These Times Are Hard for Lovers by John Waite

Album: Rover's Return (1987)

Charted: 77 53

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Songfacts®:

After hitting #1 US with "Missing You" in 1984, John Waite had a string of more modest through the end of the decade, including "These Times Are Hard for Lovers." The song is about a guy who wakes up in a cold sweat from a dream where his girl is gone. Looking to affirm their relationship, he tells her that times are tough for lovers, but they will make it through no matter what.
If it's 1987 and there's a big, sweeping chorus, there's a good chance Desmond Child was involved. The hit-maker co-wrote this track with Waite and also produced it.
The video was directed by Jeff Stein, who did many of Tom Petty's '80s videos. The black-and-white checkerboard background is something he also used in the "Don't Come Around Here No More" clip.
John Regan played bass on this track. He later recorded it with his group Four By Fate on their 2016 album Relentless.

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