The Power of “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” by Fire Inc.
The Inspiration for “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young”
“Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” is a powerful song that has inspired generations of music lovers. The song was recorded by Fire Inc., a band formed in 1984 as a collaboration between producer Keith Forsey and former members of the band Steely Dan. The song was written by Jim Steinman, who had previously worked with Meat Loaf on his album “Bat Out of Hell.”
Steinman wrote “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” specifically for the movie “Streets of Fire,” which was released in 1984. The movie is a neo-noir rock musical that tells the story of a mercenary named Tom Cody who returns to his hometown to rescue his ex-girlfriend from a motorcycle gang.
The Lyrics of “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young”
The lyrics of “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” are emotional and powerful. They speak of the power of youth and the glory of being young. The opening line of the song sets the tone for what’s to come:
“Lookin’ for my satisfaction, in the backstreets, ballrooms, and the cities of salvation.”
The chorus of the song is particularly memorable and has become an anthem of sorts for many people:
“Tonight is what it means to be young, tonight is what it means to be alive.”
The song speaks of the desire to live life to the fullest and not waste a single moment. It encourages listeners to embrace their youth and enjoy the ride.
The Legacy of “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young”
“Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. In addition to its use in the movie “Streets of Fire,” it has been featured in numerous other films, TV shows, and commercials.
The song has also inspired countless musicians and artists. It has been covered by artists such as Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler, and it has been sampled by hip-hop artists Kanye West and Jay-Z.
Despite the passage of time, the message of the song remains relevant and inspiring. It continues to resonate with people of all ages who share a desire to live life to the fullest and make the most of their time on earth.
The Power of Music to Inspire
“Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” is just one example of the power of music to inspire and uplift people. Music has the ability to awaken emotions and connect people across cultures and generations.
In fact, according to a study by Nielsen Music, Americans listen to an average of 32.1 hours of music per week. That’s equivalent to listening to nearly 5 hours of music every day.
Music can have a profound impact on our mood, behavior, and emotions. It can energize us, motivate us, comfort us, and make us feel understood.
As musician Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
The Importance of Living in the Moment
“Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” reminds us of the importance of living in the moment. Too often, we get caught up in the pressures of daily life and forget to enjoy the journey.
Research shows that the ability to savor positive experiences is a key component of happiness. When we are able to fully appreciate and enjoy the good moments in life, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied.
So whether we’re young or old, it’s important to remember the message of “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young.” We should embrace the present moment and live life to the fullest. As the song says, “Tonight is what it means to be young, tonight is what it means to be alive.”
