Reason to Believe has been reimagined across generations, each artist leaving a distinct mark. Tim Hardin’s 1966 folk original set the tone with raw honesty and acoustic simplicity, while Rod Stewart’s early ’70s rendition added a raspy, pop-rock flair that brought the song mainstream success.

In 1982, Bruce Springsteen stripped the song down even further, infusing it with haunting vocals and the quiet sorrow of working-class America.

By the 1990s, Wilson Phillips refreshed the classic with polished harmonies and a bright pop sensibility, introducing it to a new generation.

Together, these versions chart the song’s enduring journey, each echoing the spirit of its era and the unique vision of its performer.

About the Song

Reason to Believe is a soulful and reflective song that speaks to the quiet hope people carry despite disappointment and loss.

Its lyrics show how individuals still find strength and purpose even when faced with betrayal, pain, or heartache.

The song’s poetic storytelling and emotional weight have made it a timeless piece across generations.

Complete Reason to Believe Lyrics by Tim Hardin

Verse 1

If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true
Knowing that you lied straight faced while I cried
Still I’d look to find a reason to believe

Bridge

Someone like you makes it hard to live
Without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give
Never think of myself

Verse 2

If I gave you time to change my mind
I’d find a way to leave the past behind
Knowing that you lied straight faced while I cried
Still I’d look to find a reason to believe

Instrumental Break

Verse 1

If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe it’s all true
Knowing that you lied straight faced while I cried
Still I’d look to find a reason to believe

Complete Lyrics of Reason to Believe by Rod Stewart

Verse 1

If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true

Refrain

Knowing that you lied straight-faced while I cried
Still I look to find a reason to believe

Chorus

Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think about myself

Verse 2

If I gave you time to change my mind
I’d find a way just to leave the past behind

Refrain

Knowing that you lied straight-faced while I cried
Still I look to find a reason to believe

Violin Solo

Verse 1

If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true

Refrain

Knowing that you lied straight-faced while I cried
Still I look to find a reason to believe

Instrumental Break

Bridge

Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think about myself
Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think about myself, woo

Chorus

Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think about myself

Outro

Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else

Reason to Believe Lyrics by Bruce Springsteen

Verse 1

Seen a man standing over a dead dog
By a highway in a ditch
He’s looking down kinda puzzled
Poking that dog with a stick
Got his car door flung open
He’s standing out on Highway 31
Like if he stood there long enough
That dog’d get up and run

Chorus

Struck me kinda funny
Seemed kinda funny, sir, to me
Still at the end of every hard day
People find some reason to believe

Verse 2

Now, Mary Lou loved Johnny
With a love mean and true
She said, “Baby, I’ll work for you every day
And bring my money home to you”
One day, he up and left her
And ever since that
She waits down at the end of that dirt road
For young Johnny to come back

Chorus

Struck me kinda funny
Funny, yeah, indeed
How at the end of every hard-earned day
People find some reason to believe

Verse 3

Take a baby to the river
Kyle William, they called him
Wash the baby in the water
Take away little Kyle’s sin
In a whitewashed shotgun shack
An old man passes away
Take the body to the graveyard
Over him, they pray

Chorus

Lord, won’t you tell us
Tell us, what does it mean?
At the end of every hard-earned day
People find some reason to believe

Verse 4

Congregation gathers
Down by the riverside
Preacher stands with a Bible
Groom stands waiting for his bride
Congregation gone
The sun sets behind a weeping willow tree
Groom stands alone and watches the river rush on
So effortlessly

Chorus

Wondering
Where can his baby be
Still, at the end of every hard-earned day
People find some reason to believe

Complete Reason to Believe Lyrics by Wilson Philips

If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true
Knowing that you lied, straight-faced, while I cried
Still I’d look to find a reason to believe
Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think of myself
If I gave you time to change my mind
I’d find a way to leave the past behind
Knowing that you lied, straight-faced, while I cried
Still I’d look to find a reason to believe

Chorus

Someone like you makes it hard to live without somebody else
Someone like you makes it easy to give, never think of myself
Someone like you makes it hard to think about somebody else
If I listened long enough to you
I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true
I’d find a reason, a reason to believe (oh no)
And though I want you, you’re just not what I need

Chorus

Someone like you, like you
I’d find a reason to believe
I would find a reason to believe

Similar Songs Like Reason to Believe

If you connected with Reason to Believe, you’ll likely enjoy these other songs by the same artists:

• Maggie May: Rod Stewart’s timeless hit tells the story of heartbreak and confusion in young love. It mixes folk and rock with raw honesty.
• Atlantic City: Bruce Springsteen delivers despair and hope in one haunting song. The storytelling is lively, and the mood stays with you.
• Hold On: This empowering anthem became Wilson Phillips’ biggest hit. Its message about patience and hope, matched with rich harmonies, made it timeless.
• If I Were a Carpenter: Tim Hardin brings simplicity and emotionality to this folk ballad. The lyrics are gentle, yet they cut inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Reason to Believe Appeared in Any Films?

Tim Hardin’s original recording was featured on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Wonder Boys.

Why is Rod Stewart’s Version so Famous?

Rod Stewart’s rendition is noted for its distinctive arrangement, including piano, organ, violin, and a unique rhythm change.

How Many Versions of Reason to Believe Exist?

There are at least 82 different recorded versions, reflecting its status as a folk and pop standard.