The Meaning Behind The Song: So Very Hard To Go by Tower of Power
Tower of Power is one of the most iconic bands to emerge from the soul, funk, and R&B genres in the 1970s. Their music has inspired generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences today. One of their most enduring songs, “So Very Hard To Go,” has stood the test of time and remains an anthem of heartbreak and longing that resonates with listeners to this day.
The Lyrics and the Melody
The song opens with a gentle, melancholy piano melody that sets the mood for the heart-wrenching lyrics to come. Written by Tower of Power lead vocalist Lenny Williams and guitarist Emilio Castillo, the song tells the story of a man who can’t let go of a love that has ended. The verses are filled with vivid images of the aftermath of a failing relationship:
“So very hard to go/But I’m sorry I can’t stay/But I don’t want to let it go/There’s so much more to say”
Williams’ soulful vocals bring the lyrics to life, imbuing each line with raw emotion. The chorus is simple yet powerful, repeating the phrase “It’s so very hard to go” over a jazzy, upbeat melody that belies the sadness of the lyrics.
The Original Inspiration
According to Castillo, the song was inspired by a real-life breakup he went through in the early 1970s. He was living in a small apartment in Oakland, California and had a girlfriend who lived nearby. The relationship started to fall apart, and he found himself struggling to come to terms with the end of it.
“I was watching her walk away, and I realized that I still loved her,” he recalls. “And I thought to myself, ‘It’s so very hard to go.'”
Castillo worked on the song with Williams, and it quickly became a standout track on their 1973 album “Tower of Power.” The song became a hit, peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing the band’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the funk and soul genres.
The Legacy of the Song
Over the years, “So Very Hard To Go” has become a staple of Tower of Power’s live shows, and it’s still one of their most beloved tracks. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael McDonald, who included a rendition on his 2008 album “Soul Speak.”
“So Very Hard To Go” has also been used in movies and TV shows, including the critically acclaimed Netflix series “The Crown.” The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and universal themes of love, loss, and heartache.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Tower of Power to write “So Very Hard To Go?”
The song was inspired by a real-life breakup that guitarist Emilio Castillo went through in the early 1970s. He was struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship and found himself watching his girlfriend walk away, thinking to himself, “It’s so very hard to go.”
What genre is “So Very Hard To Go” classified as?
The song is typically classified as soul/funk or R&B. It’s been hailed as a standout of the genre and has become a classic of 70s-era music.
What was the reception to “So Very Hard To Go” when it was first released?
The song was a hit when it was first released, peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It cemented Tower of Power’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the era.
Why has “So Very Hard To Go” endured as a classic of the 70s soul/funk era?
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, including its catchy melody, soulful vocals, and relatable lyrics. The song speaks to universal themes of heartbreak and longing that resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Has “So Very Hard To Go” been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Michael McDonald, who included a rendition on his 2008 album “Soul Speak.” The song has also been featured in movies and TV shows, including “The Crown” on Netflix.
What’s the meaning behind the lyrics of “So Very Hard To Go?”
The lyrics tell the story of a man struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. He can’t let go of his love for his ex-partner and finds it heartbreaking to watch her walk away. The song’s themes of heartache and longing are universal and relatable.
Who wrote “So Very Hard To Go?”
The song was written by Tower of Power lead vocalist Lenny Williams and guitarist Emilio Castillo. Castillo has said that the song was inspired by a real-life breakup he went through in the early 1970s.
Has Tower of Power ever discussed the meaning behind “So Very Hard To Go” in interviews?
Yes, both Lenny Williams and Emilio Castillo have discussed the inspiration behind the song in various interviews over the years. They’ve talked about the personal experiences that led to the creation of the song and how it became a standout track on their 1973 album “Tower of Power.”
What’s the musical style of “So Very Hard To Go?”
The song features a soulful, jazzy melody that’s typical of the soul/funk and R&B genres. The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody have contributed to its enduring popularity.
What’s the significance of “So Very Hard To Go” in the history of Tower of Power?
The song is considered a classic of the band’s repertoire and has become a staple of their live shows. It helped cement Tower of Power’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1970s soul/funk era.
How has “So Very Hard To Go” influenced other artists?
The song has inspired countless artists over the years with its soulful vocals, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics. It’s become a classic of the soul/funk and R&B genres and continues to captivate audiences today.
What’s the songwriting process that went into creating “So Very Hard To Go?”
The song was written by Lenny Williams and Emilio Castillo. Castillo has said that the song was inspired by his own personal experience of going through a breakup. The two worked together to craft the melody and lyrics, and the end result was a classic of the era.
What’s the impact of “So Very Hard To Go” on music history?
The song is considered a classic of the 1970s soul/funk era and helped cement Tower of Power’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the time. It’s become a beloved track for generations of fans and continues to inspire artists to this day.
