About the song
Background on Garth Brooks’ “Shameless”
- Originally by Billy Joel: “Shameless” wasn’t written for Garth Brooks. Billy Joel wrote and recorded it for his 1989 album, Storm Front. It wasn’t a major hit for Joel, but Brooks discovered it through a CD club and loved it.
- A Country Cover Success: Brooks released his cover on his 1991 album, Ropin’ the Wind. It became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Brooks’ version featured a more countrified sound with pedal steel guitar and a driving electric guitar solo.
- Brooks & Yearwood Connection: Interestingly, Brooks’ future wife, Trisha Yearwood, provided backing vocals on the track.
Themes in “Shameless”
- Unabashed Desire: The song is about a man who is openly attracted to a woman and doesn’t shy away from expressing his feelings. The lyrics use the word “shameless” to describe his boldness.
- Living in the Moment: The song encourages embracing the present and enjoying the connection with this person, even if it’s a fleeting encounter.
- Confidence and Charm: The narrator portrays himself as confident and charming, believing his personality will win the woman over.
While the original Billy Joel version might have leaned more towards rock and roll energy, Brooks’ country rendition emphasizes the themes of Southern charm and boldness in pursuing love.
Video
Lyrics
Well I’m shamelessWhen it comes to loving youI’ll do anything you want me toI’ll do anything at all
And I’m standingHere for all the world to see,Oh, baby that’s what’s left of meI don’t have very far to fall
You know now I’m not a man who’s ever beenInsecure about the world I’ve been living inI don’t break easy, I have my prideBut if you need to be satisfied
I’m shamelessHoney, I don’t have a prayerEvery time I see you standing thereI go down upon my knees
And I’m changing,Swore I’d never compromiseOh, but you convinced me otherwiseI’ll do anything you need
You see in all my life I’ve never foundWhat I couldn’t resist, what I couldn’t turn downI could walk away from anyone I ever knewBut I can’t walk away from you
I have never had anything have this much control on meI’ve worked too hard to call my life my ownAnd I’ve made myself a world, and it’s worked so perfectlyBut it sure won’t now, I can’t refuseI’ve never had so much to loseAnd I’m shameless
You know it should be easy for a man who’s strongTo say he’s sorry or admit when he’s wrongI’ve never lost anything I ever missedBut I’ve never been in love like thisIt’s out of my hands
I’m shamelessI don’t have the power nowI don’t want it anyhowSo I gotta let it go
Oh I’m shamelessShameless as a man can beYou could make a total fool of meI just wanted you to knowThat I’m shameless
I just wanted you to knowOh I’m shameless
I’m down on my kneesShameless
You saidI feel shameless