“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” is a timeless power ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, released in June 1991 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song became one of the most iconic love ballads of the 1990s, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melody, and emotional depth.
The song was written specifically for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman), with Michael Kamen composing the score and collaborating with Adams and Lange to create a song that captured the romantic and heroic themes of the film. Musically, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” is a lush and dramatic power ballad, driven by Adams’ raw and emotive vocal delivery. The arrangement combines acoustic and electric guitars with orchestral strings, creating a blend of rock and classical elements that elevate its emotional intensity.
The song achieved massive commercial success worldwide. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an astonishing seven weeks. In the United Kingdom, it became even more historic, spending 16 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, a record that still stands. It also reached No. 1 in numerous other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Germany, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The accompanying music video, directed by Julien Temple, features Bryan Adams performing the song interspersed with scenes from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Its minimalist, moody aesthetic highlights the emotional intensity of the track, while its connection to the blockbuster film further boosted its popularity.
“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Its success not only cemented Bryan Adams’ reputation as a global music star but also became synonymous with cinematic romance and devotion.