R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” is an uplifting song that has inspired millions of people worldwide with its message of hope, perseverance, and self-belief.
It is a song that encourages listeners to believe in themselves, to keep pushing forward, and to never give up on their dreams.
In this article, we will analyze the meaning behind the lyrics and explore why this song continues to resonate with so many people.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
“I used to think that I could not go on
And life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I’m leaning on the everlasting arms”
The opening verse of “I Believe I Can Fly” sets the tone for the rest of the song. R. Kelly begins by describing his past struggles with life, and how he felt like giving up at times.
He compares life to an “awful song” – something that is unpleasant to listen to. However, he then states that he has found the “meaning of true love,” which has helped him to overcome his difficulties. He also mentions “everlasting arms,” which is a reference to God’s protection and guidance.
Chorus
“If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly (Woo)”
The chorus of “I Believe I Can Fly” is perhaps the most well-known part of the song. It is a series of affirmations that encourage the listener to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their dreams.
The repetition of “I believe” emphasizes the importance of self-belief and determination. The lyrics “If I can see it, then I can do it / If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it” convey the idea that our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on our actions and outcomes.
Verse 2
“See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first, I know it starts inside of me, oh”
In the second verse, R. Kelly describes a difficult period in his life where he was “on the verge of breaking down.” He also mentions the overwhelming feeling of “silence” – something that can be deafening in times of trouble. However, he then emphasizes the importance of achieving “miracles” in life, and how it all starts from within oneself.
Bridge
“‘Cause I believe in me, oh
If I can see it (Woo), then I can do it (I can do it)
If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it (Hey!)”
The bridge of “I Believe I Can Fly” reinforces the message of self-belief and determination. The lyrics “Cause I believe in me, oh” emphasize the importance of having confidence in oneself. The repetition of “If I can see it, then I can do it / If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it” is a reminder that our thoughts and beliefs can shape our reality.
Outro
“Hey, if I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly, hey (I can fly)
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly, hey (I can fly)
The outro of “I Believe I Can Fly” is a repetition of the chorus, but with additional lyrics that emphasize the idea of spreading one’s wings and taking flight. The lyrics “If I just spread my wings (I can fly) / I can fly (I can fly) / I can fly, hey (I can fly)” convey a sense of liberation and empowerment.
True Meaning Behind “I Believe I Can Fly”
“I Believe I Can Fly” is a song that has become synonymous with hope, perseverance, and the power of self-belief. R. Kelly uses the metaphor of flight to represent the idea of achieving one’s dreams and aspirations. The lyrics speak to the idea that we all have the ability to rise above our challenges and achieve greatness, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.
The inspiration for the song came from an unlikely source, a chance encounter between R. Kelly and basketball legend Michael Jordan on a court in Chicago.
Despite not knowing the purpose of the song at the time, R. Kelly eagerly accepted the offer to contribute to Jordan’s upcoming movie, “Space Jam”. The movie’s screening became the spark of inspiration for the song, and the rest is history.
“I Believe I Can Fly” has been praised for its inspiring message and powerful performance. Critics have noted the gospel-style ballad’s use of choir and orchestration, which come together to create a truly majestic sound. The song’s message of self-belief and determination has resonated with listeners across generations, making it a timeless classic.
The song’s popularity has earned R. Kelly three Grammy Awards and a permanent place in the cultural zeitgeist. Its success is a testament to the power of music to inspire and motivate people to pursue their dreams.
Music Video
The video was directed by the talented Hype Williams, and it’s a real treat for the eyes.
The video starts at an old farm, where a young boy is having fun with his ball. The autumn yellow cornfield around the farm sets the perfect backdrop for R. Kelly’s soulful voice as he begins to sing.
In one of the scenes, you’ll see a big screen displaying clips from the movie Space Jam while Kelly performs on the ground. Later, the video takes you to an enchanting autumn forest where the singer sits with the movie’s clips displayed behind him.
In the final part of the video, Kelly conducts a massive choir in a sports hall, accompanied by an orchestra. The choir’s enthusiastic claps after Kelly’s last stanzas of the song bring the video to a beautiful end.
Conclusion
“I Believe I Can Fly” is a song that has resonated with millions of people worldwide. The song’s success can be attributed to its inspiring lyrics, which encourage listeners to believe in themselves and their dreams. It’s a timeless message that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
R. Kelly uses the metaphor of flight to represent the idea of achieving one’s aspirations, and the repetition of “I believe” emphasizes the importance of self-belief and determination. The song is a reminder that our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on our actions and outcomes, and that we have the power to create our own miracles.