The Meaning Behind The Song: How Far I’ll Go
Alessia Cara’s uplifting ballad “How Far I’ll Go” captures the spirit of determination as it speaks of self-discovery and resilience. The track became an instant hit after it premiered in the Disney animated film Moana, where it served as the protagonist’s quest to find herself and her place in the world. But beyond its catchy melody and soaring vocals, the song carries a powerful message of perseverance and courage.
The Inspiration
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the legendary composer, and star of the musical Hamilton, co-wrote “How Far I’ll Go” with Mark Mancina for the Moana soundtrack. The song came to Miranda after his stint as a substitute in Moana’s voice recording session, where he saw the movie and felt a deep connection with the character. In an interview with Billboard, he said, ” I thought, oh, this is a challenge, and it’s also me trying to make sense of my own life and my journey up to this point, and where I want to go.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “How Far I’ll Go” speak about the protagonist’s longing for adventure and discovery. She feels trapped in her small village, yearning for the vast possibilities beyond her shore. She sings, “If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me, one day I’ll know, how far I’ll go.”
The song also touches on the inner struggle of self-doubt and fear. It acknowledges that the journey towards self-discovery is never easy and that the protagonist is not immune to these doubts. She sings, “Every turn I take, every trail I track, every path I make, every road leads back to the place I know, where I can not go, where I long to be.”
The chorus of the song contains the titular line, “How Far I’ll Go,” which speaks of the character’s unwavering spirit. Despite the challenges of her journey, she is determined to find her true self.
The Message
At its core, “How Far I’ll Go” is a song about self-discovery and the journey towards finding one’s place in the world. The song resonates with audiences of all ages as it speaks universally of the quest for purpose and the courage to take risks. It encourages listeners to chase their dreams and overcome their fears, reminding them that the path to success is rarely a straight line.
The song has become an anthem for many, particularly those who are finding their footing in life. Its message of perseverance has been embraced by self-help gurus and motivational speakers. In his book “The 5am Club,” author Robin Sharma notes, “Success is not about being brilliant or perfect; it’s about being a good human and never giving up in the face of adversity. Alessia Cara’s ‘How Far I’ll Go’ is a song that captures this spirit perfectly.”
The Reception
Upon its release, “How Far I’ll Go” received critical acclaim and commercial success. It peaked at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100, became a top 10 hit in Canada, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The song also won several awards, including the Radio Disney Music Award for Best Anthem and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Song from a soundtrack.
The song’s uplifting message has also captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Numerous cover versions and remixes of the song have been created, allowing people to reinterpret and rediscover the song’s meaning. In an article for E! News, music journalist Christina Grant noted, “The song has taken on a life of its own, inspiring countless people to chase their dreams and believe in themselves.”
The Legacy
“How Far I’ll Go” has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations of listeners to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness. The song’s message is a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect us all.
The song’s popularity has spawned merchandise, including T-shirts, tote bags, and even jewelry. It has also become a favorite among performers, with covers by artists ranging from Kelly Clarkson to the cast of Glee.
In conclusion, Alessia Cara’s “How Far I’ll Go” is a timeless anthem of determination and perseverance. Its message of hope has inspired countless listeners to pursue their dreams and become their best selves. The song’s legacy will continue to live on, reminding us all to believe in ourselves and never give up on our dreams.
