Inspiration Behind Hard Habit to Break:
Chicago is known for touching ballads where love is lost between two individuals. Hard Habit to Break was co-written by Steve Kipner and John Lewis Parker with Chris Daughtry composing this song. Emotional dependency is a theme that highlights the chorus of Hard Habit to Break. Whenever a couple develops a deep longing for one another, imagining a life separated is hard to fathom. Yet the reference of habit in this song’s title is symbolic of the nature of love. Whenever a relationship isn’t able to be salvaged, regret can consume your soul as you’re forced to move on in your life without this person.
Biblical Application:
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times, Matthew 18:21-22.
Exegesis of Hard Habit to Break:
I guess I thought you’d be here forever
Another illusion I chose to create
But you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone
And I found out a little too late
Falling in love can make you short sighted. The song writers are likely referring to a previous relationship that they took for granted, not fully appreciating this individual until it was too late.
I was acting as if you were lucky to have me
Doing you a favor (I hardly knew you were there)
But then you were gone and it all was wrong
Had no idea how much I cared
Ego and pride put a strain on this relationship. Like quitting a good job after having a bad day, absence makes the heart grow fonder of what you once had.
Now, being without you takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it, but I don’t want to
Being dumped by someone that you love is one of the most painful experiences that I endured in high school. When you see this person day after day, it sucks and is hard to deal with.
Being without you is all a big mistake
Instead of getting easier, it’s the hardest thing to take
I’m addicted to you, baby
You’re a hard habit to break
Love can be at first sight, sharing common interests that draw you together or formed by an emotional connection after being vulnerable with one another. However, when a special relationship ends abruptly or after making a poor decision, not having this person in your life is like overcoming a serious addiction.
You found someone else, you had every reason
No, I don’t blame you for runnin’ to him
Two people together, but living alone
I was spreading my love too thin
This man blames himself for their relationship not working out. Perhaps, being on the road and not making more time for her led them to drift apart.
After all of these years, I’m still tryin’ to shake it
Doin’ much better (they say that it just takes time)
But deep in the night it’s an endless fight
I can’t get you out of my mind
This stanza addresses the biblical term soul ties. Upon hearing an old song, returning to a special place or even watching a movie that you shared together can instantly trigger flashbacks. Meanwhile, dreams can take your mind back when you will still together, wishing this was true until you wake up. These memories are like wounds to your soul, unable to stop thinking about your former love.
Now, being without you takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it, but I don’t want to
Healing takes time with some getting over this emotional pain quicker than others. Yet deep inside of human hearts is hope that somehow you will get back together.
Being without you is all a big mistake
Instead of getting easier, it’s the hardest thing to take
I’m addicted to you, babe
You’re a hard habit to break
What addiction are the song writers referring to? Do these artists miss embracing and kissing one another? Does their human nature crave intimate and passionate love making? A combination of things or simply being alone, talking and sharing their lives together? Since this part is no longer available, it’s like going stone cold, without your favorite drink.
I can’t go on, just get, go on
I can’t go on, just get, go on
It’s one thing to put on a good face and act like you have gotten over a lost love. Yet deep inside the human soul, pain is sweep under the preverbal rug, ignored until this pain intensifies.
Being without you takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it, but I don’t want to
Some people never overcome a severed relationship, not strong enough to move forward in life.
Being without you is all a big mistake
Instead of getting easier, it’s the hardest thing to take
I’m addicted to you
You’re a hard habit to break (hard habit to break)
Such a hard habit to break (hard habit to break)
While a timeline is not provided, I’m assuming by the repetitive chorus the healing process took years to overcome.
I’m addicted to you
You’re a hard habit to break (hard habit to break)
Such a hard habit to break (such a hard habit to break)
I’m addicted to you, baby
I’m addicted to you, baby
No matter how painful past break ups have been for you, the sooner you overcome this loss, the healthier you’ll be in the future.
Final Thoughts:
Listening to Chicago songs in high school and college made me more depressed than after I was initially dumped by a former girlfriend. Subsequently, I stopped listening to these gut-wrenching lyrics in exchange for more positive Christian songs. This slight adjustment boosted my morale and propelled me to future relationships in life, meeting my wife Leanne shortly after college.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 