Hardest To Love

Album: After Hours (2020)
Charted: 25
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, The Weekend takes the blame for a romantic relationship that's turned toxic. He admits that he has been the hardest to love among the two, and cannot understand why she has stayed committed.

    I can't, can't believe you want me
    After all the heart breaks, after all I've done
    No, I can't, can't believe you trust me


    The Weekend is echoing a lyric on another After Hours track, "Heartless."

    You never gave up on me
    I'll never know what you see


    Both songs find The Weekend portraying himself as an unlovable human being.
  • The Weeknd dated model Bella Hadid on and off between 2015 and 2019. This is one of several tracks on After Hours where fans believe that the XO boss is reflecting on their tumultuous relationship.
  • The Weekend co-wrote and co-produced the electro-pop track alongside the Swedes Max Martin and Oscar Holter. Max Martin is best known for his strong hooks, but this track's liquid drum & bass instrumental is unusual for him.
  • The Weeknd told Variety he originally penned the song with Oscar Holter, and then Max Martin finished it with him. It was the last After Hours track he completed. "This was the fastest melody that I ever mad," he said, "I went into a room for 20 minutes and wrote the entire song, and then Max produced it."

Comments: 1

  • Rachel from Portland Oregon Same here
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

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."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.