Today’s song of the day is “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago, released on October 29, 1984. This romantic R&B/Soul song is popular among the 80’s music lovers and is often played at weddings and anniversaries. However, it’s much more than a love song. 

“You’re the Inspiration” played a pivotal role in Chicago’s career success, helping them reach a new audience and receive commercial success on the charts. 

Unfortunately, not everyone in the band appreciated the new direction. In its early years, Chicago consisted of three members who played the horns. While the early songs heavily featured the horns, the new direction did not.  

Fun Facts:

• “You’re The Inspiration” started as a song for Kenny Rogers. However, Kenny decided he either didn’t have the time or interest for it after it was completed. 
• Lead singer Peter Cetera is seen sitting down during the entire performance of the song.
• Part of the cast featured in the music video is an embracing couple resembling Billy Idol and Madonna.
• “You’re the Inspiration” peaked at #. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1985.
• Peter Cetera received honors from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers in the most-performed songs category in 1986.
• The song by Chicago features in the movie “Karate Kid,” playing in the car while Daniel talks to his wife.
• In 1971, Chicago was the first rock band to sell out Carnegie Hall for a week.
• The band has over 40 million record sales in the US, with eight multi-platinum, 18 platinum, and 23 gold-certified albums.
• Chicago has received 10 Grammy Award nominations to date.
• Their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.

Lyrics 

You know our love was meant to be

The kind of love that lasts forever

And I want you here with me

From tonight until the end of time

You should know, everywhere I go

Always on my mind, in my heart

In my soul, baby

You’re the meaning in my life

You’re the inspiration

You bring feeling to my life

You’re the inspiration

Wanna have you near me

I wanna have you hear me sayin’

No one needs you more than I need you

And I know, yes, I know that it’s plain to see

So in love when we’re together

Now I know that I need you here with me

From tonight until the end of time

You should know, everywhere I go

Always on my mind, you’re in my heart

In my soul

You’re the meaning in my life

You’re the inspiration

You bring feeling to my life

You’re the inspiration

Wanna have you near me

I wanna have you hear me sayin’

No one needs you more than I need you

Wanna have you near me

I wanna have you hear me sayin’

No one needs you more than I need you

You’re the meaning in my life

You’re the inspiration

You bring feeling to my life

You’re the inspiration

When you love somebody ’til the end of time

When you love somebody

Always on my mind

No one needs you more than I

When you love somebody ’til the end of time

When you love somebody

Always on my mind