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Released in 1986

Tough On A Tightrope

Written by Paul McCartney • Eric Stewart

Last updated on May 2, 2020

Album This song officially appears on the Press To Play Official album.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1986

Timeline This song was written, or began to be written, in 1985, when Paul McCartney was 43 years old)

Master album

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

“Tough On A Tightrope” is a song from 1986 album “Press To Play“.

From the “Press To Play” sleeve – These coloured diagrams by Paul show the position of the voices and instruments in the mix of each track.

Lyrics

You don't feel right when I come on strong

Don't get it wrong

I wait all night but you won't belong

Don't get it wrong

Hear me right, I love you from the bottom of my heart

You make the answer bright

You touch me in a way that no one else could ever do

If you'll only love me, I'll love you

And if you're tempted to tell a lie

Don't get it wrong

Well, it breaks my heart when I see you cry

Don't get it wrong, oh no

Get it right, the brightest light that's shining in the skies

Is shining from your eyes

I love you in a way that no one else could ever do

If you'll only love me, I'll love you

I'm often accused of giving too little

It's got me confused, I'm split down the middle

Conflicting reviews of our life coming in

It's tough on a tightrope, yes, it's tough on a tightrope

Hear me right, I love you from the bottom of my heart

You make the picture bright

And love me in a way that no one else could ever do

If you'll only love me, I'll love you

You touch me in a way that no one else could ever do

If you'll only love me, I'll love you

Tough on a tightrope

Tough on a tightrope

Tough on a tightrope

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

See all bootlegs containing “Tough On A Tightrope”

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Going further

Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 1) 1970-1989

With 25 albums of pop music, 5 of classical – a total of around 500 songs – released over the course of more than half a century, Paul McCartney's career, on his own and with Wings, boasts an incredible catalogue that's always striving to free itself from the shadow of The Beatles. The stories behind the songs, demos and studio recordings, unreleased tracks, recording dates, musicians, live performances and tours, covers, events: Music Is Ideas Volume 1 traces McCartney's post-Beatles output from 1970 to 1989 in the form of 346 song sheets, filled with details of the recordings and stories behind the sessions. Accompanied by photos, and drawing on interviews and contemporary reviews, this reference book draws the portrait of a musical craftsman who has elevated popular song to an art-form.

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Paul McCartney writing

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