The Meaning Behind The Song: She’s Like The Wind by Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze is best remembered as the suave and charismatic lead in the movie “Dirty Dancing”. But his talents extended far beyond his on-screen abilities. As a musician, Swayze wrote and sang some fantastic songs – one of them being “She’s Like The Wind”. This article delves deep into the hidden meaning behind this iconic tune.
The Inspiration
“She’s Like The Wind” was released in 1987, as part of the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. The song was written by Patrick Swayze in collaboration with Stacy Widelitz. According to Swayze, the song was inspired by his wife, Lisa Niemi. The couple had been married for over a decade at the time and their relationship was still going strong. Swayze explained that the song was a tribute to his wife and the effect she had on his life.
In an interview, Swayze was quoted as saying, “The woman I love… is like the wind. In the song, I compare her to a breeze that’s constantly blowing through my life, giving me direction and purpose, even when times are tough. She’s like a compass that always points me in the right direction”.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “She’s Like The Wind” are poetic and romantic, but they also hold a deeper meaning. The song is essentially about the power of love and how it guides our lives.
The first verse goes: “She’s like the wind / through my tree / she rides the night / next to me / she leads me through moonlight / only to burn me with the sun / she’s taken my heart / but she doesn’t know what she’s done”.
In these lines, Swayze compares his love to the wind, saying that like the wind, his wife is always with him and guides him. However, he also admits that she can hurt him – just like the sun can burn him after the moonlit breeze.
The chorus goes: “She’s like the wind / I feel her breath on my face / her body close to me / can’t look in her eyes / she’s out of my league / she’s like the wind”. In these lines, Swayze describes the physical sensations of being in love. He feels her breath on his face and her body close to him. However, he also acknowledges that she’s too good for him – she’s out of his league.
The second verse goes: “She moves like a shadow / dances like a dream / whispers in my ear / what will happen to us? / why should I care / she’s here tonight / but gone tomorrow”. In these lines, Swayze describes his love as elusive – like a shadow or a dream. He also expresses his fears about the future of their relationship. He wonders what will happen to them – but ultimately concludes that he doesn’t care as long as she’s with him in the present.
The Music
The music of “She’s Like The Wind” is just as haunting as the lyrics. The song starts with a simple piano melody that is soon joined by a soft drumbeat and Swayze’s crooning voice. The chorus features a saxophone solo that adds a sensual and romantic touch to the track.
The music video for the song also captures the mood of the lyrics perfectly. The video features clips from “Dirty Dancing”, showing Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing together. The video also features shots of Swayze singing in a dark club, with Grey watching him from the sidelines. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, adding to the overall romantic vibe of the song.
The Legacy
“She’s Like The Wind” had a massive impact on pop culture when it was released. The song was a huge hit and reached the top ten in several countries. The track has since become a staple of romantic movie soundtracks and is often played at weddings and other special occasions.
In a way, “She’s Like The Wind” has become Patrick Swayze’s legacy. The song is remembered as a tender love song that captures the essence of what it means to be in love. It’s a testament to Swayze’s talent as a songwriter and a musician.
In Conclusion
“She’s Like The Wind” is more than just a cheesy 80s love song. It’s a beautiful tribute to Patrick Swayze’s wife and a testament to the power of love. The lyrics are poetic and romantic, and the music is haunting and atmospheric. Together, they create a perfect blend of beauty, sensuality, and emotion. It’s no wonder that the song has become a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire people to this day.
