It was originally written by
Paul Stanley as a possible track for
Rod Stewart, but after the success of the
soft rock ballad "
Beth", Kiss decided to keep it for themselves as a follow-up. Stanley has stated his admiration and love of Stewart's music numerous times, and that "Hard Luck Woman" was inspired by Rod Stewart, in particular the songs "
Maggie May" and "
You Wear It Well". While Stewart's music served as a partial inspiration for the song, the nautical themed song "
Brandy" by American pop-rock band
Looking Glass served as Stanley's main inspiration.