Doha, Qatar
08 December 2024

A low hum of the bass guitar, almost like my heartbeat revving up for battle, pulsates through the air. Then, as the iconic piano riff swells, “Gonna Fly Now” seems to sweep the tiredness from my legs as my spirit rises with the song’s crescendo. This isn’t a workout playlist; it’s a call to arms. Rocky series music isn’t just background noise; it’s the soundtrack to perseverance, the melody of grit.

I press play when the alarm goes off before dawn, and my bed feels like a warm haven that refuses to let go. It’s not only the voice of Bill Conti, the composer behind “Gonna Fly Now,” reverberating in my headphones—the voice fills the room with possibilities. The song, created back in 1976, was influenced by Rocky Balboa’s relentless pursuit of greatness. Conti believed music should carry you, lift you from the ground, and push you toward the mountaintop—a sentiment felt in every bar of that legendary track.

Songs That Hit Above Their Weight

From the thudding beats of “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor to the soul-stirring intensity of “Hearts on Fire” by John Cafferty, each song in the Rocky franchise has its own personality. These aren’t just tracks; they’re sparring partners.

“Eye of the Tiger,” with its aggressive guitar riffs and unapologetically raw energy, wasn’t even the first choice for Rocky III. Did you know Sylvester Stallone himself reached out to Survivor and asked them to create a song for Rocky’s intense journey? That collaboration gave birth to a track that topped charts and became a universal battle cry for those facing personal challenges. It’s this song that propels me forward every time I lace up my sneakers to run. The lyrics—“Risin’ up, back on the street / Took my time, took my chances”—are more than just words; they remind me success must be fought for. Every beat feels like a step toward something greater.

Then there’s “Hearts on Fire,” which tears through any mental block. The scene in Rocky IV where Rocky trains in the snow while Ivan Drago works out in a high-tech gym is the epitome of raw determination. The song’s driving beat and soaring vocals remind me no obstacle is insurmountable as long as the fire inside burns brighter than the challenges outside.

Motivations for the Melodies

The power of Rocky’s music doesn’t just come from the sound but from the story. These songs were born out of the underdog spirit—the belief that no matter how stacked the odds, you can fight back. The anecdotes behind them make them even more special.

For example, the composer of “No Easy Way Out,” Robert Tepper, once shared how he wrote the song after reflecting on moments of failure and redemption in his life. The raw honesty in its lyrics—“There’s no shortcut home”—makes it a powerful anthem of resilience.

This is the song I turn to when I sit at my desk or stare at a blank page. Writing, much like boxing, demands determination and discipline. It’s not always glamorous—there’s no shortcut to crafting a story that resonates. But as the chords of Tepper’s song play on, I’m reminded that every keystroke, every edit, every ounce of effort is a step closer to victory.

From Screen to Reality

It’s not just the songs themselves that inspire; it’s the way they’re interwoven with Rocky’s journey. Whether he’s pounding meat in a freezer or sprinting up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the music amplifies the visual narrative.

Equally impressive is how “Gonna Fly Now” mirrors Rocky’s growth: starting slow and hesitant, much like his jog, it builds into a full-on sprint and ultimate triumph. Progress in life often mirrors this—slow at first but gaining momentum with persistence. It’s this thought that fuels my daily workouts. When my muscles scream for rest or my breath falters during a HIIT session, the crescendo of these songs reminds me: I can go a little further. The music doesn’t just fill the silence; it drowns out doubt.

Lessons from the Lyrics

These songs have lyrics that transcend workouts; they hold lessons for life. Take Survivor’s “Burning Heart” from Rocky IV: “In the warrior’s code, there’s no surrender / Though his body says stop, his spirit cries never.” These words echo in my mind not only in the gym but also when I’m balancing life’s curveballs or striving toward my goals. When I’m stuck on a difficult article or juggling deadlines, Rocky’s playlist helps me channel that warrior spirit. It reminds me setbacks aren’t failures—they’re part of the training montage.

A Personal Credo

To me, the music of Rocky is more than a motivator—it’s a creed. Whether running toward a fitness goal, penning an article, or simply facing a challenging day, these songs fuel the fight. They remind me life, much like Rocky’s journey, is a series of rounds. Sometimes you get knocked down. But the bell always rings, signalling another chance to rise.

As I finish my workout or stop writing for the day, I hum the triumphant notes of “Gonna Fly Now.” It’s more than a tune; it’s a promise—one to keep going, keep fighting, and most importantly, keep believing. Because, like Rocky, we all have the eye of the tiger; we just need the right soundtrack to unleash it.

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani), 
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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