Recorded 1987
Released October 1987 on George … Read Full Bio ↴Written by David Gedge
Recorded 1987
Released October 1987 on George Best
Personnel
David Gedge - vocals, guitar
Peter Solowka - guitar
Keith Gregory - bass
Shaun Charman - drums
Notes Originally recorded October 1986 for a BBC Session, the song was recorded proper in 1987 for inclusion as a track on their debut album George Best.
Don't Be So Hard
The Wedding Present Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
& now he's got to take up all the seat
I never knew he was so bold
I really think she should be told
But that's what best friends are for
& does she have a best friend, anymore?
At home, she tells him little lies
Like she's not in the mood tonight
He just forgets that she's even there
He's go this name on people's lips
He crushes fingers in his grip
& of course he shows that he doesn't care
If he chances to overhear
"Have you seen her without make-up?"
& "I don't think he's had
At home, she tells him little lies
Like onions always make her cry
& when they're out with all his friends
He just forgets that she's even there
The Wedding Present's song Don't Be So Hard is an introspective and melancholic examination of a relationship that has soured. The lyrics detail the life of a couple, where the man has become increasingly careless and neglectful towards his partner. He is suddenly stifled by the responsibilities of adulthood as he has now become a man at the age of twenty-three. This is in contrast to his apparent confidence while attending gigs and impressing his friends with his roughness. The singer refers to his best friend, who the woman confides in with her problems; while it might be helpful to her, it is unclear if her problems are being addressed, or if a rift is forming between the two of them.
The chorus echoes the title of the song, encouraging the man not to be so hard, as he is slowly driving his partner away. At home, she tells him little lies, perhaps to avoid conflict or to maintain the illusion that the relationship is still on course, but he seems uninterested in her feelings or needs. When they're out with his friends, he barely acknowledges her presence, and his self-centered nature is revealed when he crushes fingers in his grip to show off his toughness to those around him. He also overhears callous comments about her from his friends and remains indifferent. The lyrics are evocative and revelatory, demonstrating the intricacies of a relationship slowly falling apart.
Line by Line Meaning
He became a man at twenty-three
At twenty-three, he reached a significant level of maturity and responsibility.
& now he's got to take up all the seat
His newfound manhood requires him to assert himself and become dominant.
I never knew he was so bold
His boldness came as a surprise.
I really think she should be told
The singer feels that someone should inform the woman in the situation about what's happening.
But that's what best friends are for
Sharing honest opinions and advice is what makes best friends special.
& does she have a best friend, anymore?
The singer questions whether the woman has a best friend who can provide support and guidance in the face of the man's behavior.
At home, she tells him little lies
The woman is not completely honest with the man, possibly to avoid conflict or because she feels trapped in the situation.
Like she's not in the mood tonight
She may feign lack of interest in sex to avoid his advances, but this is only a temporary solution.
& when they're out with all his friends
The man seems to prioritize his social circle over his relationship with the woman.
He just forgets that she's even there
His carelessness and neglect of the woman makes her feel invisible and unimportant.
He's got his name on people's lips
The man has succeeded in creating a reputation for himself and is popular among his peers.
He crushes fingers in his grip
He exerts control and power over others, as if his strength is a way to assert dominance over them.
& of course he shows that he doesn't care
He doesn't bother hiding his disregard for others' feelings or opinions.
If he chances to overhear
If he happens to hear something about the woman or the situation that he doesn't like or agree with.
"Have you seen her without make-up?"
He may judge the woman's appearance and use it as a way to undermine her.
& "I don't think he's had
He seems to boast and discuss his sexual exploits with his friends, dehumanizing the woman in the process.
At home, she tells him little lies
The woman continues to hide her true feelings and thoughts from the man, creating tension and distance in the relationship.
Like onions always make her cry
She may invent excuses or reasons to avoid intimacy or connection with the man.
& when they're out with all his friends
He continues to sidelining the woman in social situations and prioritize his male friends.
He just forgets that she's even there
This repetition emphasizes the fact that the man is neglectful and oblivious to the woman's presence and feelings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID GEDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind