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
shut up
Bryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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.