The Journey and Inspiration Behind Eddie Money’s “Walk On Water”
Introduction
Eddie Money is a renowned American singer with hits such as “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Take Me Home Tonight.” Nevertheless, one of his most poignant songs is “Walk On Water,” released in 1988, which continues to resonate with both fans and critics. The song talks about a man’s desperate plea for redemption and forgiveness from a woman he loves and the obstacles he faces in winning her heart.
In this article, we delve into the story behind this iconic song, from its conception to its eventual success. This introspection will reveal the song’s inspiration, Eddie Money’s creative process, and the ripple effects of its release.
Birth of “Walk On Water”
“Walk On Water” was ranked number 9 on the Billboard 100 chart, one of Eddie Money’s most successful releases of his career. However, the journey towards creating this piece of art began through a difficult and challenging period in Eddie Money’s life.
At the time of the song’s creation, Eddie Money was going through a divorce from his first wife after struggling with a drug addiction problem. The mental anguish, guilt, and overwhelming anxiety that he faced during this time became the driving force behind writing “Walk On Water.” He channeled all his emotions, deep pain, and hopelessness into the song’s lyrics, and the result was breathtaking.
Lyrics of “Walk On Water”
The song’s lyrics and music are inspiring and moving, as they speak to the romanticism of a man’s love for a woman and the lengths he is willing to go to prove himself worthy despite his past. The opening lines in the first verse, “I can’t stop, I can’t stop myself from thinking, I’ll make a mistake,” describe the man’s inner turmoil.
As the song progresses, the audience can feel the singer’s vulnerability as he begs the woman to forgive his past transgressions and give him one more chance to prove himself. The iconic lyrics, “If I could walk on water, if I could tell you what’s next, make you believe, make that call, you would never wonder what’s coming next,” emphasize the man’s promise to change for her and how he hopes his actions will speak for themselves.
Challenges and Barriers Faced
While creating the song marks a significant milestone in Eddie Money’s life, it was not always smooth sailing. Before its release, the song encountered several significant challenges owing to its Christian connotations, with his record label deeming it too risky for their audience. However, Eddie was not dissuaded and remained steadfast in his belief in the song’s message and potential to resonate with his listeners.
Eventually, his persistence paid off when the song became a commercial success and was embraced by critics, proving that it was not just a religious track but one that spoke to everyone.
Impact and Legacy of “Walk On Water”
The song’s message has spurred many people worldwide to talk about faith, spirituality, forgiveness, and redemption. Eddie Money has received several letters over the years from fans, both religious and non-religious, thanking him for the positive message of the song and how it impacted their lives. Some have shared their story of overcoming personal struggles through faith and how the song gave them hope and a new perspective on life.
In other words, the legacy of “Walk On Water” goes beyond the charts and its financial success. Its message of hope has touched many people’s lives, inspiring them to pursue their own paths, face their insecurities, and make a change for the better.
Conclusion
“Walk On Water” is undoubtedly one of Eddie Money’s most inspiring and touching songs, confirming his status as an incredible songwriter, performer, and musician. Through his lyrics, he opened his heart to his audience, sharing his pain and struggles with them, hoping to inspire those undergoing similar experiences.
Overall, Eddie Money’s “Walk On Water” will always remain a timeless classic, a poignant reminder of the power of music’s transformative effects and how lyrics can touch the soul. It also acts as a symbol of hope for those going through difficult times, finding solace in the song’s message, knowing that redemption and forgiveness are always within reach.
