About the song
“Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard on Me” is a captivating song that showcases the multifaceted talent of American country-pop singer Juice Newton. Written by the acclaimed songwriter Gary Burr, this track is a standout from Newton’s seventh studio album, *Quiet Lies*, released in 1982. The song’s success is evident, as it earned Newton a prestigious Grammy nomination for Best Female Vocalist in the Pop category.
The music video for “Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard on Me” adds a layer of humor to the emotional turmoil depicted in the song. It cleverly portrays Newton enduring a series of comical accidents inflicted by her lover. The video’s memorable climax features Newton singing from a hospital bed, encased in a full-body cast with her broken leg humorously suspended in the air. This inventive and entertaining visual storytelling was recognized by the American Video Association, which awarded it Video of the Year in 1982.
Musically, the song is notable for its composition in A major, primarily utilizing the chords A, D, and E, with occasional F♯ minor chords. The introduction, outro, and interludes stand out for their use of a pedal point in the bass and rhythm guitars, a technique rarely heard in popular music. This pedal point supports changing chords in the upper instruments, creating a distinctive sound. Additionally, the bridge features an intriguing descending parallel pattern of chords—D, C♯ minor, B minor, and A—uncommon in the popular music of the time. The second bridge includes a striking moment of a cappella singing, reminiscent of Newton’s hit “Queen of Hearts.”
“Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard on Me” was released as the lead single from *Quiet Lies* in May 1982. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching an impressive #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the summer of that year. The song also achieved notable success on other charts, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and securing a spot at #30 on the Billboard Country chart.
This song remains a testament to Juice Newton’s versatility and enduring appeal, blending country and pop elements with skillful songwriting and a touch of humor.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
If I shy away it’s only because
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
Oh, love’s been a little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)
(Love’s been a little)
You know just been a little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)
Now, I can remember when it’s been so much
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
Now I shy away at the slightest touch
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
Oh, you know it’s been a little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)
(Love’s been a little)
Just a little, little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)
Come out, come out
To the hopeless romance inside
Shout it’s all right, it’s all right
To stay so dark, so close to the light
Come out, come out
To the hopeless romance inside
Shout it’s all right, it’s all right
To stay so dark, so close to the light
I’ll be back when I calm my fears
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
And I’ll see you around in a thousand years
Love’s been a little bit hard on me
You know it’s just been a little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)
Oh, love you know it’s just been a little
(Love’s been a little bit hard on me)