QUARTERFLASH – Harden My Heart (1982)

About the song

“Harden My Heart” is a song by the American rock band Quarterflash, released in 1982 as part of their self-titled debut album. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Rindy Ross, and produced by John Boylan, this track quickly became a defining anthem of the early 1980s, blending rock with a distinctive pop sensibility that resonated with listeners. It was a major commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Quarterflash’s place in the music industry.

The song opens with a haunting saxophone riff played by Rindy Ross herself, setting the tone for a story of resilience and emotional fortitude. The lyrics tell the tale of a woman who, after enduring heartache, resolves to protect herself from further pain by “hardening her heart.” This theme of emotional self-preservation, coupled with the song’s powerful melody, struck a chord with many listeners, especially during a time when the pop-rock genre was flourishing.

Rindy Ross’s vocal delivery is both strong and vulnerable, capturing the essence of the song’s message. Her performance, combined with the band’s tight instrumentation, creates a sound that is both polished and raw, a hallmark of Quarterflash’s style. The song’s production, with its crisp guitar lines and steady rhythm section, complements the emotional weight of the lyrics, making “Harden My Heart” not just a song, but an experience.

In addition to its success on the charts, “Harden My Heart” received significant airplay on both radio and MTV, which was in its early years at the time. The music video, featuring the band performing in a dark, moody setting, further emphasized the song’s themes of determination and strength. The visual representation helped the band reach a wider audience and cemented the song’s status as a classic of the era.

Over the years, “Harden My Heart” has remained a staple of 1980s rock, frequently appearing on classic rock radio stations and ’80s compilation albums. It is often celebrated for its timeless appeal and the way it captures the spirit of a generation that valued both emotional depth and musical innovation. For many fans, “Harden My Heart” is not just a hit song but a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Video

Lyrics

Cryin’ on the corner, waitin’ in the rain
I swear I’ll never, ever wait again
You gave me your word, but words for you are lies

Darlin’, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d go
But it’s time to let you know

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

All of my life, I’ve been waitin’ in the rain
I’ve been waitin’ for a feeling that never, ever came
It feels so close but always disappears

Darlin’, in your wildest dreams, you never had a clue
But it’s time you got the news

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

Darlin’, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d go
But it’s time to let you know

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

I’m a-gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m a-gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
Harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
No, oh, oh, oh
Harden my heart
I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m a-gonna harden my heart