Well, since I started the week with a 1970s tune, then posted a song from the ’80s yesterday, I might as well go with that trend and feature something from the ’90s today for my 650th post on Song of the Day for Today. (Edit, Jan. 26: okay, I didn’t start with the 1970s… and with this post end up with two from the 1990s… how did I do that?!)
I was convinced I’d mentioned the English singer, songwriter and actor Adam Ant (b. 1954 as Stuart Goddard) before, but searching my site, I couldn’t find anything. It could be that I thought of posting a song by him earlier. Once in a long while, Apple Music will play his song “Wonderful,” and each time, I think, well, I never was into his music back in the day, but that’s a good song, and I should post it. Luckily, it’s from the 1990s… ha!
Inspired by a Sex Pistols concert in 1975, Goddard wanted to differentiate himself and changed his name to Adam Ant. He told BBC News, “I really knew I wanted to be Adam, because Adam was the first man. Ant I chose because, if there’s a nuclear explosion, the ants will survive.” He formed his band, Adam and the Ants, in 1977 while the punk rock movement thrived. Ant then asked English singer, songwriter, musician, clothes designer, visual artist and boutique owner Malcolm McLaren, then manager of the Sex Pistols, to manage him and the Ants. Instead of taking that on, McLaren lured away Ant’s band members to form another band, Bow Wow Wow (a new wave band that’s still together).
The next iteration of Adam and the Ants was active from 1977 to 1982 as the new romantic movement was forming, and they generated some hits, including “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming.” “Goody Two Shoes” may be one of their most recognizable hits. But, its marketing with Adam and the Ants on the cover and, later, Adam Ant led to confusion about its timing regarding him going solo. At any rate, the song is generally regarded as Adam Ant’s debut solo single.
Ant put his music career on hold in 1985 to focus on acting, then released another album in 1990 and has continued making music since then. He last toured in 2019, then postponed a subsequent tour due to Covid-19 and later abandoned it due to the excess of music tours being rescheduled once live music venues reopened.
“Wonderful” is the title track of Ant’s fifth solo studio album, released in 1995. It is a more mature, acoustic sound than his previous releases, which broadened the appeal of his music. The acoustic guitar, coupled with a subtle electric, creates a pleasant riff that holds the song together.
“Did I tell you how much I miss
Your sweet kiss?
Did I tell you I didn’t cry?
Well I lied
I lie lie lied
Over real over
When I nearly hit the face I loved
So tired of packaging the anger
Always pushing you away
Did I tell you you’re wonderful?
I miss you yes I do
Did I tell you that I was wrong?
I was wrong
Cos you’re wonderful yeah
Did I tell you how much I miss
Your smile?
Did I tell you I was okay?
Well no way
No way way way
You’re wonderful yeah yeah
Now now now each and every day
I realize the price I have to pay
You you’re wonderful
And now for your information
I’m walking around like an arm decoration
You you’re wonderful
So high I can’t get over it
So deep I can’t get under it
You
You’re wonderful yeah
You’re wonderful yeah yeah
You’re wonderful yeah yeah
You’re wonderful yeah yeah
Wonderful
Did I tell you you’re wonderful?
I miss you yes I do
Did I tell you that I was wrong?
I was wrong
For so long long long”
“Wonderful,” by Marco Pirroni, Bonnie Hayes, Adam Ant.
Lyrics retrieved from AZLyrics.com.
I think the song is about the realization of losing a loving relationship because of a lack of attention or care, focusing on the negative and becoming angry about things instead of cherishing the other and working on getting over problems together.
Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy.
Here’s the audio track from Adam Ant’s YouTube channel where he says, “I am a songwriter and singer, who with the passing of each day is realising how much there is to be thankful for, and to look forward to in the future.” (I am grateful for his optimism, as the mention of creating his stage name and only ants surviving nuclear war is a little too close to home given the current global state.)
With my best wishes,
Steve
Song of the Day for Today 