Hard Love

Album: Hard Love (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to bass guitarist Seth Bolt, the title track of Needtobreathe's sixth studio album sums up his life. He told Artist Direct: "Sometimes life dishes out hurdles faster than I can jump, but in the end the only thing I own that nobody can take away from me is my will to get back up and try again. I am lucky I haven't lost that."
  • The song finds NeedtoBreathe reflecting on how those times when you feel everything is against you can be what makes you a better person.

    You can't change without a fallout
    It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
    Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love


    Keyboardist Josh Lovelace explained the story behind the song to NewReleaseToday:

    "Lyrically, we always like to write a song about real life situations, about something happening to us at the moment or that has happened to one of us. We are all away from our families a lot. I just had to leave my three year old son and tell him I was leaving for a concert. It's the least fun part of the job, and it's a hard love. It's not easy, you have to fight for it, and the people you love are where you find real joy. When it's hard love, it's worth it.

    It's an autobiographical song. It's a fight song for the long journey between trials and redemption. It's about appreciating the wisdom and maturity that comes from hardship. Sometimes our ideas for what we think we need and what God knows we really need don't line up. We've been through situations we didn't think we'd make it out of, and this song is an encouraging message about what's ahead for us."
  • The song also appears, with a guest vocal by Lauren Daigle, on the inspired-by soundtrack compilation for the faith based movie, The Shack.
  • This was named Rock Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2017 Dove Awards. The Hard Love album also won Rock Contemporary Album of the Year at the same ceremony.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.