Cryin' on the corner, waitin' in the rain
I swear I'll never, ever wait again
You gave me your word but words for you are lies

Darlin' in my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd go
But it's time to let you know, oh

I'm gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
I'm gonna turn and leave you here

All of my life I've been waitin' in the rain
I've been waiting for a feeling that never, ever came
It feels so close, but always disappears

Darlin', in your wildest dreams, you never had a clue
But it's time you got the news

I'm gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
I'm gonna turn and leave you here

Darlin' in my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd go
But it's time to let you know, oh
I'm gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
I'm gonna turn and leave you here

I'ma gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
I'ma gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
Harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
No, oh, oh, oh
Harden my heart
I'm gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
I'ma gonna harden my heart
I'm gonna swallow my tears
Harden my heart, harden my heart
Swallow my tears
I'm gonna harden my heart


Lyrics submitted by numb

Harden My Heart Lyrics as written by Marvin Ross

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Harden My Heart song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

6 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +2
    General Comment

    I like this song.. but the reality of it is.. no matter what, hardening your heart.. swallowing your tears.. much easier said than done. Much.

    If I ever do.. turn and leave you there.. follow me..

    Intagon April 07, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    all of my life, I've never felt so close to one tune as I have this one. It was in 85 and well you know/ she said he said,and the rain came down!!!

    onnieon February 10, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Very pretty, powerful song with a nice tempo, anguished singing and sax touches. A one-hit wonder for sure. The meaning does not really need any more explanation.

    stoolhardyon March 22, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    i first heard it playing Grand Theft Auto (vice city) and I love it!

    vampire_angelon February 07, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I heard that song many times. At age 58 my kids are all grown with kids of their own & I don't get to see any of them much so decided to try & help troubled youth & take in borders that may need some help & guidance. This last border is pushing the limit. He begged to come back 2 times & I let him. He promised to go to "AA" & narcotic help as well. Then said he only used to go for food & coffee. My family is like why do you still take this? After being extremely high, cussing me & setting fire to my kitchen yesterday I feel now this song fits me. Harden my heart but yes it is easier said than done. He'll straighten up, say he's sorry & does not remember what he said or did then try to do something like fix something on my list, say he's gonna go put in for a job, usually does not get one because of his criminal past and if he does he messes it up being "messed up". Oh how I wish this was easy. There should be a song telling you how to do this. Cops told me last night to please evict him. They are tired of coming out here......sigh.....you try to help people but guess some you have to say...."I can't".

    sosoftail1998on May 12, 2016   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I heard that song many times. At age 58 my kids are all grown with kids of their own & I don't get to see any of them much so decided to try & help troubled youth & take in borders that may need some help & guidance. This last border is pushing the limit. He begged to come back 2 times & I let him. He promised to go to "AA" & narcotic help as well. Then said he only used to go for food & coffee. My family is like why do you still take this? After being extremely high, cussing me & setting fire to my kitchen yesterday I feel now this song fits me. Harden my heart but yes it is easier said than done. He'll straighten up, say he's sorry & does not remember what he said or did then try to do something like fix something on my list, say he's gonna go put in for a job, usually does not get one because of his criminal past and if he does he messes it up being "messed up". Oh how I wish this was easy. There should be a song telling you how to do this. Cops told me last night to please evict him. They are tired of coming out here......sigh.....you try to help people but guess some you have to say...."I can't".

    sosoftail1998on May 12, 2016   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.