St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)

John Parr

About St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)

"St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" is a song by British singer John Parr from the 1985 film St. Elmo's Fire. It hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on 7 September 1985, remaining there for two weeks. It was the main theme for Joel Schumacher's film, and first single from the soundtrack. The song was created and edited within 24 hours. The song also peaked at number six in the United Kingdom, Parr's home country, and became a number-one hit for John Parr around the world and provided many awards and a Grammy nomination. David Foster and John Parr were contracted to write a song for the film, but Parr struggled inspiration for the lyrics. Foster showed Parr a news clip about the Canadian athlete Rick Hansen, who at the time was going around the world in his wheelchair to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries. His journey was called the "Man in Motion Tour." Parr decided to help the campaign by writing words that would fit vaguely with the film, but which directly referenced Hansen's efforts. The song did not initially feature on Parr's studio albums, only appearing on the London Records re-release of his self-titled debut album in the United Kingdom. It also appeared on a very rare 1985 West German CD re-release of the album, which has since been deleted and is therefore unavailable. 


Year:
1990
4:08
111 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Growin' up you don't see the writing on the wall
Passin' by, movin' straight ahead you knew it all
But maybe sometime if you feel the pain,
You'll find you're all alone everything has changed

Play the game you know you can't quit until it's won
Soldier of only you can do what must be done
You know, in some ways you're a lot like me
You're just a prisoner, and you're tryin' to break free

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazing sky
I'll be where the eagle's flying higher and higher 
Gonna be your man in motion
All I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where the future's lying St. Elmo's fire 

Burning up don't know just how far that I can go 
Soon be home only just a few miles down the road
And I can make it, I know I can
You broke the boy in me, but you won't break the man 

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazing sky
I'll be where the eagle's flying higher and higher
Gonna be your man in motion
All I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where the future's lying St. Elmo's fire

I can climb the highest mountain, cross the widest sea
I can feel St. Elmo's fire burning in me, burning in me
Just once in his life a man has his time
And my time is now I'm comin' alive

I can hear the music playin' I can see the banners fly
Feel like a vet again. I hope I ain't high

Gonna be your man in motion
All I need is a pair of wheels 
Take me where the future's lying St. Elmo's fire

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazing sky
I'll be where the eagle's flying higher and higher
Gonna be your man in motion
All I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where the future's lying St. Elmo's fire

I can climb the highest mountain, cross the widest sea
I can feel St. Elmo's fire burning in me, burning in me
I can feel burning, uh uh inside of me

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


John Parr

John Parr (born 18 November 1954) is an English musician, best known for his 1985 US #1 hit single "St. Elmo's Fire". Parr has sold 10 million albums worldwide. more »

1 fan

Written by: David Foster, John Stephen Parr

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release History
"St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" was released in 1985 by English singer John Parr.
Chart Performance
The song was a number-one hit in the United States, rising to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1985, making it John Parr's most successful song.
Movie Connection
The song was written by John Parr and David Foster for the 1985 film "St. Elmo's Fire." It was originally intended to be the theme song of the film.
Paralympics Inspiration
The "Man in Motion" aspect was actually inspired by Rick Hansen, a Canadian athlete with a spinal cord injury. Hansen was traveling around the world in his wheelchair to raise funds for spinal cord research, and his journey was called "Man in Motion."
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for a Grammy at the 28th Annual Grammy Awards in 1986 for Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male, but it did not win.
Soundtrack Contribution
Apart from its chart success, "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" was also part of the "St. Elmo's Fire" movie soundtrack, which reached the 26th position on the Billboard 200 chart.
Unofficial Sports Anthem
The song has been used as a celebratory anthem for sports teams, including being played at the 2012 Olympics whenever a British athlete won a gold medal.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered the song over the years, including rock band Bad Company and contemporary folk singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Song Lyrics
Though the lyrics are imbued with the ambiance of the film, a significant portion of metaphorical verses pays tribute to Rick Hansen's physical journey and emotional resolve.
Legacy
Today, the song has an enduring legacy and is considered a classic 80's tune. It continues to receive airplay on radio stations that feature hits from the '80s.

Discuss the St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1035783/John+Parr/St.+Elmo%27s+Fire+%28Man+in+Motion%29>.

    Missing lyrics by John Parr?

    Know any other songs by John Parr? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)

    8.7M
    62,066     2,556

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #1


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who of the following is not a New Zealand singer-songwriter?
    A BENEE
    B Regine Velasquez
    C Bic Runga
    D Lorde

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    John Parr tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)

    »