Hangin' Tough

Album: Hangin' Tough (1988)
Charted: 1 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The New Kids' producer and songwriter Maurice Starr wrote this song inspired by the tough time the boy band had getting things off the ground. Starr assembled the group in 1984, and they released their debut album in 1986. It sold about 5000 copies despite the many showcases where they performed.

    Starr recalled in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "We needed a song that symbolized what we had been through, so I came up with this title, 'Hangin' Tough.'"
  • The hard work and perseverance paid off in 1988 when New Kids On The Block landed a modest hit with "Please Don't Go Girl," the first single from the Hangin' Tough album. "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)" followed and did a lot better, then they landed a #1 hit in the summer of 1989 with "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)." "Hangin' Tough" was the next single, and in hindsight, peak New Kids. It went to #1 in October amid a hysteria for the group. They had another #1 hit with "Step By Step" in 1990 before their inevitable decline. They broke up in 1994 then re-formed in 2008.
  • In the UK, "Hangin' Tough" was released before the band caught on, and it flopped peaking at #52 in September 1989. That November, "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" took off going to #1. "Hangin' Tough" was then re-released and went to #1 in January 1990.
  • Donnie Wahlberg, who sings lead on the track, says this was written with the Boston Celtics in mind. "We literally set out to do a song that could be a theme song for the Celtics. That was the idea: blatantly trying to sound like Queen's 'We Will Rock You.'"

Comments: 4

  • Jennifer Kuchler from Lexington ScThis is very cool and helpful.
  • Auntbeedoesgames from KansasWas eye of the tiger lyric "hanging tough" by survivor an inspiration to the lyric in hanging tough?
  • Nick From Nyc 4 pretty boys and 1 ‘tough’ guy.
    Lol lame
  • Bryan from Spring, TxThis song brings back childhood memories.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Randy Houser

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.