Damage

Album: Back of My Mind (2020)
Charted: 44
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • During this tender track, H.E.R. addresses the guy she is seeing. She warns him about the emotional damage that could happen if he takes her for granted.

    All night you could be
    Tellin' me lies, makin' me cry, wastin' my time


    If her man takes advantage of her, he will hurt her internally.
  • H.E.R wrote the song with Ant Clemons, who is a member of Kanye West's Sunday Service gospel-rap group, and with Indianapolis singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas (Wale's "Bad"). Clemons also provides the backing vocals.
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also get credited as songwriters because "Damage" samples their 1987 song for Herb Alpert, Lisa Keith and Janet Jackson, "Making Love In The Rain."
  • Cardiak produced the track. The New Jersey native has also worked with Tank ("When We"), J. Cole ("Immortal"), and Rick Ross ("Diced Pineapples").
  • Shot at Los Angeles' Roxie Theater, the video sees H.E.R. walking inside the now-dilapidated venue to join her band on a beautifully adorned stage, underscoring the juxtaposition of the song's message.
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis joined H.E.R. to perform "Damage" at the Grammy Awards in 2022, where it was nominated for Best R&B Song (losing to "Leave The Door Open" by Silk Sonic) and Best R&B Performance ("Leave The Door Open" split that one with "Pick Up Your Feelings" by Jazmine Sullivan). Later in the performance, Lenny Kravitz joined H.E.R. to perform his hit "Are You Gonna Go My Way."

Comments: 1

  • Carlos Brown from Newberry, ScI don't usually like remixes but, this remix of Making Love in the Rain has me listening to this song constantly. It was pure genius to sample that song because its one of the best love song no ever talks about or mention. It's my favorite of all time and i give props to H.E.R for laying down the vocals that's right on time with the beat and i'm loving the piano solo at the end of the song. Great job H.E.R!!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.