Bad Boys
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley Lyrics


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Woo-woo
Dear mummy, dear daddy,
You had plans forme, I was your only son.
And long before this baby boy could count to three,
You knew just what he would become.
Run along to school,
No child of mine grows up a fool,
Run along to school.
When you tried to tell me what to do,
I just shut my mouth and smiled at you,
One thing that I know for sure-

Bad boys
Stick together, never sad boys
Good guys
They made rules for fools, so get wise...

Dear mummy, dear daddy,
Now I'm nineteen as you see,
I'm handsome, tall, and strong.
So what the hell gives you the right to look at me,
As if to say "hell, what went wrong? "
Where were you last night?
You look as if you had a fight.
Where were you last night?
Well I think that you may just be right,
But don't try to keep me in tonight,

Because I'm big enough to break down the door.

Bad boys
Stick together, never sad boys
Good guys
They made rules for fools, so get wise...

Boys like you, are bad through and through.
Still, girls like me, always seem to be with you....
We can't help but worry,
You're in such a hurry,
Mixing with the wrong boys,
Playing with the wrong toys.
Easy girls,
And late nights,
Cigarettes, and love bites
Why do you have to be so cruel?
You're such a fool

Bad boys
Stick together, never sad boys




Good guys
They made rules for fools, so get wise...

Overall Meaning

In the song "Bad Boys" by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, the lyrics convey a rebellious and defiant attitude, particularly from the perspective of a young man who feels constrained and judged by his parents. The song starts with the young man addressing his parents, acknowledging their expectations and plans for him, but asserting his independence and defiance against their rules and restrictions. The lyrics suggest that the parents had a vision of success and a certain path for their son, yet he has chosen to go his own way, much to their dismay.


As the song progresses, the young man grows older and more confident in his defiance, challenging his parents' authority and questioning their right to question his choices and behavior. He asserts his autonomy and strength, symbolized by his physical appearance and demeanor, as he resists being controlled or held back by their disapproving looks and inquiries about his activities. The rebellious spirit is further emphasized when he mentions being willing to break down the door if necessary, showcasing his determination to live life on his own terms.


The chorus of the song, with the repeated lines "Bad boys stick together, never sad boys; Good guys, they made rules for fools, so get wise," reinforces the idea of solidarity among those who defy societal norms and expectations. The distinction drawn between bad boys and good guys suggests a rejection of conformity and a preference for freedom and authenticity. The lyrics highlight the defiance and camaraderie of those who refuse to conform to traditional standards of behavior and morality.


In the final verse, the song shifts to a perspective from the point of view of someone observing the singer's rebellious behavior, expressing concern and disapproval. The observer, likely a parent or authority figure, expresses worry about the singer's choices, association with the wrong crowd, and engagement in risky behaviors. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and disappointment in the singer's actions, portraying him as reckless and disrespectful. Ultimately, the song's message seems to reflect a tension between the desire for independence and the consequences of defying societal norms, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal freedom and responsibility.


Line by Line Meaning

Woo-woo
Expressing a sense of excitement or enthusiasm.


Dear mummy, dear daddy, You had plans for me, I was your only son.
Addressing parents and acknowledging the expectations they had for their child.


And long before this baby boy could count to three, You knew just what he would become.
Parents had a clear vision of their child's future from a young age.


Run along to school, No child of mine grows up a fool, Run along to school.
Encouraging the child to go to school and gain knowledge to avoid being foolish.


When you tried to tell me what to do, I just shut my mouth and smiled at you, One thing that I know for sure-
Child resisting parental advice but having a clear understanding of their own path.


Bad boys Stick together, never sad boys Good guys They made rules for fools, so get wise...
Highlighting the camaraderie among 'bad boys' and contrasting it with the rules set by 'good guys'.


Dear mummy, dear daddy, Now I'm nineteen as you see, I'm handsome, tall, and strong.
Updating parents on the child's physical growth and maturity at nineteen years old.


So what the hell gives you the right to look at me, As if to say 'hell, what went wrong?'
Questioning parental judgment and their disappointment in the child's behavior.


Where were you last night? You look as if you had a fight. Where were you last night?
Parents suspecting the child of being in trouble or engaging in conflict.


Well I think that you may just be right, But don't try to keep me in tonight, Because I'm big enough to break down the door.
Accepting parental concern but asserting independence and strength.


Boys like you, are bad through and through. Still, girls like me, always seem to be with you....
Acknowledging the reputation of 'bad boys' and the attraction they hold for some girls.


We can't help but worry, You're in such a hurry, Mixing with the wrong boys, Playing with the wrong toys.
Expressing concern about the child's choices in friends and activities.


Easy girls, And late nights, Cigarettes, and love bites Why do you have to be so cruel? You're such a fool
Listing negative influences and behaviors, questioning the child's intentions.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@andymann1667

So wonderful to see younger people appreciate older pop stars in the comments. George had a great impact on pop music that will continue on for generations to come.

@stars_aligning

Andy Mann I'm 15, Ive grown up with his music. Gone too soon, I'd much rather this music than some of what we have today

@corinnenoah5383

I play his cd's all the time.. pretty much all I listen to and 3 out of my 5 grandchildren love his music especially the up beat stuff and if I want to get them to nap all I have to do is play older... they go right to sleep.. the 4 and 5 year olds ask to listen I am ecstatic about that.. I have cd's put away for them when they get old enough to appreciate and take care of them

@thomascooper2613

liv ikr

@Sanjay-ub7eq

@@stars_aligning these songs are way too god than today's song

@freshavacado1299

I'm 12 and obsessed with george omg he is such a legend he's just an absolute angel💓

12 More Replies...

@Aramanth

"I'm handsome, tall and strong." And modest LOL!
George can really write a story into a song...
Love the actors playing the parents! Miss you George! 💙

@naveenchandrapathak9274

That's it. I was looking for someone who too has this opinion. 🙏

@damian-795

Just looked it up , He was 6 foot tall which is tall , I am 6"2 😁😁

@cisio64123

It comes from the fact that George was notoriously the case of the ugly duckling who turned into a swan. He was a chubby not so good looking kid but by 16 he had grown into a popular hunky budding musician ...and with it put in his face by the obvious female attention it sparked he couldn't help but know it. Wham's hit Careless Whisper had actually begun being written by a then 17 year old George ( who hadn't realized his true sexuality yet ) over his guilt that his total transformation had finally garnered his long time crushes attention and he couldn't help but go for it despite having a steady GF. Despite his guilt he couldn't help but revel in the ego boosting fact that the loser who hadn't been been given the time of day by girls had suddenly become the cool hunky musician two timer. So yeah by this time George knew full well he was a hottie and after spending his childhood as the dumpy kid there wasn't going to be any humility about it whatsoever...he was full on embracing it.

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