When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going
by Billy Ocean
What is “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” by Billy Ocean is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Billy Ocean's 'When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going' encapsulates the resilience and determination needed in both overcoming challenges and pursuing enduring love.
So… what’s this song really about?
Billy Ocean's upbeat anthem, 'When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going,' intertwines themes of persistence and passionate commitment, commonly viewed through the lens of romantic pursuit. The lyrics emphasize pushing through adversity, using metaphors of climbing mountains and crossing seas to depict overcoming any obstacle for love. The repeated chorus underscores resilience as a response to difficulty, suggesting that love, just like any tough journey, requires grit and perseverance.
Despite its romantic overtone, the song also echoes a universally motivational message, fitting into life's broader struggles beyond romantic endeavors. The energetic delivery and driving beat complement the message, inspiring listeners to muster strength and keep going, irrespective of the nature of their challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going' released?
The song was released in 1985.
Q: Did 'When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going' feature in any films?
Yes, the song was famously featured in the 1985 film 'The Jewel of the Nile.'
Lyrics to “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going”
19 ContributorsWhen the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going Lyrics
When the going gets tough
The tough get going
When the going gets rough
The tough get rough
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Ooooh baby
I'm gonna buy me a one-way ticket
Nothin's gonna hold me back
Your love's like a slow train coming (slow train coming)
And I can feel it coming down the track (woh)
Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll do anything
Ooh (ooh) can I touch you (can I touch you)
And do the things that lovers do
Ooh, (ooh) want to hold you (wanna hold you)
I gotta get it through to you (ooh)
Cause when the going gets tough
The tough get going
When the going gets rough
The tough get rough
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Wooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll swim every sea
Darlin', I'll reach for the heaven
Darlin', with you lovin' me
Oooh (oooh)
Oooh, can I touch you (can I touch you)
And do the things that lovers do (can I touch you)
Oooh (ooh), want to hold you (wanna hold you)
I gotta get it through to you
When the going gets tough
Going gets tough
Going gets rough
Going gets rough