Name of Love
James and the Drifters Lyrics
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And you're to blame
Darlin'
You give love a bad name
An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven, then put me through Hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
Oh, you're a loaded gun, yeah
Oh, there's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name (bad name)
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name (bad name)
You give love, a bad name
Paint your smile on your lips
Blood red nails on your fingertips
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye
Oh, you're a loaded gun
Oh, there's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name (bad name)
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name (bad name)
You give love, oh!
Oh!
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name (bad name)
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name (bad name)
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name (bad name)
You give love
You give love (bad name)
You give love
You give love (bad name)
You give love
You give love (bad name)
You give love
The lyrics to James and the Drifters' song "Name of Love" describe a toxic and destructive romantic relationship. The singer feels betrayed and hurt by their partner who promised heaven but delivered hell. The metaphor of being shot through the heart symbolizes the pain and vulnerability the singer feels, and their partner is blamed for giving love a bad name. The angelic appearance and deceptive behavior of the partner are highlighted, as they sell a false image of love and trap the singer in chains of love. The partner is compared to a loaded gun, representing the danger and harm they bring. The lyrics also touch upon the loss of innocence, as the partner's first kiss was also the end of their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Shot through the heart
Emotionally wounded or hurt deeply
And you're to blame
The person causing the hurt is responsible
Darlin'
Term of endearment
You give love a bad name
You tarnish or ruin the concept of love
An angel's smile is what you sell
You deceive others by appearing innocent or pure
You promise me heaven, then put me through Hell
You make false commitments and subject me to suffering
Chains of love got a hold on me
I am trapped or bound by feelings of love
When passions a prison, you can't break free
Intense desires feel like a confining prison, with no escape
Oh, you're a loaded gun, yeah
You are dangerous and unpredictable
Oh, there's nowhere to run
No means of escape or avoidance
No one can save me
No one can rescue or protect me
The damage is done
Irreparable harm has been caused
I play my part and you play your game
I fulfill my role while you manipulate the situation
Paint your smile on your lips
You fake a happy appearance
Blood red nails on your fingertips
Suggesting a dangerous or deceitful nature
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
You pretend to be innocent or naive
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye
The initial romantic encounter ended in farewell or disappointment
You give love, a bad name
You bring disgrace or negativity to love
Oh!
Exclamation of emotion or surprise
You give love
Your actions define love
You give love (bad name)
You give love a negative reputation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Richard Sambora, Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind