Bon Jovi: Who is “You Give Love a Bad Name” About?

What Is The Meaning Behind “You Give Love a Bad Name?”

Jon Bon Jovi was recently featured on People magazine about his marriage to high school sweetheart Dorothea. But is she the subject of Bon Jovi’s hit “You Give Love a Bad Name?” Doesn’t seem likely since, they married. But they were broken up for a bit, right before this song was released.

“Shot through the heart, and you’re to blame, darlin’ you give love a bad name.” Lyrics from Bon Jovi’s 1986 hit sound like they were written from someone who was deeply scorned. Look at more lyrics:

“An angel’s smile is what you sell, you promise me heaven, you put me through hell.” Ouch

“Chains of love got a hold on me, when passion’s a prison you can’t break free.” Who is this Jezebel and how did she leave such a mark on JBJ? (We want details)

Whomever the song is about, they were the inspiration for one of Bon Jovi’s, and the ‘80s, biggest hit songs. That’s a source of pride, I’d be bragging about that.

“You Give Love a Bad Name” a Huge Hit

“You Give Love a Bad Name” a bit hit in the ‘80s, went to #1 on the charts and made Bon Jovi darlings of the hair band era (something Bon Jovi was able escape and become more Pop Rock later, IMO). MTV was still playing videos in 1986 and Bon Jovi took advantage of the glamorous, huge hair time and let’s face it extremely photogenicness (word?) of their lead singer (give me some credit, I waited a few paragraphs before mentioning how hunky JBJ is).

Is “You Give Love a Bad Name” About Diane Lane?

I heard that Diane Lane, yes Cherry from “The Outsiders,” was the source of such disdain. Her and Jon dated for a few months in 1985. According to former touring manager Rich Bozzett, who wrote “Sex, Drugs and Bon Jovi,” Jon and Diane dated for a few months, but Jon dumped her when he found her partying with Richie Sambora. Hmmm the makings of a hit song?

For her part, Diane Lane only briefly confirmed, to Watch What Happens Live, that she dated Jon Bon Jovi, saying, “Five months. I was 20.”

Dated for 5 months, a year before “You Give Love a Bad Name” is released, and broke up because she was getting too close to JBJ’s friend and band mate. I think that has I’ll get you back by writing a hit song based on this all over it.

Co-Writer of “You Give Love a Bad Name” Gives Insight

The listed songwriters for “You Give Love a Bad Name” are Richie Sambora, Desmond Child and Jon Bon Jovi. So it is possible someone other than JBJ had his heart, not just broken, but completely smashed.

According to co-writer Desmond Child, he had the song title in mind when he first met Richie and Jon, and the 3 quickly wrote the song in 90 minutes. They went on to also write “Livin’ on a Prayer” which took a few days to write.

Based on what Child is saying, seems like “You Give Love a Bad Name” is an amalgam of different people who affected the song writers, and not one particular person. Though we do think Diane Lane “partying” (whatever that means) with Richie did tip some of the lyrics her way.

“You Give Love a Bad Name” Lyrics

Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
Darlin', you give love a bad name

An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven, then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion's a prison, you can't break free

Oh, you're a loaded gun, yeah
Oh, there's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done

Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name (bad name)
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name (bad name)
You give love, a bad name

Paint your smile on your lips
Blood red nails on your fingertips
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye

Whoa, you're a loaded gun
Whoa, there's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done