Toughen Up
Olivia Newton-John · Soul Kiss [1985]
In this situation cupid needs assistance
I can tell you this in confidence
You should learn a little self-defense
Toughen up
You better believe it
Toughen up
You're gonna need to
Toughen up
Don't let him get the best of you
Toughen up, yeah
What you're looking for is only wishful thinking
Word is out all over town whose bell he's ringing
Won't you take a little good advice
You're better hiding what you feel inside
Toughen up
You better believe it
Toughen up
You're gonna need to
Toughen up
Don't let him get the best of you
Toughen up, yeah
Don't let him tell you what to do
To get him running after you
Pretend you don't care about the guy
Never let him see you cry
If you love him take a tip from me
It's a sensible philosophy
Toughen up
Enough is enough
Toughen up
Show him you're hot stuff
Toughen up
Don't let him get one over you
Toughen up, yeah
Toughen up
You better believe it
Toughen up
You're gonna need to
Toughen up
Don't let him get the best of you
Toughen up, yeah
Toughen up
Enough is enough
Toughen up
Show him you're hot stuff
Toughen up
Don't let him get one over you
Toughen up, yeah
Toughen Up
Olivia Newton-John's "Toughen Up" stands as a defining track from her 1985 album *Soul Kiss*, marking a significant shift in her musical direction toward a more mature, soulful sound. Released during a period where she sought to expand beyond her pop and disco roots, the song blends smooth vocals with a polished production style characteristic of mid-80s R&B and soul. It reflects her personal journey and the evolving themes found in her later work, moving away from the upbeat energy of her earlier hits like "Physical" to explore deeper emotional resonance. The recording showcases her vocal versatility and solidified her status as a respected artist capable of navigating diverse genres, contributing to a discography that celebrated both commercial success and artistic growth.