When The Going Gets Tough

Billy Ocean's hit song "When The Going Gets Tough" is an anthem of resilience and determination, both in love and in life. The lyrics convey a message of pushing through obstacles and not letting anything stand in the way of one's goals or desires. The repeated line, 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going,' serves as a motivational mantra, suggesting that challenges should be met with even greater effort and resolve.

The song also intertwines the theme of perseverance with romantic determination. Ocean sings about doing whatever it takes to win over the object of his affection, including crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and reaching for the heavens. This hyperbolic language emphasizes the lengths one might go to for love, paralleling the effort one puts into overcoming life's hurdles. The physical actions mentioned in the song symbolize the emotional labor and commitment required to maintain a relationship or to pursue one's dreams.

Musically, the upbeat tempo and Ocean's passionate delivery reinforce the song's empowering message. The song's energy and catchy chorus make it an uplifting track that has resonated with listeners since its release in the 1980s. It's a reminder that tenacity and hard work are key to success, whether that success is in achieving personal goals or in cultivating a loving relationship.