Bryan Adams was already popular in Canada when the release of his third album 'Cuts Like A Knife' in 1983 brought him a large following in the USA. His fourth album, 'Reckless', often referred to as one of the most significant of the 1980s, sold over 4 million copies at the time and continues to sell now. His fifth album 'Into the Fire' went platinum.
'Waking Up The Neighbours', his sixth album in 1991, powered him to international stardom. The single '(Everything I Do) I Do For You' spent 16 weeks at number 1; it broke a UK record that had stood since 1955 and still stands today. Across in the USA it became the second largest selling single to 'We Are The World'. The song was featured in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991) and for this Mr Adams received his first Academy Award nomination. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
42 film Directors' have used Adams' music as soundtrack - from A Night In Heaven (1983) to Bobby (2007).
Adams was awarded the C.M. (Member of the Order of Canada) on April 20th 1998 and the C.O. (Officer of the Order of Canada) on May 6th 1988 for his contribution to popular music and his philanthropic work. He was also inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998, and more recently inducted into the Music Hall of Fame at Canada's Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) in April 2006. Notably, Adams refuses to attend the awards; as his manager, Bruce Allen explains: "they turned their back on the biggest thing to come out of Canada"--in reference to the hit '(Everything I Do) I Do For You'.
Adams has been nominated for three Academy Awards for songwriting, and was recently nominated for his fifth Golden Globe (2007) for his songwriting in the film 'Bobby'.
Some trivia:
Bryan Adams shares the same birthday as Ryan Adams, the late Herman Brood and René Froger.
He attended the same high school as Michael J. Fox in Vancouver.
Of his #1 hits only one ('Please Forgive Me') was not written for a motion picture.
Bryan Adams is part Maltese. He Declared this on Tour in 2007 when he visited Malta.
Bryan Adams is also an acclaimed photographer. His works include his book "Made in Canada" http://www.photography.ca/photographer/adams_bryan.html
Bryan Adams also did a major part of the Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron soundtrack
Draw The Line
Bryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While you've been runnin′ 'round
To think that I trusted you and you let me down
You always liked the spotlight
Now you're the talk of the town
If trouble′s what you′re lookin' for, well it′s what you've found
It′s time that you realized
I'm no fool, so where do you draw the line?
I really gotta know
Where do you draw the line?
So what′s it take to please you?
I just keep gettin' burned
If this is how you treat your friends you got a lot to learn
You were never one for promises
You think they're made to break
I′ve heard of being pushed around but this takes the cake
Where will you be tonight?
It′s time that you realized
I'm no fool, so where do you draw the line?
I really wanna know
Where do you draw the line?
Where do you draw the line? - oh, yeah
I won′t question your need to be free
But when you got the answer maybe come and see me
If you need me
Where do you draw the line?
I really wanna know now
Where do you draw the line?
Oh, yeah
Where do you draw the line?
Oh-oh-oh
Where do you draw the line?
Oh, yeah
Where do you draw the line?
Give it to me straight now
Yeah, oh, yeah
The lyrics in Bryan Adams's song "Draw The Line" speak about the singer's feelings of betrayal and disappointment in a romantic relationship. The first verse reveals that the singer has been accused of jealousy while their partner has been unfaithful. The line "To think that I trusted you and you let me down" highlights the singer's hurt and disbelief that their trust was broken.
The second verse explores the partner's desire for attention and the consequences of their actions. The lyrics indicate that the partner enjoyed being in the spotlight and is now the subject of gossip in town. The line "If trouble's what you're lookin' for, well it's what you've found" implies that their actions have led to trouble and negative attention.
The chorus poses the question of where the partner will be tonight, as a way for the singer to express their desire for the partner to face the consequences of their actions. The singer asserts that they are no fool and wants to know where the boundaries are in the relationship. The repeated phrase "Where do you draw the line?" emphasizes the singer's need for clarity and understanding.
The third verse further illustrates the partner's behavior and their disregard for promises. The line "You were never one for promises, you think they're made to break" suggests the partner had a track record of not following through with their commitments. The expression "this takes the cake" emphasizes the extreme level of disrespect the partner has shown.
The bridge of the song reveals the singer's willingness to let the partner be independent and free, but still requests that they reach out when they have found the answers they seek. The bridge serves as a plea for open communication and understanding.
In the final chorus, the singer once again asks where the partner draws the line, seeking a clear boundary for their behavior. The repetition of "Where do you draw the line?" in the outro emphasizes the unresolved tension and the singer's frustration.
Overall, "Draw The Line" portrays a narrative of a betrayed lover grappling with the partner's unfaithfulness and seeking clarity in the boundaries of the relationship. The lyrics depict feelings of hurt, disbelief, and a desire for the partner to face the consequences of their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been accused of jealousy
I have been wrongly accused of feeling jealous
While you've been runnin' 'round
While you have been engaging in promiscuous behavior
To think that I trusted you and you let me down
It is disappointing to realize that I had faith in you and you betrayed me
You always liked the spotlight
You have always enjoyed being the center of attention
Now you're the talk of the town
Currently, you are a subject of gossip and discussion in the community
If trouble's what you're lookin' for, well it's what you've found
If you are intentionally seeking problems, then it is exactly what you have discovered
Where will you be tonight?
Where do you plan to be this evening?
It's time that you realized
It is about time for you to understand
I'm no fool, so where do you draw the line?
I am not foolish, so at what point do you set limits or establish boundaries?
I really gotta know
I truly need to understand
So what's it take to please you?
What actions or efforts are required to make you happy?
I just keep gettin' burned
I repeatedly find myself getting hurt
If this is how you treat your friends you got a lot to learn
If this is how you choose to treat your friends, then you have many lessons to learn
You were never one for promises
You were never inclined to make commitments
You think they're made to break
You believe that promises are meant to be broken
I've heard of being pushed around but this takes the cake
I have heard of being mistreated, but this situation is exceptionally extreme
I won't question your need to be free
I will not challenge or doubt your desire for independence
But when you got the answer maybe come and see me
However, when you find the resolution or solution, perhaps you should visit me
If you need me
If you require my support or assistance
Where do you draw the line?
At what point do you establish boundaries?
I really wanna know now
I sincerely want to know the answer at this moment
Give it to me straight now
Tell me the truth directly at this instant
Writer(s): Bryan Adams, James Douglas Vallance
Contributed by Joseph J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.