Hard Place

Album: I Used to Know Her: Part 2 (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • H.E.R. wrote this acoustic, guitar-based track in Nashville with her frequent collaborator David "Swagg R'celious" Harris, and also with Ruby Amanfu, who is a member of Jack White's all-female backing band The Peacocks.
  • The song was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who has also worked with the likes of Brandy, Destiny's Child and Michael Jackson.
  • "Hard Place" finds H.E.R. contemplating a relationship that has left her feeling conflicted.

    What if nothing ever will change?
    Oh I'm caught between your love and a hard place
    Oh I wish there was a right way


    "It's like a torn song," she explained to Radio.com. "You know when something isn't good for you, or maybe it is good for you, but you don't know what it is that you want."
  • The song is a play on the phrase "between a rock and a hard place" meaning a dilemma involving two equally difficult or unpleasant alternatives. Though the expression has a biblical ring to it, it actually is of modern US origin.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.