The Meaning Behind The Song: I Hate Myself For Loving You by Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame in the late 70s with her band, the Runaways. In the early 80s, she embarked on a solo career, and one of her most famous hits is “I Hate Myself For Loving You”. The song was released in 1988, and it was an instant hit. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. In this article, we dive into deeper meaning behind the song, exploring its lyrics and context.
The Lyrics
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” is a classic rock tune that tells the story of a woman who is in love with a man who is bad for her. The lyrics are straightforward and honest, and they reflect the feelings of many people who have been in a similar situation. The chorus is especially powerful and catchy, with Jett proclaiming, “I hate myself for loving you, can’t break free from the things that you do, I wanna walk but I run back to you, that’s why I hate myself for loving you.”
The Context
One of the reasons why “I Hate Myself For Loving You” resonated with so many people is because of the context in which it was released. In the late 80s, rock music was dominated by male artists, and the few female musicians who were successful were often marketed as sex symbols rather than serious musicians. Jett was one of the few exceptions, and she was known for her no-nonsense attitude and powerful vocals. The fact that she wrote a song like “I Hate Myself For Loving You” only added to her reputation as a trailblazing female rocker.
The Message
At its core, “I Hate Myself For Loving You” is a song about the struggle between the heart and the mind. On one hand, the protagonist knows that the person she loves is bad for her and that the relationship is toxic. On the other hand, she can’t help but feel drawn to him, and she hates herself for it. This internal conflict is something that many people can relate to, regardless of their gender.
The Impact
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” was not just a hit song, it was also a cultural touchstone. It was used as the theme song for the NBC broadcast of “Sunday Night Football” for several years, and it has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. The song has also been covered by several artists, including Kelly Clarkson and the cast of the TV show “Glee”. The fact that the song has endured for over three decades speaks to its enduring appeal and relevance.
The Legacy
Joan Jett is a legend of rock music, and “I Hate Myself For Loving You” is one of her most enduring songs. Its message of self-doubt and inner turmoil continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, and its lyrics have become iconic. The song is a testament to Jett’s talent as a songwriter and performer, and it remains a beloved classic of the rock genre.
FAQs about “I Hate Myself For Loving You”
1. Who wrote “I Hate Myself For Loving You”?
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” was written by Joan Jett and Desmond Child. Child is a renowned songwriter who has written hits for numerous artists, including Bon Jovi, Cher, and Aerosmith.
2. Was “I Hate Myself For Loving You” a hit when it was released?
Yes, “I Hate Myself For Loving You” was a hit when it was released in 1988. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent several weeks on the charts.
3. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “I Hate Myself For Loving You”?
The lyrics of “I Hate Myself For Loving You” are about the internal conflict that arises when someone is in love with someone who is bad for them. The song explores the struggle between the heart and the mind, and the frustration that comes with being unable to break free from a toxic relationship.
4. Why is Joan Jett such an important figure in rock music?
Joan Jett is an important figure in rock music because of her pioneering work as a female musician in a male-dominated industry. She was one of the few women who were successful in the rock genre in the 70s and 80s, and she paved the way for future generations of female rockers.
5. Has “I Hate Myself For Loving You” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “I Hate Myself For Loving You” has been covered by several artists, including Kelly Clarkson and the cast of the TV show “Glee”. These covers have helped to introduce the song to new audiences and keep it relevant.
6. Was “I Hate Myself For Loving You” controversial when it was released?
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” was not particularly controversial when it was released, but it did challenge some of the gender norms of the time. Jett’s no-nonsense attitude and powerful vocals were a departure from the typical female pop star image of the day.
7. What other songs are similar in theme to “I Hate Myself For Loving You”?
There are many songs that explore similar themes as “I Hate Myself For Loving You”. Some examples include “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division, “Love Stinks” by the J. Geils Band, and “Creep” by Radiohead.
8. What was the inspiration behind “I Hate Myself For Loving You”?
The inspiration behind “I Hate Myself For Loving You” was likely Jett’s own experiences with toxic relationships. The song is a reflection of the frustration and self-doubt that can come with being in love with someone who is bad for you.
9. How did “I Hate Myself For Loving You” become the theme song for “Sunday Night Football”?
The producers of “Sunday Night Football” chose “I Hate Myself For Loving You” as the theme song because they felt that it embodied the energy and excitement of football. The song has been used as the theme for several seasons of the show.
10. How has “I Hate Myself For Loving You” influenced other musicians?
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” has influenced countless musicians over the years, both male and female. Jett’s powerful vocals and no-nonsense attitude have inspired many musicians to pursue their own unique sounds and styles.
11. What other hits did Joan Jett have beyond “I Hate Myself For Loving You”?
Joan Jett had several other hits over the course of her career, including “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, “Bad Reputation”, and “Crimson and Clover”. These songs have become classics of the rock genre and have helped to cement Jett’s legacy as a musical icon.
12. What is Joan Jett up to these days?
Joan Jett is still an active musician and performer, and she continues to tour and record new music. In addition to her music career, she is also an advocate for animal rights and has been involved with several animal welfare organizations.
