Pink’s song “Courage” from her 2019 album Hurts 2B Human is all about facing the tough times in life, finding the strength to change, and learning to be okay with not being perfect. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever struggled with self-doubt or been stuck in a situation they want to change but don’t know how to start. With its raw honesty, the song encourages listeners to keep going, even when it feels like nothing’s changing. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be messy and imperfect while trying to grow.
Verse 1: The Struggle of Change
The first verse starts with Pink describing what feels like an impossible uphill battle: “I’m walking uphill both ways, it hurts.” If you’ve ever had to do something difficult—like a challenging work project or training for a sport—it’s that feeling when things just don’t seem to go your way, no matter how hard you try. Pink’s saying that it’s tough, and sometimes it feels like nothing is working, but she’s still going. She follows up with, “I bury my heart here in this dirt,” which could mean she’s putting herself out there, risking getting hurt or disappointed. But she holds on to hope with, “I hope it’s a seed, I hope it works.” It’s like planting a seed and hoping it’ll grow into something good, even though you can’t see the results right away. And through it all, she reminds herself, “I don’t have to do this perfectly, yeah,” which is something we all need to hear sometimes.
The line “I need to grow, here I could be, closer to light, closer to me” shows that even though the process is hard, Pink is looking toward the future with hope. It’s like when you decide to push through something difficult—whether it’s learning a new skill or growing as a person—and know that the effort is leading to something better.
Pre-Chorus: Rain and Growth
Next comes the pre-chorus, where Pink brings in the image of rain. She sings, “Rain, it pours, rain, it pours, it’s pouring on me.” This line might remind you of those days when everything seems to go wrong—when you’re overwhelmed by work, drama with friends, or just the pressure of life. The rain is tough, but it’s not just a bad thing. Pink sings, “Sowing the seeds of love and hope,” meaning that all these hard times—like the rain—help us grow, even though they’re uncomfortable. The rain is a reminder that tough times don’t last forever, and we can still find a way out of the weeds of confusion and struggle.
The line “We don’t have to stay stuck in the weeds” is a powerful message. It’s like when you’re caught in a tough situation, and it feels like you’ll never get out. But Pink is telling us that it’s possible to move forward, to grow, and to break free from the struggles that seem to hold us down.
Chorus: Finding the Courage to Change
In the chorus, Pink asks herself—and us—the big question: “Have I the courage to change?” This might be something you’ve wondered when facing a tough decision, like deciding whether to try a new hobby or change something about yourself. Change is scary, and sometimes we doubt if we have the strength to make it happen. Pink repeats the question a few times, which shows how hard it can be to find that inner courage. It’s not just about wanting to change, it’s about taking the first step, even when you’re unsure of what’ll happen next. The word “today” in the line “Have I the courage to change today?” gives us a reminder that change doesn’t have to be something huge or far in the future—it can start right now.
The repetition of this question throughout the chorus is significant—it captures that feeling of uncertainty and hesitation we all face when we’re on the brink of making a big decision. It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board, questioning whether you have what it takes to jump in.
Post-Chorus: Facing the Struggles Again
The post-chorus repeats some of the same lines we heard earlier, bringing us back to the struggle of walking uphill, burying her heart in the dirt, and hoping for growth. It’s almost like Pink is trying to convince herself that it’s okay to keep trying, even when things don’t seem to be working out. She sings, “I hope it’s a seed, I hope it works,” and that little bit of hope is what keeps her going. The line “I don’t have to do this perfectly, yeah” is a great reminder for anyone feeling overwhelmed, whether it’s about work, sports, or relationships. Perfection isn’t the goal—just trying is what matters.
The post-chorus is where Pink returns to the idea of planting a seed and waiting for it to grow. “I need to grow, here I could be, closer to light, closer to me”—this line reinforces the idea that no matter how tough the journey is, the end result is worth it. Even if things are messy and slow, progress is still progress.
Verse 2: Letting in the Light
In the second verse, Pink reflects on finding light in dark places. She sings, “See, I let the light in the darkest places,” which might remind you of moments when, despite everything going wrong, something small happens that lifts your spirits. It could be a good conversation with a friend or a personal win that brings hope. Pink also reminds herself that “Nothing is permanent for me,” meaning that the tough times won’t last forever. This might be something you’ve noticed in your own life—things can feel tough, but eventually, they change, and you feel stronger for having gone through them. Pink ends the verse with, “The beauty, it happened inside of me,” showing that even in the hardest times, change is happening inside. The growth might not always be visible, but it’s still happening.
This verse is all about perspective—about seeing the possibility of light even when it feels like everything around you is dark. It’s like when you’re struggling with something, but you take a moment to realize how far you’ve come and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Pre-Chorus: The Healing Quality of Rain
We hear the pre-chorus again, with the rain pouring and Pink singing about how the rain helps sow “the seeds of love and hope.” It’s like when you’re going through a tough time but look back and realize that the hard moments have made you stronger. The line “We don’t have to stay stuck in the weeds” feels like a call to action. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggles. With patience and hope, we can move forward.
This is where Pink really hammers home the idea that even the painful parts of life can help us grow if we allow them to. The rain isn’t the enemy—it’s a part of the process, just like the struggles we face.
Final Chorus: A Powerful Repetition
By the time we get to the final chorus, Pink has asked herself “Have I the courage to change?” so many times that it feels almost like a mantra. At first, it sounded like a question, but now, it’s almost like an affirmation—like she’s telling herself, “Yes, I do have the courage to change.” The more she repeats it, the more certain she becomes. Change isn’t easy, but it’s something that she can face, even if it’s hard.
The repetition of the chorus shows that no matter how many times we ask ourselves if we have the courage to change, we can find that strength within. Sometimes, all we need is to hear ourselves say it over and over until we believe it.
Bridge: A Pause for Reflection
The bridge is just Pink repeating “Oh, oh, oh,” which gives us a moment to pause and reflect. Sometimes, when you’re feeling stuck, you need a break to clear your head and let the emotions settle. It’s like taking a deep breath before jumping into action.
The “oh, oh, oh” part is simple, but it serves an important purpose: it’s a moment of release, where Pink isn’t saying anything specific but letting the emotions of the song speak for themselves.
Wrapping It All Up: A Song About Hope and Growth
In “Courage,” Pink reminds us that change isn’t easy, but it’s possible. She paints a picture of how tough life can feel sometimes, but also shows that even in the hard times, growth is happening. It’s okay to be imperfect and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. The song is a call for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or felt stuck. If you keep going, even when it’s hard, you’ll get closer to who you want to be. Whether you’re trying to change something about yourself or just pushing through a tough moment, “Courage” is a reminder that change is possible—and it starts with having the courage to try.