Formed in 1984, New Kids on the Block achieved stardom in 1989, an achievement listed as number 16 on Rolling Stone's "Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments." The group disbanded in 1994.
In 2007, the group reunited to record an album and mount a concert tour in 2008. From 2010 to 2012, they performed with the Backstreet Boys as NKOTBSB.
The group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
Studio albums
New Kids on the Block (1986)
Hangin' Tough (1988)
Merry, Merry Christmas (1989)
Step by Step (1990)
Face the Music (1994)
The Block (2008)
10 (2013)
Hangin' Tough
New Kids on the Block Lyrics
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Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Listen up everybody if you want to take a chance
Just get on the floor and do the New Kids' dance
Don't worry about nothing 'cause it won't take long
'Cause you gotta be
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Are you tought enough?
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
We're rough (rough, rough)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Everybody's always talkin' 'bout who's on top
Don't cross our path 'cause you're gonna get stomped
We ain't gonna give anybody any slack
And if you try to keep us down we're gonna come right back
And you know we're
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Are you tough enough?
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
Hangin' tough
We're rough (rough)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Get loose everybody 'cause we're gonna do our thing
'Cause you know it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings
Now check it out
Everybody's
Hangin' tough
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Just hangin' tough
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Hangin' tough
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Just hangin' tough
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Hangin' tough
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Just hangin' tough
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Just hangin' tough
The New Kids on the Block's hit song "Hangin' Tough" is all about their confidence and success as a group. The lyrics talk about not worrying and just dancing to their funky beat, putting listeners in a trance. They further emphasize their success by claiming that anyone who crosses their path will get stomped, and they don't give anyone any slack. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "hangin' tough" several times, which acts as a reminder to their listeners to be resilient and tough like the band. They also ask their listeners if they are tough enough to hang with them, showcasing their superiority in the music industry.
The record's lyrics are straightforward, emphasising the band's ruggedness and fame. This message was intended to be a celebration of their triumph and ability to overcome challenges, as well as a motivation for their fans to persevere through difficult circumstances. "Hangin' Tough" is a feel-good song that is both catchy and inspirational, making it an anthem for the band and their admirers around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
The song begins with an extended series of 'oh's used to create a lively and infectious atmosphere.
Listen up everybody if you wanna take a chance
The band invites anyone willing to have fun to join in and participate in their dance.
Just get on the floor and do the new kids' dance
The band encourages their listeners to bust out some innovative dance moves on the dance floor.
Don't worry 'bout nothin' 'cause it won't take long
The band assures their audience that the dance will not be challenging, and they will quickly get the hang of it.
We're gonna put you in a trance with a funky song
The band promises to mesmerize their audience with an upbeat tune that will make them groove to the beat.
'Cause you gotta be hangin' tough
The band uses the phrase 'hangin' tough' as a metaphor for the determination and strength one needs to face life's challenges.
Hangin' tough, hangin' tough,
The band reinforces the fact that it takes mental and emotional strength to be resilient and face challenges, urging listeners to keep pushing forward.
We're rough
The band reminds the listeners that they are a force to be reckoned with and that they should not take them lightly.
Everybody's always talkin' 'bout who's on top
The band points out that people are always concerned with being the best and talks about fame and popularity.
Don't cross our path 'cause you're gonna get stomped
The band warns others not to underestimate them, conveying their position of power and influence.
We ain't gonna give anybody any slack
The band will not give anyone any leeway or let go easily, emphasizing their determination and drive.
And if you try to keep us down we're gonna come right back
The band makes it clear that they will not be deterred by obstacles and will keep fighting to achieve their goals.
And you know we're hangin' tough
The band repeats the metaphor again, indicating how much strength they have and their ability to persevere.
Are you tough enough?
The band challenges the listener's strength and asks if they too have got what it takes to be resilient in the face of adversity.
Get loose everybody 'cause we're gonna do our thing
The band encourages everyone to unleash their energy and enjoy the music and dance moves they have to offer.
'Cause you know it ain't over 'till the fat lady sings
The band uses this popular expression to convey that the dance party will not end anytime soon.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
The band repeats the catchy 'oh's again, adding vibrancy to the song.
Just hangin' tough, oh, hangin' tough
The band reinforces the theme of perseverance and resilience because it is the key to success in life.
Hangin' tough, hangin' tough
The band repeats the 'hangin' tough' phrase, signifying their firm belief that it is desirable to be strong and persistent.
We're rough,
The band reminds again that they can handle themselves and are rough, exemplifying confidence.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
The band uses the catchy 'ohs' once more, invigorating the mood of the song.
Just hangin' tough
The band continues reiterating the key message of their song to be persistent and have grit.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Larry Curtis Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jennibaxter9588
my 1st concert i ever attended at 9 years old. Nashville 1989. greatest memory. i cried when Donnie took off his blue jean jacket wearing no shirt. i loved him so much. my friend Elizabeth chose to take me when she got tickets for her bday. I don't know where you are Elizabeth but I still thank you for that memory!!!!
@celiareginadebarros1667
graças à deus ele fez americano com muito talento!!!!!!! me acabooooooooo😁😁😁😁😁🗽🔝🔝
@kristymartin8878
Michelle Baxter
@amidala904
they were my first concert too, i was about the same age. my parents rented a limo to take us to the concert, and the whole way there we were surrounded by other cars with girls like hanging out the windows waving at us because they thought we were the new kids. lol. good times
@israelmoreno3620
Michelle Baxter I need a green card so Mr Trump won't deport me marry 💐💑💐....... I don't like to work I drink till I pass out and I love to smoke pot 1st thing in the morning..... can we make it work 💍I kinda look like Donnie just the mexican version you know kinda fat and brown 😂
@boh10666
just a head's up, your attempt at humour was utterly unsuccessful. i guarantee that nobody, outside of failed lobotomy recipients, will EVER find you remotely entertaining. given your obviously limited intelligence, i'm uncertain as to what career you are capable of pursuing but it's definitely NOT comedy.
@starleemartin1961
We drove my dad crazy with NKOTB as kids but he always liked this song because of all the health issues and emotional problems he's dealt with. He said trudging through it all made him pretty tough and this was his anthem. Lol.
@ripast2605
Just out of curiosity, what health and emotional issues did your dad have to deal with?
@ultravioletpisces3666
That is awesome
@nkotb7815
Are you a huge fan of mine and the other guys from NKOTB?