I can see you’re struggling
Promise you’ll find love again
Yeah, it will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Yeah, why you gotta try so hard?
Counting calories and carbs
Another trip across the world
I go so hard tryna make you feel just like a queen
You don’t need a camera to make a scene
You were born like that, no Maybelline
When you first wake up, you’re bad to me
Pop another Addy, no sleep tonight
Can’t push the wheel slow, I’m speedin’ right
Over to the crib as we need to slide
But you take so long makin’ up your mind
All-black dress, Dior bag
And leave ten times, I’ll take you back
Why you wanna look like someone else?
Why are you so hard on yourself?
I can see you’re struggling
Promise you’ll find love again
It will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Try not to fall apart
You’re perfect just the way you are
It will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Why you gotta compare our lives
To pics you see on your timeline?
Another shot of Hennessy
I try so hard not to act like a dick when I’m ’round your friends
Mood swings up and down again
Hollywood Hills where we play pretend
No one happy, but they’re good at fakin’ it
Pop up in the party, show face tonight
I don’t really smoke, but I need the vibes
You love to get high, she need the flights
Standin’ so high, swear she can fly
And just like that, you get sad
Let’s go home, girl, this party’s so wack
Why you wanna be like someone else?
Why are you so hard on yourself?
I can see you’re struggling (Yeah)
Promise you’ll find love again
It will be alright (It will be alright)
Why are you so hard on yourself? (Yeah)
Try not to fall apart
You’re perfect just the way you are
It will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Girl, when you look in a mirror
I hope you see what I see clearer
All that I want you to know is that you’re perfect the way that you are
Oh, the way you are (Oh, the way you are), ooh
Oh, why are you so hard on yourself?
I can see you’re struggling
Promise you’ll find love again
It will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Try not to fall apart
You’re perfect just the way you are
It will be alright
Why are you so hard on yourself?
Oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh (Yeah yeah)
Oh oh, oh oh…
Understanding Self-Worth Through Song
In “Hard On Yourself,” Charlie Puth crafts an empathetic narrative about the struggles of self-image and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards. The lyrics address the constant self-critique many face, from appearance anxieties to social comparisons. Puth’s message is gentle but direct, reassuring the listener that perfection isn’t necessary and encouraging self-acceptance. The recurring refrain, “Why are you so hard on yourself?”, serves as a compassionate reminder to be kinder to oneself amidst the chaos of modern life.
Modern Pressures and Personal Connections
The song delves into relatable themes of social media influence, late-night anxieties, and the pursuit of external validation. Puth paints vivid scenes of glamorous parties and high expectations, only to highlight that happiness and authenticity are found within. The track’s upbeat production contrasts with its introspective lyrics, making the message more impactful and accessible to listeners.
Song Credits
- Artist: Charlie Puth
- Songwriters: Charlie Puth, Jason Derulo
- Release Year: 2020