LOVE IS HARD - Keith Urban Lyrics
LOVE IS HARD
Sleepin' in the same room
But I don't even hear from you
Would you ever even notice
If I didn't come home this weekend
We've been dancin' circles
And we don't even dance
Would you ever even say it?
We don't even fake it
Love is hard
Some things can and can't be forgiven
Love is hard
It's so hard
But I ain't quittin'
[Chorus]
You can make a fool of me and leave me standin' on the street
With all the messes that I've made (Ooh)
You can yell, you wish me well, you can tell me, "Go to hell"
It doesn't matter what you say
I ain't quittin' (Ooh)
Oh
[Verse 2]
It hurts when we fight, babe
It's worse when we say nothin'
Callin' names and slammin' doors
And keepin' secrets, keepin' scores
[Pre-Chorus]
Love is hard
Some things can and can't be forgiven
Love is hard
It's so hard
But I ain't quittin'
[Chorus]
You can make a fool of me and leave me standin' on the street
With all the messes that I've made (Ooh)
You can yell, you wish me well, you can tell me, "Go to hell"
It doesn't matter what you say
I ain't quittin' (Ooh)
No, I ain't quittin' (Ooh)
Oh
[Bridge]
I could never hate you
I don't wanna make you stay
But I can't let you walk away
[Outro]
Some things can and can't be forgiven
Love is hard
It's so hard
But I ain't quittin'
Introduction
"LOVE IS HARD" is the eighth track on Keith Urban’s 2024 album *HIGH*. Co-produced by Urban and Eren Cannata, this heartfelt ballad explores the emotional complexities of love, especially when a relationship is strained. Through raw lyrics and an intimate performance, Urban delves into the challenges of maintaining a connection when both partners are struggling to communicate. The song reflects the resilience required to keep fighting for love, even when it’s difficult, showcasing Urban’s ability to capture emotional depth in his music.
Song Info
- Producers: Eren Cannata & Keith Urban
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
- Genre: Country Ballad
- Album: *HIGH*
Exploring the Lyrics of "LOVE IS HARD" by Keith Urban
"LOVE IS HARD" reflects the challenges and emotional turmoil that come with trying to hold a relationship together during difficult times. Urban’s lyrics depict a relationship on the brink, where the communication has broken down, yet there remains a determination to fight for the love that once existed.
Verse 1
In the opening verse, Urban paints a picture of emotional distance. Although they are "sleepin' in the same room," the disconnection is palpable. The silence between them has become deafening, with Urban questioning whether his partner would even notice if he didn’t come home. The metaphor of "dancin' circles" without actually dancing suggests they are going through the motions but without any real connection or effort.
Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus introduces the song’s central theme: "Love is hard." Urban acknowledges that not everything can be forgiven in a relationship, but despite the difficulties, he is committed to not giving up. The repetition of "I ain't quittin'" shows his resolve to keep fighting for the relationship, even when things seem hopeless.
Chorus
The chorus is a powerful declaration of Urban’s willingness to endure the pain and frustration of the relationship. He admits that his partner can make a fool of him, yell, or even wish him well, but no matter what, "it doesn't matter what you say," he is determined to stay. The chorus captures the tension between hurt and perseverance, highlighting Urban’s refusal to walk away.
Verse 2
In the second verse, Urban dives deeper into the pain caused by the couple’s arguments. The fighting is hurtful, but the silence is even worse. Lines like "Callin' names and slammin' doors" describe the outward expressions of anger, while "keepin' secrets, keepin' scores" suggests that there’s a deeper emotional rift as they hold onto resentment instead of communicating.
Pre-Chorus (Reprise)
The pre-chorus repeats, emphasizing that despite the difficulty of their relationship, Urban remains committed to working through the issues. He knows that some things can’t be easily forgiven, but the commitment to not give up remains strong.
Chorus (Reprise)
The chorus repeats, further emphasizing Urban’s unwavering stance. He’s willing to take the hits, both emotional and verbal, because he believes in their love enough to keep fighting for it.
Bridge
The bridge introduces a moment of vulnerability. Urban admits that he "could never hate" his partner and doesn’t want to force them to stay if they want to leave, but he can’t bear the thought of them walking away. This section reflects a deep emotional conflict, where love persists even in the face of hardship.
Outro
In the outro, Urban repeats the line "Some things can and can't be forgiven," bringing the song full circle. The acknowledgment that love is difficult, but worth fighting for, leaves the listener with a sense of hope. Urban’s final words, "I ain't quittin'," reinforce the idea that, despite everything, he is determined to hold on.
Song Theme
The theme of "LOVE IS HARD" revolves around the idea that love requires work, resilience, and forgiveness, especially when a relationship is going through tough times. Urban explores the emotional complexity of love, from the pain of distance and miscommunication to the determination to stay committed despite these challenges. The song is a reminder that while love may not always be easy, it’s worth fighting for when both partners are willing to stay and work through their issues.
Technical an*lysis
Musically, "LOVE IS HARD" is a stripped-down, emotional ballad. The production by Eren Cannata and Keith Urban features subtle instrumentation, allowing the lyrics and Urban’s vocals to take center stage. The acoustic guitar creates a warm, intimate atmosphere, while the soft percussion and keyboards add depth without overwhelming the emotional core of the song. Urban’s vocal delivery is filled with vulnerability, especially in the bridge, where his raw emotions come through most clearly. The song’s structure, with its repeating pre-chorus and chorus, reinforces the message of persistence, making "LOVE IS HARD" an anthem for those fighting to keep their love alive.
Impact and Reception
"LOVE IS HARD" is expected to resonate with listeners who have experienced the ups and downs of long-term relationships. Its honest portrayal of the emotional struggles within a relationship, coupled with Urban’s heartfelt delivery, makes it a relatable track for fans. The song’s simplicity, both in its production and message, allows it to connect on a deep emotional level. Given Urban’s ability to tap into universal emotions, "LOVE IS HARD" is likely to be one of the standout ballads on *HIGH*, appreciated for its vulnerability and emotional depth.
Artist
Keith Urban is known for his ability to craft songs that balance emotional honesty with melodic appeal. Throughout his career, he has consistently explored themes of love, heartache, and perseverance, and "LOVE IS HARD" continues this tradition. Urban’s blend of country and pop influences, along with his introspective lyrics, makes him one of the most versatile and respected artists in contemporary music. In "LOVE IS HARD," he delivers a powerful message about the resilience required to maintain a relationship, reaffirming his reputation as a masterful storyteller.