Story Behind The Song
Released in 1982, “Goody Two Shoes” was Adam Ant’s debut solo single following the success of Adam & The Ants, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Written by Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni, the song appeared on his first solo album, Friend or Foe, and combined catchy pop hooks with sharp social commentary. Its polished production and infectious energy helped establish Adam Ant as a successful solo artist in his own right.
The song takes aim at media intrusion and public fascination with celebrity lifestyles, questioning why personal habits and private lives should become matters of public interest. Delivered with Adam Ant’s trademark wit and swagger, the lyrics are filled with playful sarcasm and memorable one-liners. Musically, the track blends punchy guitars, bright brass, driving percussion and an irresistible chorus, creating an upbeat pop-rock sound that perfectly complements its humorous edge. Adam’s charismatic vocal performance and unmistakable style make the song instantly recognisable.
“Goody Two Shoes” confirmed that Adam Ant could successfully transition from band frontman to solo star without losing the originality that had made him one of the most distinctive figures of the early 1980s. The accompanying music video, featuring his flamboyant costumes and theatrical personality, further reinforced his status as a pop icon. Today, the song remains one of Adam Ant’s signature recordings, celebrated for its infectious melody, clever lyrics and energetic performance. It stands as one of the defining British pop singles of the decade and continues to be a favourite among fans of 1980s music.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 12th June 1982.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| 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 |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| 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)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
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
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