From YOU’RE THE INSPIRATION/ONCE IN A LIFETIME (single)
Written by David Foster & Peter Cetera
“You’re The Inspiration” was one of those classic songs that is a cornerstone in David Foster’s long and successful career. Co-written by The Hitman with Peter Cetera, this power ballad was released in October 1984 as the third single from the multiplatinum Chicago 17. “You’re The Inspiration” was the perfect follow-up to another masterpiece ballad, “Hard Habit To Break.” Like its predecessor, “You’re The Inspiration” jumped to #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and also reached the top of the Adult Contemporary chart. Listening to this magical ballad, it was easy to say all the names involved were at the top of their game. Cetera and Foster were on a collaborative roll and they co-wrote the musical structure of the song in just a few hours. The two music legends could do no wrong.
This tune became another of their winning melodies with a memorable hook, smart key changes and romantic lyrics. Cetera’s voice was in top shape, his high tenor sounded crystal clear and perfectly suited for this kind of emotional ballad. Foster skilfully gave one of his best productions to date with the support of Humberto Gatica who was a perfect counterpart to Foster’s artistry. The result, thanks also to Jeremy Lubbock’s top-notch strings arrangement, was a sonic delight. Rightly, both Foster and Gatica were awarded Grammys for their work on Chicago 17. Amusing to think that Foster and Cetera originally co-wrote “You’re The Inspiration” for Kenny Rogers. It was only after the veteran country superstar turned it down that this gorgeous composition was considered for Chicago 17. This tune has become one of the most loved wedding songs in history and one of Chicago ‘s most memorable hits ever.
In 1997, Cetera released a cover of “You’re The Inspiration” with guests Az Yet that became a minor hit at #77 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It lacks Foster’s lush touch that was heard on the original, but Cetera always makes for a great listen. You can read our past review of that cover here.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/you_re_the_inspiration.wmv.mp3|titles=You’re The Insipiration|artists=Peter Cetera]
Lead Vocals & Bass: Peter Cetera
Keyboards: David Foster
Drums: Carlos Vega
Guitar: Chris Pinnick & Michael Landau
Background Vocals: Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm & Bill Champlin
Arranged by David Foster & Peter Cetera
Strings Arrangement by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
You know our love was meant to be
The kind of love to last 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
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”
And I know (And I know)
Yes I know that it’s plain to see
So in love when we’re together
Now I know (Now I know)
That I need you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
You should know (Yes, you need to know )
Everywhere I go
You’re 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
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”
(No one needs you more than I)
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”
(No one needs you more)
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
Till the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind, no one needs you more than I
When you love somebody
Till the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind, no on needs you more than I