TOUGHER THAN THE REST
Album version
Well it's Saturday night, you're all dressed up in blue
I been watching you a while, maybe you been watching me too
So somebody ran out, left somebody's heart in a mess
Well if you're looking for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest
Some girls they want a handsome Dan or some good looking Joe
On their arm, some girls like a sweet talking Romeo
Well 'round here baby, I learned you get what you can get
So if you're rough enough for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest
The road is dark and it's a thin thin line
But I want you to know I'll walk it for you any time
Maybe your other boyfriends couldn't pass the test
Well if you're rough and ready for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest
Well it ain't no secret I've been around a time or two
Well I don't know baby, maybe you've been around too
Well there's another dance, all you gotta do is say yes
And if you're rough and ready for love, honey I'm tougher than the rest
If you're rough enough for love, baby I'm tougher than the rest
Hoo hoo hoo
Hoo-hoo
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Info
TOUGHER THAN THE REST is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1987 album Tunnel Of Love. The above lyrics are for Bruce Springsteen's album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST as released in 1987.
The album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was included on The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition) compilation album, the Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- compilation album, and the Best Of Bruce Springsteen (digital edition) compilation album.
Writing and Recording
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Single Releases
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Tunnel Of Love
Tunnel Of Love is Bruce Springsteen's eighth studio album. It was released on 05 Oct 1987 on Columbia Records. It was recorded between January and July 1987 at Thrill Hill East, Springsteen's home studio in Colts Neck, NJ.
Bruce Springsteen -- Tunnel Of Love
The album features 12 tracks and clocks at 46:25. It is produced by produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Chuck Plotkin.
The Essential Bruce Springsteen
The Essential Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released as part of Sony BMG'S (previously Sony Music Entertainment) series of "Essential" sets. According to Springsteen's liner notes comments, the collection was intended as an introduction to his music for new fans who attended shows on The Rising Tour.
The collection is fundamentally a 2-disc set (clocking at 153:37) compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Live In New York City release. A 3-disc limited edition (clocking at 201:04) was also released. It includes a bonus third disc comprising of a selection of rarities and previously unreleased recordings.
The Essential Bruce Springsteen was released on 11 Nov 2003 on Columbia Records. It debuted and peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart where it spent 13 weeks. It also reached #28 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was awarded certified gold and platinum records by the RIAA on 16 Dec 2003.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003 edition)
The Essential Bruce Springsteen was reissued on 16 Oct 2015, this time as a 2-disc set (clocking at 156:25) with an updated track list, compiling songs from all of Springsteen's studio albums to date plus his Greatest Hits (1995 edition) collection. This 2015 reissue features remastered tracks not found in that form on other Springsteen releases.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2015 edition)
Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- is a Bruce Springsteen compilation album released by Sony Music Japan in 2023. The compilation, which was exclusively released in Japan, consists of previously released 35 audio tracks and 62 video tracks. The collection is part of a 26-title reissue campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's debut album. The series, issued in three waves (25 Oct 2023, 22 Nov 2023, and 20 Dec 2023), includes 25 albums originally released between 1973 and 2014 plus a new compilation album that includes all of Springsteen's singles released in Japan from 1975 to 1999. All audio CD's were manufactured using Sony Japan's Blu-spec CD2 format.
Bruce Springsteen -- Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
Best Of Bruce Springsteen
Best Of Bruce Springsteen is a compilation album released on Columbia Records on 19 Apr 2024. The album is collection of original songs spanning Springsteen's entire career, from 1973 to 2020. The release was officially announced on 01 Mar 2024.
Two variants of the album were released: the 18-track physical releases and an expanded 31-track download-only version. The physical releases include a single-disc CD and as a two-disc LP set. Four editions of the vinyl release were issued: a regular edition on black vinyl, an Atlantic Blue vinyl exclusive to Europe, a Highway Yellow vinyl exclusive to independent retailers, and a Jersey Devil Red vinyl exclusive to Amazon Music.
Bruce Springsteen -- Best Of Bruce Springsteen
Other Official Releases
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Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce Springsteen Sampler
CD - Columbia (CDNK 677) - Canada, 1992
Canada-only promotional CD sampler compiling 10 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1987, plus the 1988 acoustic live version of BORN TO RUN. Comes in a plain white die-cut cardboard sleeve.
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
CD - Columbia (XPCD 192) - UK, 1992
UK-only promotional CD sampler issued in limited quantities to tie in with the 1992 Wembley shows and contains 16 tracks from Springsteen's albums up to 1992.
Bruce Springsteen -- Tougher Than The Rest
CD - Columbia (BOSS1) - Sweden, 1992
Sweden-only promotional CD sampler used for both radio promotion and as a VIP giveaway item at the opening shows of Springsteen's 1992 tour in Stockholm. It contains 14 tracks from the first nine albums only. Two different pressings exist: the first comes in a standard jewel case with title front inlay and back insert (cover art on the left), and the second comes in a plain slimline case with no inlays.
Bruce Springsteen -- Interview With Bruce Springsteen
2xCD - Columbia (SAMPCD 3184 9) - Germany, 1996
Germany-only promotional 2-CD set featuring 16 Springsteen tracks interspersed with segments from an exclusive interview for German radio station "Radio Eins" conducted in Los Angeles in February 1996.
The album version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was included on some various artists albums.
Various artists -- CBS - The Sound Of Summer '88
MiniCD - CBS (PROC 1238) - Austria, 1988
Austria-only various artists promotional EP sent to selected record stores.
Various artists -- Good - Nouveautés CBS Printemps/Été 88
2xCD - CBS (SAMPCD 1217) - France, 1988
France-only various artists promotional sampler.
Various artists -- Hits 9 Album
2xLP - CBS / WEA (HITS 9) - Holland, 1988
MC - CBS / WEA (HITSC 9) - Holland, 1988
Various artists -- Hits 9 - Volume 1
CD - CBS / WEA (HITSCD 9-1) - Holland, 1988
Various artists -- Kuschelrock 16
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 2) - Germany, 2002
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 9) - Germany, 2002
2xCD - Sony BMG (88697 27181 2) - Germany, 2008
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 509459 2) - Switzerland, 2002
Various artists -- KuschelRock 16 Geschenk-Edition
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 508453 6) - Germany, 2002
Various artists -- Knuffelrock 14
2xCD - Sony Music Media (SMM 5096922) - Belgium, 1997
Various artists -- Χρυσές Μπαλλάντες 9
2xCD - Columbia (COL 510523 2) - Greece, 2002
Other versions of TOUGHER THAN THE REST were also officially released.
The live 28 Mar 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit 1988 official live download in 2020.
The live 23 Apr 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the LA Sports Arena, California 1988 official live download in 2015.
The
live 28 Apr 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the
Los Angeles, April 1988 official live download in 2021.
The live 23 May 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Madison Square Garden 1988 official live download in 2019.
The live 03 Jul 1988 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
The live 17 Nov 1990 version of TOUGHER HAN THE REST was released on The Christic Shows, November 16 & 17, 1990 official live download in 2016.
The live 25 Jul 1992 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Meadowlands July 25, 1992 official live download in 2019.
The
live July 2018 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the
Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.
Live History: on-tour
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In preparation for Springsteen On Broadway, TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed during all of the tour's three known private rehearsal shows that took place in September 2017 in West Long Branch, NJ, and New York City, NY, and during both of the tour's known private rehearsal shows that took place in June 2021 in New York City, NY.
TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed 241 times during Springsteen On Broadway (268 dates, October 2017 to December 2018 and June to September 2021). On this tour, the song was played on piano with special guest Patti Scialfa on backing vocals. The live July 2018 version of TOUGHER THAN THE REST was released on the Springsteen On Broadway album in 2018.
Live History: off-tour
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Bruce Springsteen has been performing on almost all the annual Stand Up for Heroes benefits since 2007. TOUGHER THAN THE REST was performed during the sixth (2012) annual benefit. The song was played solo acoustic.
Covers
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At least 31 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's TOUGHER THAN THE REST.
Emmylou Harris -- Brand New Dance
CD - Reprise Records (9 26309-2) - USA, 1990
The Songrise Orchestra -- The Music Of Bruce Springsteen - 17 Instrumental Hits
CD - Hits 'N' Hits (3831CD) - UK, 1995
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was reissued in 2011 by the Pyramid Music label as a download-only digital album titled Greatest Hits From The Superstars - Born In The USA credited to Gary Tesca Orchestra. It was again reissued in 2014 by the Bringins Music label as a download-only digital album titled Memories Are Made Of These - The Best Of Bruce Springsteen credited to Twilight Orchestra.
Various artists -- For You: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
CD - Totem Records (TTM 480499 2) - Italy, 1995
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Luca Barbarossa and Alexi Lalas.
Richard Coleman -- I Can't Believe It's Not... Bruce Springsteen
CD - Pegasus (ICBINCD 047) - Germany, 2001
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio 99 -- Born In The USA: Springsteen - A Tribute
CD - Going For A Song (GFS402) - UK, 2001
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Born To Run 2003 Volume One
CD - Uncut (2003 04A) - UK, 2003
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It's a free CD (volume 1 of 2) issued exclusively with the April 2003 issue of Uncut magazine. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by The Mendoza Line.
New Jersey All Stars -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
CD - Cedar (1402) - Europe, 2004
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Studio Group -- A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol 2
Digital album - Charly Records (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2006
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
East Blues Experience -- V10
CD - AMA Verlag / Mara Records (AMA 626667) - Germany, 2007
Mark Wright -- Real World: The Bruce Springsteen Project
CD - Revolver (REV XD 271) - UK, 2008
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Andrew Nicholson -- Driving All Night: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Volume II
CD - no label (no catalog number) - UK, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Camera Obscura -- The Sweetest Thing
7" single - 4AD (AD2926) - UK, 2009
The Pop Royals -- Sing The Hits Of Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Marathon Media (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2009
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Wave Pictures -- Play Some Pool
CD-R - Where It's At Is Where You Are (no catalog number) - UK, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It's a free disc included with the label's "Girls In Their Summer Clothes / If I Should Fall Behind" 7-inch single.
The Hit Co. -- A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set
Digital album - Planet Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2010
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. It was also released the same year as three separate volumes: Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 1 1973-1985, Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 2 1980-1989, and Long Live The Boss: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen Vol. 3 1990-2009. A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set however includes two tracks not found on the three separate volumes. In 2012, the same tracks found on A Tribute To The Best Of Bruce Springsteen Box Set were distributed over three download-only digital Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp tribute albums: Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 1, Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 2, and Working Class Heroes: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Vol. 3.
The Boss Band -- The Ultimate Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - Big Eye Music (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2011
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- It's Boss Time
10" EP - Badlands Record Company (bad10012) - UK, 2011
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. It's a limited edition release sold exclusively at independent stores that participated in the 4th annual "Record Store Day" campaign (16 Apr 2011). TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Danny & The Champions Of The World.
Déjà Vu -- Tribute To Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen - Vol. 1
Digital album - Zulu (unknown catalog number) - USA, 2012
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Rock Riff Tones -- We Love (A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen)
Digital album - Devoted Music (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2013
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Boo Hoo & The Burning Hell -- Sing For The Lonely
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Germany, 2014
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo -- Songs Beneath The River
10" EP - Everyone Sang (ES141V) - UK, 2014
This is a Record Store Day exclusive release.
New Tribute Kings -- World Allstars - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Hits
Digital album - Legacy Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Moa Holmsten -- Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm
CD - Fill In The Blank Records (no catalog number) - USA, 2015
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Rob Hirsch -- A Tribute To The Boss
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Austria, 2015
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Las Vaquitas Son Ajenas: Visión Social y Politica de Bruce Springsteen
CD EP - no label (no catalog number) - Argentina, 2016
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is performed by Untoke.
Various artists -- Songs Of Springsteen: A Covers Collection From 105.7 The Hawk's Bruce Brunch
10" EP - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2016
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute EP. TOUGHER THAN THE REST is a live version performed by Emily Grove.
Alyssa Hankey -- Springsteen Covers
CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2018
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Kevin Heider -- Ohio: A Tribute To Springsteen
Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 2019
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Sweet Little Band -- Babies Go Bruce Springsteen
Digital album - RGS Music (unknown catalog number) - Argentina, 2020
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Heaven Is Shining -- Born In The USA
Digital album - Rosenklang (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2021
This is a download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
The Boss Brothers -- Live
Digital album - 729285 Records DK (no catalog number) - The Netherlands, 2023
This is a download-only digital live Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Available Versions
List of available versions of TOUGHER THAN THE REST on this website:
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Album version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 27 Apr 1988 version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live 28 Apr 1988 version]
TOUGHER THAN THE REST [Live July 2018 version]
Page last updated: 17 Sep 2017