can't get info from mysql

[mr e]

this is what i have now, i've narrowed it down and i know it's something to do with the SELECT

PHP Code:

$getshouts = mysql_query("SELECT name FROM shouts");
if (!$getshouts) {
echo("<P>Error performing query: " . mysql_error() . "</P>");
exit();
;}

echo "Your name is $name ! "; 


and i have 4 entries all the same and it prints
Your name is ! Your name is ! Your name is ! Your name is !
so i dunno what the problem is, so hope someone can help