The Meaning Behind The Song: St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) by John Parr
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” is a song written and performed by the English singer-songwriter, John Parr, in the mid-1980s. The song was a huge success, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for two weeks in September 1985.
The song was also featured in the movie with the same name, “St. Elmo’s Fire,” which was released in 1985. The film was a coming-of-age story about a group of friends who had just graduated from Georgetown University. The song played an integral role in the movie, becoming the anthem for the characters’ lives and struggles.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” by John Parr.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
John Parr was approached by the producers of the movie, Joel Schumacher and David Foster, to write a song for the upcoming film, “St. Elmo’s Fire.” Parr was given a script to read and was immediately inspired by the story of the characters. Parr stated, “I was moved by the movie’s script. I saw the movie in my head as I read it.”
Parr was particularly inspired by the character of Billy, who was portrayed by Rob Lowe in the film. Billy was a young man who had just graduated from Georgetown and was struggling to find his place in the world. Parr stated that Billy’s story resonated with him, as he had gone through a similar experience when he first moved to America to pursue his music career.
The Meaning of the Lyrics
The lyrics of “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” are about overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, and never giving up. The song talks about the struggles that people go through and the strength that can be found in facing those struggles head-on. The lyrics also touch on the theme of friendship, and how having good friends can help support and encourage a person through difficult times.
The title of the song, “St. Elmo’s Fire,” refers to a weather phenomenon that occurs when a strong electric field is present in the atmosphere. The phenomenon appears as a glowing light, often around ship masts and airplane wings. For Parr, “St. Elmo’s Fire” symbolized the strength and power that can be found within oneself when facing difficult challenges.
The Significance of the Song
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” became an anthem for a generation of young adults who were facing new challenges in their lives. The song’s message of perseverance and never giving up resonated with many people who were going through similar struggles. The song became particularly meaningful for people who had just graduated from college, as it spoke to the uncertainties that come with starting a new chapter in life.
The song’s success helped to propel John Parr’s career, and he went on to write and record other hits, including “Naughty Naughty” and “Under a Raging Moon.” However, Parr has stated that “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” will always hold a special place in his heart, as it was the song that helped him to break through and reach a wider audience.
The Legacy of the Song
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” has continued to be a popular song, even decades after its release. The song has been covered by several other artists, including the rock band, The Ataris, and the country singer, Garth Brooks. The song has also been used in various movies and television shows, including “The Simpsons,” “South Park,” and “Glee.”
The song’s legacy can also be seen in the lives of the people who were inspired by its message. The song has been played at graduations, weddings, and other significant events, and has become one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Conclusion
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” by John Parr is a song that has resonated with people for more than three decades. The song’s message of perseverance and never giving up has helped to inspire a generation of young adults who were facing new challenges in their lives.
The song’s title, “St. Elmo’s Fire,” serves as a symbol of the strength and power that can be found within oneself when facing difficult challenges.
The legacy of the song can be seen in the lives of the people who were inspired by its message, and in the continued popularity of the song itself, even after all these years. The song remains a testament to the power of music to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level, and to help us find the strength that we need to face the challenges of life.
