Michael Bolton, “Go the Distance” | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋

In the 19^th edition of Lit Music That Lifts, we’re uplifted by Michael Bolton performing, “Go the Distance” from the Disney animated film, Hercules.

Welcome to Lit Music That Lifts (LMTL), or Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 for short! Music Lifts seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 19^th edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2022), we highlight 🎵 “Go the Distance”, from the Disney animated film, 🎦 Hercules, as performed by 🎙 Michael Bolton.

“I have often dreamed, of a far-off place / Where a hero’s welcome, would be waiting for me.” Ah, there’s just something about those Disney songs – particularly the Disney Renaissance songs – that hit different! 🎵 “Go the Distance” is one of many awesome songs that grace the 💿 Hercules soundtrack.  Arguably, “Go the Distance” is the song to beat, though, 🎵 “Zero to Hero” might have something to say about that.  What stands out about this song is the perseverance despite adversity. Essentially, Hercules exhibits escapism, but also sort of speaks into existence what’s happening.

“I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance

I will find my way, if I can be strong

I know every mile, will be worth my while

When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong.”

🎙 Michael Bolton performs the end-title version of the classic, showing off his incredibly powerful and soulful pipes.  He sings with great authenticity, selling both the melody and the message superbly. One key difference from the end-title version compared to the film version performed by 🎙 Roger Bart is the bridge, which is idiomatic of the adult contemporary pop/rock of the time: “But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part / For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart.”  All told, 🎵 “Go the Distance” is a gorgeous soundtrack/pop record that inspires, shows perseverance, and uplifts.

🎙 Various Artists • 💿 Hercules • 🏷 Disney • 📅 1997

Michael Bolton, “Go the Distance”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 19 (2022) [📷: Arek Socha, Benjamin Balazs, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Curb, Ketut Subiyanto, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Word Entertainment]