About the Song
"You Give Love a Bad Name" is a song by American rock band Bon Jovi, released as the first single from their 1986 album Slippery When Wet. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child about a woman who has jilted her lover, the song reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on November 29, 1986, and became the band's first number-one hit. In 2007, the song re-entered the charts at No. 29 after Blake Lewis performed it on American Idol. Despite the lyrics of the chorus, the song should not be confused with "Shot Through the Heart", an unrelated song from Bon Jovi's 1984 self-titled debut album.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song "You Give Love a Bad Name" can be read as an exploration of heartbreak and betrayal. Many listeners connect with the theme of being let down by someone they trusted, reflecting a universal feeling of disillusionment in relationships. The vivid imagery evokes a sense of anger and frustration, resonating with anyone who has experienced similar feelings of being misled by love. As it captures the emotional turbulence of love gone wrong, it connects not only on a personal level but also speaks to the broader challenges people face in romantic endeavors.
Did You Know?
- Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in Sayreville, New Jersey in 1983.
- The band consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarists John Shanks and Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and bassist Hugh McDonald.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Slippery When Wet
- Genre: Hard Rock
- iTunes release date: July 23, 1986
- Track runtime: 3:43
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name (official music video) – Upscaled to 4K UHD
- YouTube channel: Rock Preservation Society
Quick Facts
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Song: You Give Love a Bad Name
- Album/collection: Slippery When Wet
- Genre: Hard Rock
- Reference page: You Give Love a Bad Name
