Shut up
Bryan Adams Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

May it never be said she's knockin' them dead
At the start as we all should know
But is there a fame, it's such a cryin' shame what they're sayin'
That she's some kind of sleaze, that's a social disease
It's more than a game that they're playin'

Shut up, shut up
Don't tell me that my best friend's a menace
As loony as the day she was born
She might wind up in a book written by Guinness
It's all right with me, if she wants to be

Shut up, shut up
Round me a bend and I'm needin' a friend she comes to me
Call her name in the air and she'll soon be there
If you want her to be

She's one of a kind and I sure am glad that I met her
The story book lies, there's stars in her eyes
I couldn't have found one much better
But there's something we all should know
Shut up, shut up

She's a kind of a gnu that belongs in a zoo


Don't tell me that my best friends like Alice
It's all right with me, if she wants to be
Who might wind up in a looking-glass palace
As naughty as the day she was born
Shut up, shut up
Call her name in the air and she'll soon be there

If you want her to be
Round me a bend and I'm needin' a friend she comes to me
Don't tell me that my best friend's a menace

She might wind up in a book written by Guinness
As nutty as the day she was born
It's all right with me, if she longs to be
Shut up, shut up
Call her name in the air and she'll soon be there

If you want her to be





Round me a bend and I'm needin' a friend she comes to me
Shut up, shut up

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are about friendship and the defense of a friend who is being judged by others. The singer is referring to his best friend, who seems to be getting a bad reputation among others who are spreading rumors about her. They are saying that she is some kind of sleaze and that she's a social disease, which could mean that they perceive her as someone who is promiscuous or has a bad influence on others. The singer doesn't believe any of it and tells these people to shut up.


The song emphasizes the importance of having someone who is a good friend and who can always be relied upon. The singer sees his friend as unique and special because of her individuality and quirks. He appreciates her so much that he tells others not to judge her and that it's okay for her to be different because that's what makes her who she is. The song encourages listeners to value their friendships and not to let outside judgments influence the way they see their friends.


Line by Line Meaning

May it never be said she's knockin' them dead
Let's hope no one is saying she's hugely successful


But is there a fame, it's such a cryin' shame what they're sayin'
Is it even fair to call her famous, and it's sad to hear the negative things people are saying about her


That she's some kind of sleaze, that's a social disease
People are calling her promiscuous, and it's spreading like a disease through society


It's more than a game that they're playin'
This isn't just a harmless joke, it's serious and hurtful


Shut up, shut up
Stop talking about my friend in a negative way


Don't tell me that my best friend's a menace
I don't want to hear that my friend is causing trouble or is a danger


As loony as the day she was born
She's always been a bit crazy, but that's just who she is


She might wind up in a book written by Guinness
She has the potential to do something amazing and be a record holder


It's all right with me, if she wants to be
I support her in whatever she chooses to do, even if it's unconventional


She's one of a kind and I sure am glad that I met her
She's unique and I feel lucky to have her as a friend


The story book lies, there's stars in her eyes
She's not a fairytale character, but there's something special about her that makes her shine


I couldn't have found one much better
I don't think I could have a better friend than her


She's a kind of a gnu that belongs in a zoo
She's so strange that she might as well belong in a zoo with the other exotic animals


Don't tell me that my best friends like Alice
I don't want to hear that my friend is living in a fantasy world like Alice in Wonderland


Who might wind up in a looking-glass palace
She has the potential to achieve great things and live in a grand palace, like Alice did in her story


As naughty as the day she was born
She's always been a bit mischievous, but that's just part of her personality


Call her name in the air and she'll soon be there
My friend is always there for me when I need her, even if I just call her name out loud


If you want her to be
If you need her help or company, just ask and she'll be there


Round me a bend and I'm needin' a friend she comes to me
When I'm feeling lonely or sad, my friend always finds a way to make me feel better




Contributed by Lucas J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Shutup & Play - Guitar Tutorials

For more information on this lesson go here: https://www.shutupandplay.ca/one-night-love-affair--rhythm-and-solo.html

OzeanAudio

I ABSOLUTELY fucking love the way you explain these lessons!
You are a credit to the profession of guitar teachers...
If more instructors explained things the way you do...more people would understand the joy of playing guitar...
Thank you very much for sharing everything that you do with us, your humble students.

LTC_Millionaire

You are my absolute favorite instructor, you keep it simple and demonstrate every little nuance of how to play it, that really make a huge difference when you play it. Thank You, you inspire me to play more. I'd love to hear more on how you nail the tone on these songs too, gear, amp, effects settings etc what is probably simple for you can be a challenge for most.

Michlandir

Great lesson from a hugely overlooked artist (in our guitar community) in a super clean format that’s really enjoyable and accessible. Solid performance notes and a nice dose of music comp/production/ appreciation thrown in. Can’t say enough good things. Great work!

Michael Singley

Favorite Bryan Adams song. Love the beautiful chord progression on the chorus and the soaring vocals. Great vocalist. Love most of his/their stuff. Everything I do is our wedding song. 🎸

Ultimagtr650

One of the best explained and demonstrated tutorials I have seen..
It`s been so long since I played this in a band ,and I wanted to re-learn this only to see Ive been playing it wrong for all those years!
Thanks for finally allowing me to play this right...

Bryson Wood

I am definitely impressed. It amazes me how you make this look so very easy. Granted, we are not dealing with super technical playing, but sometimes it is harder to figure out what someone “felt” writing than the technical structure of leads and fills
Awesome job 👍👍👍👍

Stanley Culler

ANDY!  So happy that you're doing these "Reckless-era" lessons!  You have the best ear and touch I have ever heard.  Thanks, for sharing this with us.

Hitesh_blues

Thank you, this lesson is perfect! Since you are a fan of Keith Scott, would you consider making a demo and a lesson for the song NATIVE SON from Into the Fire album??!

P.T. Six

I watch a LOT of guitar tutorials and you are the best. So easy to understand. Thank you. Great Teacher.

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