The Hardest Thing (98 Degrees song)

Song meaning

The song is about a man who is torn between two women that he loves: one being his significant other and the other being his mistress. This is apparent when Doctor Zhivago is referenced in the second verse of the song. In the end, the man chooses to say goodbye to his mistress because it is only fair to his significant other, who has always trusted him. This becomes clear in the first verse of the song when he says, "I've got somewhere else to be, promises to keep / Someone else who loves me and trusts me fast asleep." However, as he is saying goodbye to the mistress, he has to hide his true feelings (love) from her; hence, the title of the song: "The Hardest Thing". As he says goodbye to his mistress, he thinks, "It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do to look you in the eye and tell you I don't love you." However, he knows that their love is real and that they will (hopefully) meet again when the time is right: "I know that we'll meet again/Fate has a place and time / So you can get on with your life."

Music video

The music video takes place inside a boxing arena. Nick Lachey, the protagonist in the video, is the gentleman who is torn between two ladies. Lachey is a boxer in the video, and his mistress is a show girl. His significant other is not in the video.

Track listings

US, Australasian, and Japanese CD single

1. "The Hardest Thing" (radio edit)
2. "Because of You" (Hex Hector dance mix)
3. "Invisible Man" (album version)

US cassette single :A1. "The Hardest Thing" (edit) :A2. "Because of You" (Hex Hecto dance mix) :B1. "The Hardest Thing" (album version) :B2. "Invisible Man" (album version)

European CD single

1. "The Hardest Thing" (radio edit) – 3:45
2. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity radio mix) – 3:45 European maxi-CD single
3. "The Hardest Thing" (radio edit) – 3:45
4. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity radio mix) – 3:45
5. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity Master mix) – 6:35
6. "The Hardest Thing" (Murlyn remix) – 3:47

UK CD single

1. "The Hardest Thing" (radio edit) – 3:45
2. "The Hardest Thing" (album version) – 4:34
3. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity Master mix) – 3:46
4. "The Hardest Thing" (video)

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

References

1. (1999). "The Hardest Thing". [[Universal Music Group.
2. (1999). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
3. (1999). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
4. (1999). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
5. (2000). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
6. (2000). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
7. (2000). "The Hardest Thing". Universal Records.
8. (March 18, 2000). "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles".
9. (26 March 1999). "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (26.3.'99 – 2.4.'99)". [[DV (newspaper).
10. Fernando Salaverri. (September 2005). "Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002". Fundación Autor-SGAE.
11. "RPM 1999 Top 100 Hit Tracks".
12. "RPM 1999 Top 100 Adult Contemporary".
13. "End of Year Charts 1999". [[Recorded Music NZ]].
14. "Billboard Top 100 – 1999".
15. (December 25, 1999). "1999 The Year in Music: Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks".
16. (December 24, 1999). "Most Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 1999".
17. (December 24, 1999). "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1999".
18. (December 24, 1999). "Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 1999".
19. (December 22, 2000). "The Best of 2000: Most Played Adult Contemporary Songs".
20. (February 19, 1999). "New Releases".
21. "ハーデスト・シング {{!}} 98°". [[Oricon]].
22. (February 26, 2000). "New Releases – For Week Starting 28 February, 2000: Singles".