About the song
“Hard Habit to Break” is a memorable song from the 1980s, penned by Steve Kipner and John Lewis Parker. Produced and arranged by the renowned David Foster, this track was performed by the iconic rock band Chicago and featured on their 1984 album, *Chicago 17*. With Bill Champlin and Peter Cetera sharing the lead vocals, the song became a significant hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It competed closely with other popular singles of the time, such as Billy Ocean’s “Caribbean Queen” and Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” which kept it from climbing higher. Additionally, “Hard Habit to Break” enjoyed success on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it also reached No. 3. In the UK, the song achieved a notable peak at No. 8 on the Singles Chart.
The lyrics of “Hard Habit to Break” explore the theme of a man struggling to move on after a significant relationship has ended. The song reflects his regret and difficulty in accepting that he lost someone important, particularly after not valuing her properly when they were together. The emotional depth of the song resonated with many listeners, contributing to its widespread appeal.
“Hard Habit to Break” earned considerable acclaim and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. The song’s arrangements received recognition, with David Foster and Jeremy Lubbock winning for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s). Chicago was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, while Cetera and Foster were considered for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices. Furthermore, Kipner and Parker were honored with an ASCAP award in 1986 for the most-performed song of the year.
Interestingly, the song’s title also inspired the name of Demon Dogs, a popular hot dog stand owned by Chicago’s manager, Peter Schivarelli, near DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus. This touch of local flavor adds a unique connection between the song and its cultural impact.
Video
Lyrics
I guess I thought you’d be here forever
Another illusion I chose to create
You don’t know what you got until it’s gone
And I found out a little too late
I was acting as if you were lucky to have me
Doin’ 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
Now being without you
Takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it
But I don’t want to
Being without you
It’s 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
You found someone else, you had every reason
You know I can’t blame you for runnin’ to him
Two people together but living alone
I was spreading my love too thin
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 flight
I can’t get you out of my mind
Now being without you
Takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it
But I don’t want to
Being without you
It’s 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
I just can’t go on (can’t go on, just can’t go on)
I just can’t go on (can’t go on, just can’t go on)
Being without you
Takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it
I don’t want to
Being without you
It’s 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 (you’re a hard habit to break)
(Just can’t go on)
Such a hard habit to break (such a hard habit to break)
(Just can’t go on)
I’m addicted to you
You’re a hard habit to break (you’re a hard habit to break)
(Just can’t go on)
Such a hard habit to break (such a hard habit to break)
(Just can’t go on)
I’m addicted to you, baby