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.