Bryan Adams: "Heaven" (1984)

"Heaven" is a power ballad written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and performed by Bryan Adams. The song first appeared on the A Night in Heaven soundtrack album in 1983 and was later included on Adams' album Reckless in 1984. It was released as the third single from Reckless and reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1985, over a year and a half after the song first appeared on record. The single was certified Gold in Canada in 1985.

Adams recorded "Heaven" at The Power Station in New York City on June 6 and 7, 1983. Adams was unconvinced that "Heaven" was suitable for Reckless, a feeling that was echoed by producer Jimmy Iovine, who was working with Adams at the time. Iovine thought the song was too 'light' for the album and recommended that Adams not include it. But at the last moment, Adams changed his mind.

Halfway through the recording session, drummer Mickey Curry announced that he had to leave since he had committed in advance to a Hall & Oates session. Curry had warned Adams about his limited availability that day. Since the recording session for "Heaven" was running behind schedule, Adams called Journey drummer Steve Smith. Smith happened to be in New York at the time and he filled Curry's drumming position. While writing "Heaven", Adams and Vallance were influenced by Journey's musical and lyrical styles, in particular their song "Faithfully".


- Lyrics:

Oh - thinkin' about all our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free

Now nothin' can take you away from me
We bin down that road before
But that's over now
You keep me comin' back for more

Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh - once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around
Bring you up when you're feelin' down

Ya - nothin' could change what you mean to me
Oh there's lots that I could say
But just hold me now
Cause our love will light the way

N' baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

I've bin waitin' for so long
For something to arrive
For love to come along

Now our dreams are comin' true
Through the good times and the bad
Ya - I'll be standin' there by you