These Times Are Hard for Lovers

Album: Rover's Return (1987)
Charted: 77 53
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • After hitting #1 US with "Missing You" in 1984, John Waite had a string of more modest through the end of the decade, including "These Times Are Hard for Lovers." The song is about a guy who wakes up in a cold sweat from a dream where his girl is gone. Looking to affirm their relationship, he tells her that times are tough for lovers, but they will make it through no matter what.
  • If it's 1987 and there's a big, sweeping chorus, there's a good chance Desmond Child was involved. The hit-maker co-wrote this track with Waite and also produced it.
  • The video was directed by Jeff Stein, who did many of Tom Petty's '80s videos. The black-and-white checkerboard background is something he also used in the "Don't Come Around Here No More" clip.
  • John Regan played bass on this track. He later recorded it with his group Four By Fate on their 2016 album Relentless.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."