Damage

Album: Back of My Mind (2020)
Charted: 44
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • During this tender track, H.E.R. addresses the guy she is seeing. She warns him about the emotional damage that could happen if he takes her for granted.

    All night you could be
    Tellin' me lies, makin' me cry, wastin' my time


    If her man takes advantage of her, he will hurt her internally.
  • H.E.R wrote the song with Ant Clemons, who is a member of Kanye West's Sunday Service gospel-rap group, and with Indianapolis singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas (Wale's "Bad"). Clemons also provides the backing vocals.
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also get credited as songwriters because "Damage" samples their 1987 song for Herb Alpert, Lisa Keith and Janet Jackson, "Making Love In The Rain."
  • Cardiak produced the track. The New Jersey native has also worked with Tank ("When We"), J. Cole ("Immortal"), and Rick Ross ("Diced Pineapples").
  • Shot at Los Angeles' Roxie Theater, the video sees H.E.R. walking inside the now-dilapidated venue to join her band on a beautifully adorned stage, underscoring the juxtaposition of the song's message.
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis joined H.E.R. to perform "Damage" at the Grammy Awards in 2022, where it was nominated for Best R&B Song (losing to "Leave The Door Open" by Silk Sonic) and Best R&B Performance ("Leave The Door Open" split that one with "Pick Up Your Feelings" by Jazmine Sullivan). Later in the performance, Lenny Kravitz joined H.E.R. to perform his hit "Are You Gonna Go My Way."

Comments: 1

  • Carlos Brown from Newberry, ScI don't usually like remixes but, this remix of Making Love in the Rain has me listening to this song constantly. It was pure genius to sample that song because its one of the best love song no ever talks about or mention. It's my favorite of all time and i give props to H.E.R for laying down the vocals that's right on time with the beat and i'm loving the piano solo at the end of the song. Great job H.E.R!!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.