I the last to know?
Why was I the last to know?
Yes I was

I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low low low low
Don't let me be the last to know
Don't let me be the last to know

Here comes a comeback
The kid is back he's back on track

And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back now comeback comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog that's my dog

Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na that's my dog
That's my, that's my dog

Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog

Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog

Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog

Overall Meaning

The song "Comeback Kid" by Brett Dennen portrays the common experience of hitting an all-time low in life, but eventually bouncing back and overcoming challenges. The opening lines "Maybe it's the common curse, Maybe things get bad before they get worse" suggest that sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. Dennen doesn't want to become someone who can't live up to what he has already accomplished. He's asking for help and support from friends and loved ones to figure things out, especially when he's crying on the bathroom floor and feels like he can't take anymore. However, the chorus is an encouragement to keep going and never give up. "Here comes a comeback, the kid is back and he's back on track," suggests that he has found the strength and resilience to get up and move forward. He recognizes that he's not alone, and everyone loves an underdog.

The second verse references a relationship that has ended badly, where Dennen found a lover, but lost himself in the process, and she's moved on while he's left behind. The imagery of the "park through the trailer park" and "whistling through the graveyard" creates a sense of abandonment and loss. The boys with the "brown skinny legs" represent those who move on and go about their lives, while the singer struggles with letting go. The repetition of the phrase "that's my dog" in the chorus creates a sense of camaraderie and support. It's like saying "I've got your back" to someone who's been knocked down but is starting to rise up again.

Line by Line Meaning

Well maybe it's the common curse
Perhaps it's the usual way things go wrong

Maybe things get bad before they get worse
It's possible that situations may deteriorate before improving

I don't wanna become someone
I don't want to change into someone undesirable

Who can't live up to what I already done
I don't want to fail to meet my previous accomplishments

Don't keep it just to figure it out
Don't keep struggling alone to make sense of things

When it rains and pours and then it runs out
When an abundance of difficulties arise that eventually fade away

I was crying on the bathroom floor
I was so emotionally disturbed that I broke down and cried alone

And just when I thought I could take no more well
At the point when I had no more capacity to cope

Here comes the comeback
Now is the time for me to bounce back

The kid is back he's back on track
I'm a fighter and I'm ready to succeed

And there goes my hero
My champion is on the move

He's an underdog he's coming out on top and
He's the unexpected winner who'll take the prize

Come on come on back that's my dog
I'm cheering for my hero to succeed

It was a park through the trailer park
It was a very modest life in a trailer park

She went whistling through the graveyard
She went through life carefree and without fear

She came to raise the dead
She brought life and energy to everything she touched

And I was a stain on her unmade bed
I was hurt and abandoned, left with nothing

I found a lover and then I lost myself
During my relationship, I lost identity and sense of self

And now I'm nowhere she's somewhere else
Now that we separated, I feel lost and she moved on

And the boys with the brown skinny legs
The confident and charming boys around her

They go on and on she sees but I say
She enjoys their company while I'm envious and hurt

Hey here comes a comeback
It's now my time to show what I'm made of

The kid is back he's back on track
I'm ready to make a comeback after a defeat

And everybody loves a comeback
People always root for successful comebacks

So come on back now comeback comeback
I'm urging myself to come back better than ever

Everybody loves the underdog
Everyone enjoys the story of triumph over adversity

Singing that's my dog that's my dog
Cheering me on to success

I've never been laid so low
I have never felt this depressed and defeated

Don't let me be the last to know
Don't keep me in the dark about any positive changes or developments

Na na na na na na na na
Singing and celebrating

That's my dog
That's my hero who's coming back strong

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRETT DENNEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

l

3y↑3

Well, maybe it's the common curse
Maybe things get bad before they get worse
I don't wanna become someone
Who can't live up to what already done
Don't keep it just to figure it out
When it rains and pours, and then it runs out
I was crying on the bathroom floor
And just when I thought I could take no more
Well, here comes a comeback
The kid is back, is back on track
And there goes my hero
He's an underdog, he's coming out on top
And come on, come on back, that's my dog
It was a park of the trailer park
She went whistling through the big yard
She came to raise the dead
And I was a stain on her unmade bed
I found a lover and then I lost myself
And now I'm nowhere, she's somewhere else
And the boys with the brown, skinny legs
Said you're on and on, she sees but I say
Hey, here comes a comeback
The kid is back, is back on track
And there goes my hero, he's an underdog
He's coming out on top
And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back, now, comeback, comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog, that's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Hey
I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low, low, low, low
Why was I the last to know?
Why was I the last to know?
Hear the words, I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low, low, low, low
Don't let me be the last to know
Don't let me be the last to know
Here comes a comeback
The kid is back, is back on track
And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back, now, comeback, comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog, that's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, that's my dog
That's my, that's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
That's my dog

Nayops22

2y↑2

0:08
^ Well maybe it's the common curse
Maybe things get bad before they get worse
I don't wanna become someone
Who can't live up to what I already done
Don't keep it just to figure it out
When it rains and pours and then it runs out
I was crying on the bathroom floor
And just when I thought I could take no more well
Here comes the comeback
The kid is back he's back on track
And there goes my hero
He's an underdog he's coming out on top and
Come on come on back that's my dog
It was a park through the trailer park
She went whistling through the graveyard
She came to raise the dead
And I was a stain on her unmade bed
I found a lover and then I lost myself
And now I'm nowhere she's somewhere else
And the boys with the brown skinny legs
They go on and on she sees but I say
Hey here comes a comeback
The kid is back he's back on track
And there goes my hero, he's a underdog
That's coming out on top
And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back now comeback comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog that's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na na
Hey
I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low low low low
Why was I the last to know
Why was I the last to know
Yes I was
I've never been laid so low
Never been laid so low low low low
Don't let me be the last to know
Don't let me be the last to know
Here comes a comeback
The kid is back he's back on track
And everybody loves a comeback
So come on back now comeback comeback
Everybody loves the underdog
Singing that's my dog that's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na that's my dog
That's my, that's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog
Na na na na na na na na
That's my dog🎤🎶

All comments from YouTube:

KingKyoryu1234

3y↑29

This song motivated me to finish high school when nothing else gave me energy. This was my theme song for a while. I can't listen to this without having flashbacks to the summer I graduated. It's such a bittersweet feeling, and I'm thankful I can be reminded of such happy times.

FINSanity305

1y↑1

Good for you, seriously. I had a hard time in HS mostly because of people. I didn't get my GED til I was 20, but I didn't try til I was 20 so not stupid lol.

Brand New

43w↑1

How you doing now?

KingKyoryu1234

42w

@Brand Newworking a stable job, i have a girlfriend, and I'm living in my own place making my own way. Thank you for asking 😊

Laura Sturgeon

4y↑30

This song may not be played anywhere anymore but it's my absolute favorite. Its upbeat and inspirational. Whenever anyone out there feels bummed for any reason, play this song and you will be instantly happy. Trust me.

Rosaline Lovelace

3y↑2

They played it at tj maxx recently :) that’s why i’m here

Jeffery Hoeschen Hoeschen

2y↑1

It's not played because it's bad song.

FINSanity305

Pretty much all of Brett's music does that for me. It lifts spirits pretty much instantly. He reminds me of Tom Petty (RIP) Did Dennen stop writing? Retire? When I stumbled onto him I was surprised how many years old this was. I was also surprised how much his 'sound' reminded me of Petty.

loeyexo

5y↑23

This song always is my to-go-to-song whenever i need some pumpin up. This lifts my mood ❤️

Krishna Vohra

4y↑1

here for the same reason :)

chadem311

6y↑11

Can't count the number of times I've stumbled my way along that bridge to the Coliseum. Brett Dennen is the epitomy of the Oakland A's baseball fan... What a great tune

Jake O’Connell

6y↑49

this song is always there when im sad

Kiersten McComas

Jake Does stuff 😊

Madalyn Geller

11y↑5

Musical genius! Been going to your concerts for about 5 years now and your songs never get old!

morewoodforthecows

13y↑5

I was definitely at one of the concerts in this video! Brett Dennen, you inspire me.

James Fry

I thought it was just me. But I see here in the comments section that a lot of folks love this song, not just as a musical perfrormance, but because they find it inspirational. I've been trying to recover my mojo, to get back to a career that I loved and then found myself unable to stick with. This song helps make me feel like I can climb that mountain again. Good luck to all of you as well..

Michael Marchelli

3y↑2

Amazing songs Brett keep it up!!! Loving them <3

SCC

3y↑13

When I was taking my dog to his chemo appointments, this would always come in the radio. I wanted my dog to be the Comeback Kid.

Nita Ishcomer

Hopefully your dog is doing well

SCC

@Nita Ishcomer Thank you for your well wishes but this was 12 years ago and unfortunately the chemo only gave me 5 more months with him. I'd do it again though!!

Lapis Mosi

12y↑1

Brett, you rock my f___in' socks off. God, I can't get enough of you and your music.

victoriab97

12y↑1

This song is the best! why isn't this playing on the radio?? I would die if I heard it play...he's amazing.

Amy Trudeau

13y↑1

This is fantastic, I can't stop dancing to it!

l

3y↑3

Sarah Irwin

13y↑1

this song and video just make me so happy! I have just got to see Brett in concert some day, looks like so much fun! x

Q Ayers

8y↑5

i've been listening to brett for 6 years now...his music makes me cry tears of joy

Kelly Parkinson

6y↑2

Seeing him perform at Bonnaroo years ago brought me here. He must have been one of the most interesting performers of the weekend. Definitely underrated. His look is so innocent and refreshing.

andres birch

Kelly Parkinson yah

Brayden Gant

1y↑1

I'm loving it so much enthusiasm and spirit for sharing and showing your voice with this song because I think it is awesome.

Kthiebau90

13y↑12

He was a chance find and then his album was three dollars on amazon. I was sold. He's such a great artist!

Susan Pitman

He's super awesome live too. No shoes <3

C. Fontana

28w

It was $3 because it's a terrible album. Sorry mate. ♥️

Jack Straw

13y↑1

Great upbeat irresistable hook! Gets my foot tappin' and my day boppin". This is what pop sensibilities 2011 is all about. Give it up fer the Comeback Kid and Brett Dennen!!

Beach Adventures with Kris

7y↑1

I wonder how come this amazing and catchy song has only 178K???
It should have a lot more, as it is one of those songs that just makes extremely happy when you listen to it, and you may wanna start dancing as well. :)

MW

12y↑3

This fucking song!!! Puts a smile on my face every time. LOVE IT! Makes me feel great. Thanks Brett!

joe lewis

12y↑1

this guy may be the goofiest looking person ive ever seen but hes an incredible talent. I find myself loving every song of his i hear

shannon dolan

12y↑5

OMG!!! My friends and I are in this video!!!!! We are so honored as we are his biggest fans! (I mean for real :) We are at the very end 3:13. ahhhh! We saw him perform this song in Holland MI at Hope College before Loverboy was even released :) Brett, we are so honored and thanks from Shannon, Angie and David!!! We love you! Please like this as he must know we how big of a deal this is for us:)

Carolyn Roesbery

8y↑20

My favorite song! And that show--About a boy, It was so good! Best show in a long time. Nothing hateful in it; no narcissists, no dead bodies, no Machiavellian POVs of horrible things humans do to one another. Just happy people enjoying life in SanFrancisco and the Networks cancelled it and yet Nobody Loves Raymond runs on and on and on. About A Boy was my tele comfort food and Brett Dennen rocks the heck out of my side of the free world. Pacific Northwest forever. Love this kid!

PRETTYMUCH A KWEEN

Carolyn Roesbery they always have to cancel the great shows or at least the shows that I like

sun4shine76

13y↑2

This song is our new fave. My seven yr old son and I cant get enough of it.

aDayInTheLife

Isn't it crazy how time flies? He's 16 now. Kids grow up so fast

Asch

an adult now mayne

Damond Rydes

13y↑1

Much enjoyment in this feel good underdog, comeback song. Sweet!

thefrenchie99

12y↑3

I LOVE THIS SONG!! I saw it in the "Wizard's of Wizardly Place" Finale, and fell in love with it. SO AWESOME <3

Diane De Martini

50w

The best hugger in the world! Love you, Brett Dennen!

greg ferreira

2y↑1

Awesome talent

Angela Jackson

13y

I LOVE BRETT DENNEN!!!!!! The art on his guitar was done by Brett.

Mike Stone

31w

Love this song always. About time for his come back though...

Julia Degroot

12y↑40

This was on the very last episode of wizards of waverly place! it's my favourite show in the world and now its finished. At least the memory and episodes are still there. This song came on when Ales, Max and Justin were trying to keep the waverly sub station going. At the beginning they were fighting and at the end they worked together and made the place a sucess. It was so sweet. I'm going to miss wizards of waverly place. Mason's cuteness, Alex's laziness. Max's moments. GOODBYE WOWP! <3 Julia

arpit choudhary

same

arpit choudhary

same

Mara

Same

Julia Degroot

same

Omotolase Osisanlu

Have you rewatched it yet on Disney plus yet

6 More Replies...

Jody Greene

13y↑1

I went to one of the concerts and it was the best thing ever!!! BD FOREVER!

K

Obsessed with this song since my friend sent it to me 💕

LopsidedCircle

13y↑1

i freaking love this!!!!

moehazen

12y↑1

i watch this video and get goose bumps of excitement I Cant wait till Baseball starts again!

Judy Sven

10y↑5

Happy for Brett. Prime time acknowledgement Brett's song is now theme song to about a boy on NBC!! happy for you getting more some props

Callie Dupree

13y

i love your moves...the little foot wiggle cracks me up everytime

Brooke Weibling

4y↑1

This is my new official song for the Browns!!! Thank you!!!!!!!

JohnyBmore

12y↑1

I was having a real shitty day, and this put a smile on my face. thanks ;)

samson Shryack

12y↑1

he may be dorky, but hes got more musical talent then 99% of everyone

Lonnie Lynne

13y↑1

Love you Brett!

FINSanity305

1y↑1

Tom Petty (RIP) Brett Dennen does nearly the exact same style of music, it's fantastic.

Nayops22

2y↑2

Speihnz

13y↑1

This is, like, the best song to dance to. IN THE WORLD!!!!!! 1:08: totally want shoes like that!

jim catalfamo

3y↑1

This tune got me doing the Dennen Shuffle

Liesel Meminger

13y↑1

the guy's got great talent and him wearing Nike shoes won't change that.

Logan Mohler

Sounds like fresh new indie, but it’s over a decade old!

Earyummy Records & Media

7y↑8

The fact this has less than a million views says everything about humanity. 1) a ginger 2) baseball 3) underdogs 4) a song you can sing to your dog. As dog lovers know, you can turn any song into a song for your dog but this song can be deployed out of the box.

Yet Milo Yiannopolis has millions of views. The astroid needs to come soon.

Lisa Lacy

Nah. Sounds about right to me. People who comment just to insult, just proves the point.

1 More Replies...

bigmohrer

13y↑1

You are the MAN, BRETT! That's my dawg!

Davide Bonfrate

2y↑1

I use this song un my phone as ringtone. fantastic song

Abraham Moller

13y↑1

Just in time for Moneyball! GO A'S!!!

bigmohrer

12y↑1

This is my theme song. Big Fan Homey!

Marielle1211

13y↑1

I'm glad you've chosen this song to make a music video for. It's great. Oh and nice outfits Brett ;)

Gabe

7y↑6

I fucking love this song!

Neil Gilham

13y↑2

Im In This Video Too... Man Brett You Really Are The Greatest!! 3:03 and 3:11 !!!!

Cameron Wilson

13y↑2

Oakland the ultimate under dog, but come rain or shine will surely reign supreme!!!

Alan Malcheski

6y↑1

the kid's got skills. Skills of all kinds! I suppose this is one of those people who they tell Quit Your Day Job, instead of saying Don't quit your day job.

duckboy

13y↑1

He's. Fucking. Awesomely amazing.

GeneralMJ

49w

I remember listening to this at 5yrs old I am not that only only 12 13 this year! I may lose childhood but I will be in a hole new arc

MetaBay

5y↑1

Epic music

Monica Lopez King

10y↑5

here comes my hero! he's the underdog, he's coming right on target

Lucas Montenegro

13y↑1

If someone told me he was 17 before i get to know his true age, i would believe for sure

kellycperry

13y↑1

Absolutely adore you Mr. Dennen. Maybe next time in ft lauderdale, we will make it to the beach.

kalbra

6y↑1

Literslly searched up songs to listen to after a breakup wheni was 11 and this song was on somebody's listand now I'm 19 just found this from recognizing his voice on the radiofrom a different song. Hmm maybe things come back around for the better

RF Bleachers

12y↑3

LET'S GO OAKLAND!

Gen H.

5y↑1

I was obsessed with this song when I was like 8

Andrew Corbiere

4y↑3

Hi My Girlfriend was talking about you and she says that she loves your music! I didn't know who you were, and I listened to your music and your pretty talented, Thank you for your great music. As a artist myself I like to listen to all sorts of music and listen to different genres. It would mean a lot if you could just respond to this comment So she can see. hope to here from you!

Brand New

Obliterated

Mitchell White

4y↑2

About a boy made me a fan of this amazing Singer

ryan dugger

12y↑1

Who cares where you heard it, it's a good song and Brett is awesome. The point is no matter where you heard it, people are gonna listen to it. You aren't any more of a fan than someone who heard it on Wizards.

nancy sanchez

8y↑1

Love that Song

CreativeLouise45

13y↑1

Greeeeat song! <3 :)

Slick Ricky

13y↑1

2:46 to 2:48 I'M IN IT!!!!!!

Emily Kleinhenz

13y↑1

i want to see you peform so bad, love you brett!

Michael Huettich

7y↑1

Cool shooz dude!! Crackin' tune!!!

Lucas Montenegro

13y↑2

When I get a dog, I'll call him Brett

Rebecca Pierce

13y↑1

You should go on to Bretts Formspring and check it out! He's amazingly candid and answers everyones questions! :)

Laura Sturgeon

And Brett is brilliant

Solange Laranjeira

13y↑1

that's my favorite song, for no special reason..

Fireplaylist

4y↑1

This is perfect timing right now! Beat the astros!

Bodybuildingroad

11y↑2

everyone loves the underdogs because that's my dog! ha love it

Alan Malcheski

6y↑1

All pro baseball teams hold open tryouts once a year. It is fun even if you know you won't get picked.

Francisco Montiel

11y↑1

Your music is the best

collie4dfc

13y

Brett Dennen's music is so much better than Gaga. More people need to listen to this!

secret perdue

12y

Those would be the only Nike shoes I would wear.

Anna Marie Gebert

13y

why haven't more people watched this?!

Milk Man

2y↑1

nostalgia!

StydiaForLife

10y↑73

Wizards Of Waverly Place brought me here... I love this song...

arpit choudhary

same

alex montufar

same

Tiegan Copeland

6y↑1

me tooooo 3 years later

Mara

Same

HitsDifferent

same

kateastrophical

7y↑146

wizards of Waverley Place brought me here, the montage scene where Justin and Max slowly forgive Alex. :')

Mario Seix

4y↑1

Soy español y acabo de terminar los magos de weverly place

Sam Juneau

4y↑3

I just started listening to this on Spotify I never knew!

Ahmad Jamal Mughal

4y↑3

LOL me too. It was excellent choice for that scene.

Bobo Okie

3y↑1

Yo same let’s go

HitsDifferent

same

8 More Replies...

Jessica

12y

Gawsh I'll miss Wizards Of Waverly Place, this song will make me think of them. lol

Gary Blehm

12y↑1

Here comes the come back.

Chad Peterson

13y↑9

This song proves gingers have souls.

Vulicity

5y↑2

can someone tell me why people hate this song??

Mayan Fox

13y↑1

@fionamairi42 - Hi Fiona. I understand your concern as I too am a pro-active supporter of anti-slavery institutions. I also used to be staunchly opposed to Nike products. Nike however checkered their history has been have been extremely active in ensuring fair conditions for their employees. A study by the GAWC found that 70 -85% of Nike factory workers in Thailand and Vietnam were happy with wages, supervisors, conditions etc.