When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going is more than just a catchy song - it's an anthem that has stood the test of time. Originally recorded by English singer Billy Ocean, this dance-pop track became an international sensation in 1985. Co-written by Wayne Brathwaite, Barry Eastmond, Mutt Lange, and Ocean himself, the song had a powerful message that resonated with listeners.
The Birth of an Anthem
"When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" debuted as the theme song for the film The Jewel of the Nile, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The saxophone solo by Vernon Jeffrey Smith added an extra layer of brilliance to the track. Its popularity soared, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks in February 1986. In the United States, it secured the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know." To date, it remains Billy Ocean's only number-one single in the UK.
A Memorable Music Video
The music video for "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" was filmed at the renowned Brixton Academy in London. It featured Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito as lip-synching backing vocalists. Interestingly, the video was initially banned on Top of the Pops due to the actors not being part of the Musicians' Union. Nonetheless, the ban only added to the song's popularity, and the Brixton Academy became even more well-known.
Critical Reception and Track Listings
According to Music Week magazine, "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" was viewed as a slick US pop number that lacked substance. However, Billy Ocean's powerful vocal performance saved the song from being dismissed. The track was released as a 12-inch single with various versions, including an extended version, a club mix, and an instrumental version.
The success of the song didn't stop there. In 1999, Irish boy band Boyzone recorded a cover version of "When the Going Gets Tough" for the Comic Relief telethon. Their rendition, titled "When the Going Gets Tough," also reached number one in the UK singles chart, becoming their fifth chart-topper. The music video for this version featured numerous celebrities, including Graham Norton, Jo Brand, and Davina McCall.
Embrace the Toughness
"When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" continues to inspire and empower listeners around the world. Its timeless message reminds us that in the face of adversity, we must rise to the challenge with determination and resilience. So, let this anthem be a reminder to embrace our toughness and overcome any obstacles that come our way.
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- When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going (song)
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- Brixton Academy
- Billy Ocean performing
