Adam Ant, born Stuart Leslie Goddard in 1954, emerged as one of the most distinctive figures of the late 1970s and early 1980s new wave scene. First gaining attention as the flamboyant frontman of Adam & The Ants, he fused punk energy with theatrical style, tribal rhythms, and a striking visual aesthetic that made the band stand out during the MTV era. With hits like “Antmusic” and the chart-topping “Stand And Deliver” he quickly became a pop culture icon.
Launching a successful solo career in the early 1980s, Adam Ant continued to score hits with songs such as ‘Goody Two Shoes.’ Beyond his music, his bold fashion sense and charismatic persona influenced both style and performance art in the decade. Despite personal struggles and time away from the spotlight, he has remained a respected and influential artist, with his legacy firmly rooted in his ability to combine creativity, individuality, and pop sensibility.
Adam Ant’s 1982 single “Goody Two Shoes” is a cheeky, high-energy anthem that perfectly captures his playful spirit and rebellious edge. As his debut solo release after leaving Adam & The Ants, the track shot straight to No. 1 in the UK and became a Top 20 hit in the US, cementing his status as a pop star in his own right. With its infectious rhythm, sharp lyrics poking fun at fame and public image, and Adam’s trademark charisma, “Goody Two Shoes” remains one of his most memorable songs. It’s a vibrant reminder of how he blended style, attitude, and irresistible hooks to create pop with personality.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 12th June 1982.
| A-Side | Goody Two Shoes (3:21) (Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni) Produced By Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni, Chris Hughes |
| B-Side | Red Scab (4:06) (Adam Ant) Produced By Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni, Chris Hughes |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, New Wave |
| Release Date | 14th May 1982 |
| Label | CBS |
| Catalogue Number | A 2367 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd May 1982 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 18 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 22nd May 1982 – 10th July 1982 |
Officially Released Versions
Goody Two Shoes (Single Version) (3:21)
Goody Two Shoes (Album Version) (3:29)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
With the heartbreak open
So much you can’t hide
Put on a little makeup, makeup
Make sure they get your good side, good side
If the words unspoken
Get stuck in your throat
Send a treasure token, token
Write it on a pound note, pound note
Goody two, goody two, goody goody two shoes
Goody two, goody two, goody goody two shoes
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
You don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow
There must be something inside
We don’t follow fashion
That’d be a joke
You know we’re going to set them, set them
So everyone can take note, take note
When they saw you kneeling
Crying words that you mean
Opening their eyeballs, eyeballs
Pretending that you’re Al Green, Al Green
Goody two, goody two, goody goody two shoes
Goody two, goody two, goody goody two shoes
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
You don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow
Must be something inside
No one’s gonna tell me
What’s wrong and what’s right
Or tell me who to eat with, sleep with
Or that I’ve won the big fight, big fight
Look out or they’ll tell you
You’re a “Superstar”
Two weeks and you’re an all-time legend
I think the games have gone much too far
If the words unspoken
Get stuck in your throat
Send a treasure token, token
Write it on a pound note, pound note
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
You don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow:
Must be something inside, he’s hidin’
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Ya don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow:
Must be something inside, he’s hidin’
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Ya don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow:
Must be something inside, he’s hidin’
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Ya don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow:
Must be something inside, he’s hidin’
Don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Ya don’t drink, don’t smoke, what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow:
Must be something inside
Written by Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni
1 Comment
Hello All
If you spot any mistakes or errors please comment below and let us know. If you know of any other versions of the song (not re-recordings) or mixes of the song let us know!
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