He b… Read Full Bio ↴Kelly Hansen was the lead singer for 80's rock group Hurricane.
He became the lead singer of Foreigner in 2004.
Besides his work in bands, he has recorded some material under his own name, normally on tribute albums.
You Give Love a Bad Name
Kelly Hansen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Kelly Hansen's "You Give Love a Bad Name" describe an intense and rocky relationship between two people. The chorus "Shot through the heart, and you're to blame, darlin', you give love a bad name" suggests that one person in the relationship has hurt the other deeply, and is responsible for making love look bad. The first two lines of the chorus are especially powerful, as they reference a physical hurting, as well as the emotionally painful experience of being let down by someone you love.
In the following verses, the lyrics describe the deceptive and manipulative nature of the other person in the relationship. They sell an "angel's smile," promising heaven, but then put the singer "through Hell." The "chains of love" create a prison that the singer can't escape from, and they describe feeling like a "loaded gun" with nowhere to run.
The imagery in the lyrics adds to the intensity of the emotions being conveyed. The reference to "blood red nails on your fingertips" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the other person is dangerous, using their appearance to lure in their prey. The line "Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye" is also poignant, as it suggests that the relationship was doomed from the start.
Line by Line Meaning
Shot through the heart
You hurt me deeply
And you're to blame
You are responsible for my hurt
Darlin'
A term of endearment, expressing love and affection
You give love a bad name
Your actions have ruined the reputation of love
An angel's smile is what you sell
You present yourself as an innocent, virtuous person
You promise me heaven, then put me through Hell
You made me believe in a perfect and happy relationship, then hurt me deeply
Chains of love got a hold on me
I am trapped in a relationship with you
When passions a prison, you can't break free
Despite my desire to escape this relationship, my feelings for you keep me trapped
Oh, you're a loaded gun, yeah
You are dangerous and unpredictable
Oh, there's nowhere to run
I cannot escape your influence
No one can save me
I am on my own to deal with the consequences of this relationship
The damage is done
The harm you have caused is irreversible
I play my part and you play your game
We are both involved in this dysfunctional relationship
Paint your smile on your lips
You pretend to be happy and content
Blood red nails on your fingertips
Your appearance hides your true nature
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
You present yourself as a perfect partner, fulfilling every dream
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye
Our relationship started with a deception that was the beginning of the end
You give love, oh!
Your actions show that you do not truly value love
You give love
Your behavior is destructive to the concept of love
You give love (bad name)
Your actions and behavior represent love in a negative and unpleasant way
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard Sambora, Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind