Queen and Paul parted ways amicably in 2009, with Paul remarking that he would like to get back together in the future to raise money for charity. Paul has since reunited with Bad Company, and they toured in 2010. Over the years, he's also successfully toured and released albums with his own group centered around him. Paul is ranked number 55 on Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". His work has been long influenced by American blues and rock n roll, and he helped play a role in the 70s arena rock and hard rock scenes both in the U.K. and the U.S.
Bad Company
Paul Rodgers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Destiny is the rising sun
Oh I was born 6-gun in my hand
Behind a gun I'll make my final stand
That's why they call me bad company
And I can't deny
Bad company
Till the day I die
Till the day I die rebel souls
Deserters we are called
Chose a gun and threw away the sun
Now these towns
They all know our name 6-gun sound is our claim to fame
I can hear them say bad company
And I won't deny
Bad bad company
Till the day I die
Till the day I die
Solo bad
Bad company
I can't deny
Bad company
Till the day I die
And I say it's
Bad company oh yeah---yeah
Bad company
Till the day I die oh yeah tell me that you are not a thief
Oh but I am
Bad company
It's the way I play
Dirty for dirty
Oh somebody double-crossed me
Double-cross
Double-cross
Yeah
We're bad company
Kill in cold blood
The song "Bad Company" by Paul Rodgers is a classic rock anthem about a group of rebel souls who have chosen a life of crime and violence. The opening lyrics, "Company always on the run; Destiny is the rising sun" suggest that these outlaws are constantly moving, with no real destination in mind, and that their fate is uncertain. This is followed by the revelation that the singer was "born 6-gun in my hand," meaning that he has lived a life of violence from a young age. The chorus declares that they are "Bad Company" and that this label will stick with them until the day they die.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of pride and defiance in their status as outcasts. They have chosen to reject society's norms and live life on their own terms, even if it means dressing in black and carrying guns. The verse "Deserters we are called; Chose a gun and threw away the sun" suggests that they have abandoned the conventional path of working hard and building a life for themselves, instead embracing a life of violence and danger. The line "Dirty for dirty" reinforces their belief that they are justified in their actions because they are simply responding to the world around them.
The song is ultimately a celebration of the outlaw lifestyle, and a refusal to conform to society's expectations. Regardless of the consequences, they will remain "Bad Company" until the bitter end.
Line by Line Meaning
Company always on the run
We are constantly fleeing, avoiding settling down and commitment.
Destiny is the rising sun
Our fate is in the future, and we will meet it with confidence and ambition.
Oh I was born 6-gun in my hand
I was destined to be violent and dangerous, with no chance for a peaceful life.
Behind a gun I'll make my final stand
I will fight to the bitter end, using weapons to protect myself and achieve my goals.
That's why they call me bad company
My reputation for violence and ruthlessness precedes me, earning me the title of 'bad company.'
And I can't deny
I embrace my reputation and choose to live as a dangerous outlaw.
Till the day I die
I will live this way until the very end of my life, never changing course.
Till the day I die rebel souls
We live our lives in opposition to authority, never bowing down or giving up.
Deserters we are called
We have abandoned the mainstream, choosing instead to live outside the law.
Chose a gun and threw away the sun
We have given up any chance at a peaceful life in order to pursue our violent agendas.
Now these towns
The communities we visit and terrorize.
They all know our name 6-gun sound is our claim to fame
Our violent reputation precedes us, our guns and related violence being the source of our notoriety.
I can hear them say bad company
The people of these towns know who we are, and fear us accordingly.
And I won't deny
I confirm their suspicions and embrace my notoriety.
Till the day I die
I will maintain my violent lifestyle and reputation until my last breath.
Solo bad
An instrumental break in the song, with no lyrics.
Bad company
Our group's name, reflecting our violent and criminal ways.
I can't deny
Again, I choose to embrace my violent and criminal ways.
And I say it's bad company oh yeah---yeah
We take pride in our violent reputation, openly acknowledging our criminality.
Till the day I die oh yeah tell me that you are not a thief
I will continue to live this way until I am dead, and I expect others to admit their own flaws and immoral actions.
Oh but I am
I am acknowledging that I, too, am a thief and criminal.
Bad company
Again, the name of our group, reflecting our violent and criminal nature.
It's the way I play
My criminal activity is a lifestyle choice, and I will not apologize for it.
Dirty for dirty
We will respond to any violence or criminality against us with equal or greater violence and criminality.
Oh somebody double-crossed me
Someone betrayed or took advantage of me, which motivates my further violence and criminality.
Double-cross
Describes the betrayal I have experienced, reinforcing my violent and vengeful nature.
Yeah
An exclamation of pride in our violent lifestyle and commitment to our criminality.
We're bad company
We take pride in our group's violent, criminal nature.
Kill in cold blood
We commit violent and deadly crimes without hesitation or mercy, showing no remorse for our actions.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL RODGERS, PAUL BERNARD RODGERS, SIMON KIRKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vocalist Michelle Johnson
That is me on backup vocals. That was a great gig! 🔥🙌🏾
john
Awesome!🤘👏 although maybe it's the mixing but I don't hear or see any backing vocalists 🤷♂️
Vocalist Michelle Johnson
@john We are on the song Muddy Water Blues.
Patrick Etheridge
Nice!
TrailTimesZr2
That was me on back up cow bell.
Debra Jensen
The Rock and Roll Hall of fame has lost all relevance! Bad Company should have been inducted a long time ago! Paul’s voice is amazing!
Debra Jensen
Paul, could this really be you? I love looking at your face and listening to your voice!
BluesLicks101
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Ed big truck
Paul Rogers is One of Rock’s greatest Vocalist.
Frank McNally
If not the greatest