When the Going Gets Tough
The Billy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the going gets tough
The tough get going, tough, tough, huh, huh, huh
When the going gets tough, the tough get ready

Tough, tough, tough

Yeah, oh, do da do da
I got something to tell you
I got something to say
I'm gonna put this dream in motion
I Never let nothing stand in my way
When the going gets touch
The tough get going

I'm gonna get myself 'cross the river
That's the price I'm willing to pay
I'm gonna make you stand and deliver
And give me love in the old-fashion way woh

Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll do anything

Oh (oh) can I touch you (can I touch you)
And do the things that lovers do
Oh (oh) want to hold you (wanna hold you)
I gotta get it through to you, oh

When the going gets tough
The tough get going
When the going gets rough
The tough get rough
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Oh 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 feel it coming down the track (woh)

Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll do anything
Oh (oh) can I touch you (can I touch you)
And do the things that lovers do
Oh, (oh) want to hold you (wanna hold you)
I gotta get it through to you (oh)
'Cause when the going gets tough
The tough get going
When the going gets rough
The tough get rough

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (oh hit it)
Oh oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Touch me baby oh oh

Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll swim any sea
Darlin', I'll reach for the heaven
Darlin', with you lovin' me
Oh (oh)

Oh, can I touch you (can I touch you)
Do the things that lovers do (can I touch you)
Oh, 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

When the going gets tough
Going gets tough
Going gets rough
Going gets rough

When the going gets tough
Going gets tough
Going gets rough




Going gets rough
When the going gets tough

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "When The Going Gets Tough" by The Billy's convey a message of resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges. The song emphasizes the idea that when faced with tough situations, those who are strong and resilient will rise to the occasion and push through the difficulties. The repetition of the phrase "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" reinforces this message, highlighting the importance of facing adversity head-on and not giving up easily.


The singer in the song expresses their unwavering commitment to achieving their goals, regardless of the obstacles in their way. They are willing to overcome any challenges and make sacrifices in order to reach their dreams. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is determined to succeed and who is not afraid to take risks in pursuit of their ambitions. This theme of perseverance and dedication is further reinforced by the imagery of crossing a river and climbing mountains, symbolic of overcoming obstacles and pushing past limitations.


The romantic undertones in the song add another layer of depth to the lyrics, as the singer vows to do whatever it takes to win over their love interest. The lines "I gotta get it through to you" and "Your love's like a slow train coming" suggest a sense of urgency and passion in the pursuit of love. The lyrics blend themes of determination in both personal and professional aspects of life, showcasing a well-rounded view of resilience and perseverance.


Overall, "When The Going Gets Tough" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to stay strong and resilient in the face of challenges. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus reinforce the message of perseverance and determination, inspiring listeners to push through tough times and keep moving forward. The lyrics resonate with the universal theme of overcoming adversity and standing strong in the face of difficulties, making it a timeless and motivational song for listeners of all ages.


Line by Line Meaning

When the going gets tough
During challenging times and difficult situations


The tough get going, tough, tough, huh, huh, huh
Those who are strong and resilient take action and face the obstacles with determination


When the going gets tough, the tough get ready
In difficult times, strong individuals prepare themselves for the challenges ahead


Yeah, oh, do da do da
Expressing enthusiasm and energy


I got something to tell you
There's something important I need to share with you


I got something to say
I have a message to convey


I'm gonna put this dream in motion
I am determined to make this dream a reality


I Never let nothing stand in my way
I refuse to let obstacles hinder my progress


I'm gonna get myself 'cross the river
I will overcome challenges and reach my goal


That's the price I'm willing to pay
I am prepared to make sacrifices for success


I'm gonna make you stand and deliver
I will hold you accountable for your promises


And give me love in the old-fashion way woh
I want genuine, traditional love and support




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY JAMES EASTMOND, BILLY OCEAN, ROBERT JOHN LANGE, WAYNE ANTON BRATHWAITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@trevortenentes1319

I miss this time. The sounds. The fun. The freedom of just being able to walk around and looking at people and not an electronic device. Just taking it all in. The 80s were something else.

@joshgwashavanhu4104

Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito and Kathleen Turner are killing it especially Danny..

@achilles2694

I cannot believe that these three actually choreographed and participated this way in this song. That is so damn cool. It's like a little gem in time.

@felixmuchemi3802

Any idea who they are..I almost thought one was Paul Simon.

@himitsu30007

​@@felixmuchemi3802lol I can't believe some people don't know these three😂 but the answer is in the comments, search carefully 😆

@souldghost

@@felixmuchemi3802 They are Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito and Michael Douglas. They were in the 1985 movie Jewel of the Nile of which this song was the original soundtrack.

@robinxx.g

​@@felixmuchemi3802Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas

@bobsmith962

So cool!

5 More Replies...

@jazzmancoltrane

It was amazing growing up in the '80s how one unforgettable, iconic song after another would hit the radio year after year. Many of them were part of movie soundtracks. But they all felt like they refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated your life with new, positive energy and excitement. And, today, as an adult, they bring back wonderful memories of more peaceful, easier, happier times.

@marksprunger8936

Well said! Music had so much more depth and uplifting energy to it back in those days! Nobody did soundtracks better than the '80s! Frankly, the music was probably just as memorable as the movies themselves.

More Comments

More Versions