George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley met at Bushey Meads School in Watford, England. At first, they performed in a short-lived rock and roll band called The Executive. They then changed their name and signed with Innervision Records. Soon after a legal victory over Innervision, the duo was signed to CBS, Columbia Records in the United States and Canada and Epic Records for the rest of the world.
Further information: Artist development deal
Michael took on the majority of roles and responsibilities within the bandโ composer, singer, producer, and occasional instrumentalistโ but the contribution of Ridgeley as the group's image specialist and spokesman was crucial to the band's initial success. Ridgeley convinced a reluctant George that Wham! needed to change their image and sound frequently, from the leather-clad moody singers of "Bad Boys" and "Young Guns (Go For It!)" to the more fashionable pop superstars of "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go."
Still teenagers, they promoted themselves as hedonistic youngsters, proud to live a carefree life without work or commitment. This was reflected in their earliest singles. Such works as "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)" have been seen as sarcasm advocating the other point of view.
The first record to be released by the band was "Wham Rap!". It was a double-A side with a Social Mix and Anti-social Mix. The record was banned for general release in the UK due to the profanity in the Anti-social Mix. In October 1982, their song "Young Guns (Go For It!)" was issued. The song was an appeal from one youthful lad to his friend to not throw his life away so early on marriage. It stalled outside the UK Top 40 but then Wham! got lucky when Top Of The Pops scheduled them. An important weekly BBC chart show on television, it had to look outside the Top 40 to fill a gap created by an act which had pulled out of recording. Nearest to the 40 mark and still climbing, Wham! was summoned, and a phenomenon immediately began.
The impact of Wham! on the public, especially teenage girls, was felt from the moment they finished their debut performance of "Young Guns (Go For It!)" on Top Of The Pops. Michael's appearance may have helped. He wore espadrilles, a suede jacket slit open, and rolled-up denim jeans. Ridgeley stood behind him, flanked by backing dancers D.C. Lee and Shirlie Holliman.
The performance was as much one of acting as it was of singing, with Michael playing the part of the pleading goodtime lad, and Ridgeley the guy who had been drawn into commitment. Afterwards, the song shot into the Top 40 at #24 and peaked at #3 in December. The following year (1983), D.C. Lee began her work with Paul Weller of The Style Council, and was replaced by Pepsi DeMacque. Holliman and DeMacque would later record music as Pepsi and Shirlie.
Wham! followed up "Young Guns (Go For It!)" with the reissue "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)", a song about the joys of a leisurely life (the full version of which clocked in at almost seven minutes long); "Bad Boys", about a strained relationship between a rebellious teenage lad and his worried parents; and "Club Tropicana", a satire of the Club 18-30 scene. Each song came with a memorable music video.
By the end of 1983, Wham! was rivaling Duran Duran and Culture Club as Britain's biggest pop act. Notoriety and column inches were duly achieved with their antics of placing a shuttlecock down their shorts, and their first album Fantastic reached #1.
Around this time, Ridgeley become conscious of legal problems with their initial contract at Innervision. He mounted a legal challenge against the record company and its founder Mark Dean, who had initially signed them to the label, and George publicly stated they were financially mistreated [citation needed]. While the legal battle raged (perhaps to raise much-needed funds for the fight), Innervision released a medley of non-single album tracks from Fantastic, entitled Club Fantastic Megamix. Wham! publicly denounced the move, and urged fans not to buy it. After all the legal wrangling, Innervision admitted there were royalty discrepancies with Wham!'s contract, leading to the bankruptcy and dissolution of Innervision.
Driven by Ridgeley, the duo changed their image, and Wham! returned in May 1984 with an updated, cutting-edge pop image quickly copied by other pop bands. Andrew changed the band's look from "moody in leather jackets" to smiles and fashionable clothing, with an aim to promote themselves more as sex symbols rather than spokespeople for a disaffected generation.
Fittingly enough, these changes propelled the next single (a pop standard) to the top of the charts around the world. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, a song Michael wrote from a note left to him in his hotel room one night by Ridgeley. The note was mistakenly written by Ridgeley as "don't forget to wake me up up before you go go, George". Since he accidentally wrote the word "up" twice, Ridgeley decided to compound the error and write "go" twice. It became their first UK #1 and rose to the top in the USA), capped by a memorable video of the duo, plus the ubiquitous Pepsi and Shirlie, wearing Katharine Hamnett T-shirts with the slogans CHOOSE LIFE and GO GO.
These t-shirts became essential fashion items as Hamnett wrote herself into the pop culture lexicon, having simultaneously designed the FRANKIE SAY t-shirts for Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
Although some critics felt that Wham! represented bubblegum pop[citation needed], many were starting to appreciate Michael's proven ability as a songwriter and capable vocalist. (The following year, he would win the Ivor Novello Award for songwriting.) However, at the same time they bemoaned the status of Ridgeley, who had started to "play" a guitar during live shows (never on any recordings) but whose overall contribution was deemed to be lightweight[citation needed].
With some bizarre contradiction, the next single "Careless Whisper" was issued as a George Michael solo piece, yet unlike any Wham! single since "Wham Rap!," it was co-written by Ridgeley. The song quickly reached #1. In the autumn of 1984, Wham! came back as a duo with "Freedom", another chart-topper. In November, they released their second album, Make It Big, which coasted to #1 on the album charts. The band set off on another arena tour at the end of '84, and George told Smash Hits magazine at the time that he had written a song called "Stephen." The song had been composed for a friend who was struggling to cope with bereavment. While this song is still unreleased, those that were at the recording sessions decsribe it as a heartfelt story of the loss of a loved one[citation needed].
George contributed to the Band Aid project, with Michael providing vocals as the song usurped their own Christmas release, "Last Christmas"/"Everything She Wants", the former of which featured a video set in a ski resort.
The single became the highest-selling single ever to peak at #2 in the UK charts. As such, Wham! donated all their royalties to the Ethiopian famine appeal to coincide with the fundraising intentions of Band Aid, the song which beat them to the top spot. Band Aid's success meant that Michael had been at #1 within three different entities in 1984โas a solo artist, half of a duo, and part of a charity ensemble.
Michael desired to create music targeted to a more sophisticated audience than the duo's primarily teenage fanbase. Therefore, Michael and Ridgeley announced the breakup of Wham! in the spring of 1986, destined to take place after a farewell single and album, along with a historic grand finale concert at Wembley Stadium on June 28, 1986, called The Final. British pop group Five Star declined George's invitation to be the supporting act, saying they needed to concentrate on their own career at the time.
Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do
Wham! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wham! bam!
I am! a man!
Job or no job,
You can't tell me that I'm not.
Do! you!
Enjoy what you do?
If not, just stop!
You got soul
You got soul
I said get, get, get on down,
Said get, get, get, on down.
Hey everybody take a look at me,
I've got street credibility,
I may not have a job,
But I have a good time,
With the boys that I meet "down on the line"
I said, I, don't, need, you
So you don't approve,
Well who asked you to?
Hey, jerk, you, work
This boy's got better things to do
Hell,
I ain't never gonna work, get down in the dirt,
I choose, to cruise.
Gonna live my life, sharp as a knife,
I've found my groove and I just can't lose.
A.1. style from head to toe,
Cool cat flash gonna let you know,
I'm a soul boy, I'm a dole boy,
Take pleasure in leisure, I believe in joy!
[Chorus]
Party nights, and neon lights,
We hit the floors, we hit the heights.
Dancing shoes, and pretty girls.
Boys in leather kiss girls in pearls!
Hot-damn! everybody, let's play!
So they promised you a good job, no way!
One, two, three, rap!
C'mon everybody, don't need this crap!
[Chorus]
If you're a pub man
Or a club man
Maybe a jet black guy with a hip hi-fi
A white cool cat with a trilby hat
Maybe leather and studs is where you're at
Make the most of every day
Don't let hard times stand in your way
Give a wham give a bam but don't give a damn
Cos the benefit gang are gonna pay!
Now reach up high and touch your soul,
The boys from wham! will help you reach that goal.
It's gonna break your mama's heart, (so sad)
It's gonna break your daddy's heart, (too bad)
But you'll throw the dice and take my advice,
Because I know that you're smart.
Can you dig this thing?
Yeah!
Are you gonna get down?
Yeah!
Say wham!
Wham!
Say bam!
Bam!
[Chorus]
Do you want to work?
No
Are you gonna have fun?
Yeah
Said one, two, three, rap, c'mon everybody,
Don't need this crap!
Enjoy what you do?
Everybody say wham!
Wham!
Everybody say wham! bam!
Wham! bam!
Enjoy what you do?
The song "Wham! Rap (Enjoy What You Do)" by Wham! talks about the importance of enjoying what you do in life, regardless of whether or not you have a job. The song encourages listeners to not let hard times stand in their way and to make the most of every day. It challenges the societal expectation that everyone needs a job to be considered successful or worthy, and instead encourages listeners to do what makes them happy.
The lyrics also tout the importance of individuality and self-expression. The song's protagonist proudly boasts about his street credibility and his decision to choose pleasure and leisure over working a job he hates. He proclaims that he doesn't need anyone's approval and will live his life as he sees fit. The song encourages listeners to embrace their own unique styles and interests without worrying about fitting in with societal norms.
Overall, "Wham! Rap (Enjoy What You Do)" is a fun and upbeat anthem that champions individual freedom and the importance of enjoying life.
Line by Line Meaning
Wham! bam!
Get ready for some excitement and energy!
I am! a man!
I am confident, powerful, and in control of my life.
Job or no job, You can't tell me that I'm not.
My worth is not defined by my employment status. I am proud of who I am regardless.
Do! you! Enjoy what you do?
Are you truly happy with the way you spend your time and energy?
If not, just stop! Don't stay there and rot!
Life is too short to be unhappy. Take action and make changes to find joy and fulfillment.
You got soul
You have passion and inner strength.
Said get, get, get on down, Hey everybody take a look at me, I've got street credibility,
Let's dance and have a good time. I may not have a traditional job, but I am respected by my peers in my community.
I may not have a job, But I have a good time, With the boys that I meet "down on the line"
I may not have a typical income source, but I have a fulfilling social life and support system.
I said, I, don't, need, you So you don't approve, Well who asked you to? Hey, jerk, you, work This boy's got better things to do
I don't care about your judgement or approval. I am happy with my life and my priorities. You can go do your own thing.
Hell, I ain't never gonna work, get down in the dirt, I choose, to cruise.
I refuse to be tied down to the traditional workforce. I will live life my own way and enjoy every moment of it.
Gonna live my life, sharp as a knife, I've found my groove and I just can't lose. A.1. style from head to toe, Cool cat flash gonna let you know,
I am confident, stylish, and unstoppable in my pursuit of happiness. My swagger and attitude show my pride in who I am.
I'm a soul boy, I'm a dole boy, Take pleasure in leisure, I believe in joy!
I embrace my identity and lifestyle, even if it doesn't fit societal norms. I prioritize enjoyment and fulfillment over material success.
Party nights, and neon lights, We hit the floors, we hit the heights.
Let's go out and have fun! We'll dance and enjoy the night until we have nothing left to give.
Dancing shoes, and pretty girls. Boys in leather kiss girls in pearls!
We appreciate the beauty and joy of our surroundings, including the company of attractive friends.
Hot-damn! everybody, let's play! So they promised you a good job, no way!
This moment is electric and we should all enjoy it. Don't buy into societal expectations and pressure to conform.
One, two, three, rap! See'mon everybody, don't need this crap!
Let's rid ourselves of negativity and judgement. We don't need any of that nonsense in our lives.
If you're a pub man, Or a club man, Maybe a jet black guy with a hip hi-fi, A white cool cat with a trilby hat, Maybe leather and studs is where you're at
Regardless of your individual identity and style, you deserve to live a life of joy and fulfillment.
Make the most of every day, Don't let hard times stand in your way
We should seize every day and cherish the experiences we have. Don't let difficulties hold you back.
Give a wham give a bam but don't give a damn, 'cause the benefit gang are gonna pay!
We may not be traditional success stories, but we will find happiness and satisfaction in our own way. We don't need anyone else's approval or acknowledgement.
Now reach up high and touch your soul, The boys from wham! will help you reach that goal.
We can all find true fulfillment and happiness if we look within ourselves. Let us help you find your way.
It's gonna break your mama's heart (so sad), It's gonna break your daddy's heart (too bad)
Our choices and lifestyle could be disappointing to our parents or others who don't understand us.
But you'll throw the dice and take my advice, Because I know that you're smart.
Take the risk and follow your gut instincts. You are smart and capable enough to create a life of your own choosing.
Can you dig this thing? yeah! Are you gonna get down? yeah!
Are you excited and enthusiastic about our message? Let's enjoy life together!
Say wham!, wham! Say bam!, bam!
Let's celebrate our unique identities and lifestyles with confidence and joy.
Do you want to work? no, Are you gonna have fun? yeah
We prioritize enjoyment and fulfillment over traditional success and employment. Life is meant to be lived fully.
Said one, two, three, rap, see'mon everybody, Don't need this crap!
Let's break free from societal pressures and negative expectations. We can define our own paths to happiness.
Enjoy what you do?
Are you truly happy and fulfilled in your current pursuits?
Everybody say wham!, wham! Everybody say wham! bam!, wham! bam!
Let's shout our message of joy and fulfillment to the world! We don't need validation or approval, but we will celebrate our choices.
Enjoy what you do?
Are you truly living a fulfilling, enjoyable life? Take action and make the changes you need to find true happiness.
Lyrics ยฉ Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW RIDGELEY, ANDREW J. RIDGELEY, GEORGE MICHAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-rr9bl5de7z
I don't care what people say... George may have been the lead singer, but the friendship and goofiness of George AND Andrew made wham!! I love both of them, they are both the main stars of wham!! (Not just George) This is one of my fave music videos!! Shows the fun in both of them!! โค
@carenthusiasts4119
andrew literally made wham of course he's huge
@Tawadeb
Agree
@AndriaaLeoLove
Yes but George Michael was a super talent. I love Andrewโs loyalty though.
@aaaaaaaaaaaaaa4151
Andrew was a passenger........ zero output from him since Wham......
@temp-x8518
@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaa4151 he participated in most of songwriting with geroge. andrew was the one who got George of out his comfort zone and to express his talents even more. without the support and loyalty from andrew wham wouldnt be here today.
@michaelmillea8126
Wham documentary brought me here . Never realized how great of a friend Andrew was to George Michael
@blinksstayfresh2524
The best of friends
@NovaPowers
H&M did something well. We miss you George!
And I keep that from this song "Do you, enjoy what you do? If not, just stop - don't stay there and rot"
@909reject
Ikr! I'm so glad h&m introduced me to this song