Music That Inspires: "The Greatest Love of All"
Many songs, stories or other forms of art have particular resonance within specific individuals, groups of people or cultures.
Today we are going to focus on a song that resonates across virtually all people and genres and cultures. “The Greatest Love of All” is one of the most universally inspiring ballads that anyone has set to music. It connects with young children and centenarians, with people of all religious and political persuasions and those with none. This song hits home on multiple cognitive and emotional levels, and inspires many people who don’t even like it!
The song occasioned signature performances from two of the world’s most respected performing artists: the multifaceted George Benson, 10-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter; and generational singing talent Whitney Houston, whose otherworldly chops earned her the moniker “the Voice.”
Benson performed the song as the theme for the Mohammed Ali (Cassius Clay) biopic The Greatest, which came out when Ali was the reigning heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Houston performed the song for her breakout 1986 debut album, Whitney Houston. Houston covered the song against the express wishes of her powerful manager, Arista Records chief Clive Davis. Originally released as the B side for another song, “The Greatest Love of All” got so much airtime that it was released as a single that topped the charts and became the third-biggest hit of Houston’s illustrious career, after only “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
The song was produced by Michael Masser, who penned the iconic melody. The lyrics were written by Linda Creed, whose other song credits include such classics as “The Rubberband Man,” “Ghetto Child” and “Love Don’t Love Nobody” by The Spinners; “You are Everything,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “Stop, Look, Listen (to Your Heart)” by the Stylistics, then later by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye; and many other highly original songs performed by Prince, Michael Jackson, Johnny Gill, Teddy Pendergass, Connie Stevens, Johnny Mathis and Little Anthony.
Creed’s heartfelt lyrics for “The Greatest Love of All” were inspired by her tight-knit family and other life experiences. She was in the thick of the battle with breast cancer that would ultimately take her life on April 10, 1986, only a few months before it ascended to the top of the charts for three consecutive weeks.
The song’s opening emphasizes the charge to equip our children with the knowledge and faith they will need to lead effectively.
I believe the children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way.
We should instill in them an awareness of their inherent goodness; and partake in the joy and renewal that their laughter can effect in us.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.
In the next verse, Creed switches gears, emphasizing the instinctive—and often fruitless—human longing for someone to serve as an example and guide. Everybody is searching for a hero. People need someone to look up to. I never found anyone to fulfill my needs.
The next line links back to the song’s introduction. Part of what we can teach our children, by precept and example, is to depend on themselves—to create and light their own paths. A lonely place to be, so I learned to depend on me. I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows. If I fail, if I succeed, at least I live as I believe.
As Muhammed Ali learned when authorities harassed him and stripped him of awards No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity.
The iconic chorus highlights the central theme of generating our own light and warmth, powered by love. Because the greatest love of all is happening to me. I found the greatest love of all inside of me. The greatest love of all is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all.
I find the conclusion of “The Greatest Love of All” to be starkly beautiful. Contemplating a scenario in which dreams pursued in integrity can lead to isolation, even temporary, Creed points to a powerful remedy.
And if by chance, that special place that you've been dreaming of Leads you to a lonely place, find your strength in love.
This inspired message imparts comfort, empowerment and, ultimately, a sense of belonging. This is what inspired words and music together often have a unique power to do. And “The Greatest Love of All” delivers in full.
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