August 8, 2020 by Jermaine E. Martin
There is no denying music’s ability to empower and unify us. It is one of the most effective tools available to stir up passion and spark a sense purpose. Whether you’re a boxer marching towards the ring for a big title fight, a football team rushing the field before a big game, or a potential presidential candidate announcing that you’re running for office -music has the undeniable ability to set the stage.
Boxers tend to know this more than anybody. Take for example, the former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Larry Holmes. Before his big fights, he had a tradition of playing the famous soul song “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead. It is a song about succeeding despite the odds and obstacles -a “push through it” song. It became Larry Holmes’ theme song.
The sport of boxing is known for turning ordinary songs into so called “theme songs.” In fact, one of the most famous theme songs of all time, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, came from one of the greatest boxing movies of all time -Rocky III. “Eye of the Tiger” was and still is one of the most empowering songs ever recorded. During a random event one day, I got to personally witness the power of that song.
The year was 2012 and a big presidential campaign was going on. I just so happened to be attending a speaking event in which former Speaker of the House and presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich was scheduled to speak. I can vividly remember hearing “Eye of the Tiger” suddenly come on before the Speaker entered the jam packed room. The crowd was instantly energized and pumped before he could even take the stage. That song, combined with a stage draped with American flags, created a sense of pride and patriotism all throughout the room. Newt used the “Eye of the Tiger” fight anthem to empower the crowd. To let them know that his candidacy stood for American resilience and strength. Regardless of whether or not Newt was your guy, you couldn’t help but to jump to your feet when “Eye of the Tiger” came on. I know I did.
Listening to the lyrics, it’s easy to understand why “Eye of the Tiger” was chosen as the “Rocky” theme song. The entire film series is based on an all American “rags to riches” story centered on the main character, “Rocky Balboa.” In each of the films, Rocky, played by the actor Sylvester Stallone, is faced with what seems like an insurmountable challenge. His courage, commitment, and endurance is ultimately put to test. Despite the odds, he finds a way to push through, to overcome the challenge. Determination and grit -American grit, will ultimately put him back on top.
Out of all of the Rocky films, Rocky III is my favorite. It teaches us a valuable lesson about the cost of complacency. In this episode of the film series, the character Rocky becomes comfortable in his newly found riches and glory. Through tragedy and defeat at the hands of “Mr. T,” he quickly realizes that he must never forget the lessons learned during his time at the bottom and that the passion that propelled him from the bottom must remain if he is to stay on top.
As summed up so eloquently in the song verse:
“So many times, it happens too fast…You trade your passion for glory… Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past…You must fight just to keep them alive…”
– “Eye of the tiger” By Survivor
The iconic Rocky film series represents so much about the American spirit and what it takes to win. There are no first place prizes for complacency. As a nation, our greatness is something that constantly has to be fought for. Passion for the things that unite us and make us great have to remain in our hearts if we are to remain on top. America was never meant for second place.
Jermaine E. Martin is an empowerment leader, speaker and author of “American Mindset: Unstuck & Unstoppable” (Amazon), out now.