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
Take Me Back
Bryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I shoulda seen the signs
Didn't really think that she needs me
Must've been blind
She didn't give me a warning
Said I shouldn't treat you wrong
But when I woke up this mornin'
She said
Take me back won't ya
Take me back won't ya
I'll change my ways
She said, take me back won't ya
Take me back won't ya
I'm not the same
She didn't tell me about it
Am I supposed to read your mind
You make me get up and shout it
It's a crime crime crime
I shoulda seen it coming, baby
I shoulda seen the signs
Didn't really think that she needs me
I must've been blind
She said
Take me back won't ya
Take me back won't ya
I changed my ways
She said take me back won't ya
Take me back won't ya
I'm not the same, yeah
Won't ya take me back
Won't ya take me back
She said
Won't ya take me back, oh
Won't ya take me back
I shoulda seen it coming,
I shoulda seen the signs
Didn't really think she'd need me
But I must've been blind
She didn't give me a warning
She says, shouldn't treat you wrong
When I woke up this morning
She was gone, hey
Won't ya take me back
Won't ya take me back
She said
Won't ya take me back, no no no
Hey won't ya take me back, oh yeah
Won't ya take me back
Now what am I supposed to say
Won't ya take me back, hey
Won't ya take me back
"Take Me Back" is a sorrowful song by Bryan Adams that delves into the regret and heartbreak experienced after a relationship ends. The song explores the theme of hindsight and how it's easy to miss red flags and signs leading to a love's departure. The opening lyrics reveal that the singer forgives his ex-girlfriend's actions as he recognizes his mistakes that lead to her leaving him. He admits that he should have seen it coming, which means he should have paid attention to his relationship more closely. But he didn't think she would leave him, leaving him blind instead.
The chorus is simple yet powerful in its message. The repetition of the phrase "Take me back, won't ya" highlights the desperation and longing of the person wanting to reconcile with their ex-partner. The ex-girlfriend has changed her ways and wants to make amends, but it's uncertain if the singer is ready to take that risk again. The last line suggests that he has nothing to say because he knows he was in the wrong, and he regrets his mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
I shoulda seen it coming, baby
I should have known this was going to happen
I shoulda seen the signs
There were warning signs that I ignored
Didn't really think that she needs me
I thought she was fine without me
Must've been blind
I was unable to see the truth
She didn't give me a warning
She did not prepare me for her departure
Said I shouldn't treat you wrong
She advised me against mistreating you
But when I woke up this mornin'
When I woke up today
She was gone gone gone
She left me alone forever
She said
She spoke to me and told me that
Take me back won't ya
Please give me a second chance
I'll change my ways
I'll behave differently this time
I'm not the same
I'm not the person I used to be
She didn't tell me about it
She did not inform me of her feelings
Am I supposed to read your mind
It's unreasonable to expect me to know everything that you're thinking
You make me get up and shout it
You make me very upset
It's a crime crime crime
It's a terrible thing that you're doing to me
Won't ya take me back
Please consider getting back together with me
Now what am I supposed to say
I don't know how to respond to this
Hey won't ya take me back
Please, please take me back
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bryan Adams, James Vallance
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind