“Hazard” by Richard Marx is a haunting, narrative-driven ballad released in January 1992 as the second single from his third album, Rush Street. The song stands out in Marx’s catalog for its dark, mysterious tone and storytelling style, unlike his typical romantic power ballads.
Set in a small, fictional town called Hazard, Nebraska, the lyrics are told from the perspective of a young man who grew up as an outsider—misunderstood and possibly ostracized. The story unfolds around the disappearance (and implied death) of a woman named Mary, with the narrator becoming the prime suspect. He insists he’s innocent, but the song never resolves whether he truly is or not, leaving it ambiguous and open-ended, which adds to the intrigue.
Musically, “Hazard” blends moody synths, acoustic guitar, and a steady mid-tempo beat, creating a tense, atmospheric backdrop for the lyrics. Richard Marx’s vocal delivery is restrained but emotional, perfectly fitting the song’s eerie mood.
The music video, which was heavily played on MTV and VH1, deepened the mystery by dramatizing the story and reinforcing the ambiguity. It showed the town’s suspicion, flashbacks, and eerie imagery, further blurring the lines between innocence and guilt.
“Hazard” was a commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top ten in several countries, including No. 1 in Australia No. 3 in the UK. It also topped the Adult Contemporary charts both in the United States and Canada. Its unique narrative and somber mood made it a standout track of the early ’90s and a lasting fan favorite.
To this day, “Hazard” is remembered for its compelling blend of pop-rock craftsmanship and psychological storytelling—a moody mystery ballad that invites listeners to draw their own conclusions.