Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Benatar Pat Lyrics
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Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
That's okay, let's see how you do it
Put up you dukes, let's get down to it
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
You come on with it, come on
You don't fight fair
But that's okay, see if I care
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I get right back on my feet again
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away
Well you're the real tough cookie with a long history
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
Before I put another notch in my lipstick case
You better make sure you put me in my place
Hit me with your best shot
C'mon, hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away
In Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot, the lead vocalist is speaking directly to a person who has a history of causing emotional pain to those around them. The lyrics "Well you're the real tough cookie with a long history, of breaking little hearts like the one in me" signify that the person she is speaking to is known for hurting others, and the singer is not exempt from that behavior.
However, the singer is not afraid of the challenges that come with confronting someone who is known to be tough. "Put up your dukes, let's get down to it", "You come on with it, come on, you don't fight fair" suggests that the singer is ready to face this person and is up for the challenge. Even if the person tries to knock her down, she will always get back up.
The repetition of the phrase "hit me with your best shot" throughout the song suggests that the singer is daring the person she is singing to, to do their worst. The phrase "Fire away" used after the third repetition, doesn't imply getting physically hit but instead directs the person to say what they have to say, no matter how harsh it may be. However, the final verse, the singer warns the person they are challenging to make sure they put her in her place before she puts another "notch in my lipstick case". In other words, the singer is warning for them to tread lightly or else she may take action against them.
Overall, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" is about a strong, fearless and independent woman who is ready to face whatever comes her way, including the person who has hurt her in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you're the real tough cookie with a long history
You have a reputation for being strong and able to handle difficult situations due to your extensive experience.
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
You have a history of causing emotional pain and damage to others, like you are doing to me right now.
That's okay, let's see how you do it
I am not intimidated by you and am curious to see how you will try to hurt me.
Put up you dukes, let's get down to it
Let's fight and see who comes out on top.
Hit me with your best shot
Do your worst to me.
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
I am challenging you to give me your strongest attack.
Fire away
Go ahead and give it your all.
You come on with it, come on
You are starting to attack me, so bring it on.
You don't fight fair
You are not playing by the rules.
But that's okay, see if I care
I am not bothered by your unfair tactics and will continue to stand my ground.
Knock me down, it's all in vain
Even if you succeed in hurting me, it won't stop me from getting back up and continuing to fight.
I get right back on my feet again
I am resilient and able to recover quickly from any setback.
Before I put another notch in my lipstick case
I have been through this before, and I am becoming tired of dealing with people like you who cause pain.
You better make sure you put me in my place
You need to make sure that you thoroughly defeat me, or else I will continue to fight back.
C'mon, hit me with your best shot
I am still waiting for you to give it your all and attack me with everything you've got.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Schwartz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind