Go the Distance

"Go the Distance" is a song from Disney's 1997 animated feature film, "Hercules". It was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, and originally recorded by American actor Roger Bart in his film role as the singing voice of Hercules. American singer-songwriter Michael Bolton recorded a pop version of the song for the film's end credits, which was also included on his 1997 album "All That Matters". In the Spanish version, the song is performed by Hercules voice actor Ricky Martin, both in the movie and in the credits; this version is included on Martin's album "Vuelve". Both the song and its reprise featured in a stage production of "Hercules", performed upon the Disney Wonder during 2007/2008.
Production.
"Go the Distance" was one of two songs written for Hercules in the film, the second being "Shooting Star", which failed to make the final cut. However, "Shooting Star" is included on the "Hercules" soundtrack CD, sung by Boyzone. The score for the original version of the song can be found in the Alan Menken Songbook.
Critical reception.
Christian Clemmensen of Filmtracks deemed "Go the Distance" to be "Hercules"s "only redeeming song" out of an unsatisfactory soundtrack. However, he criticized Roger Bart's version for his "whiny voice", which Clemmensen expressed had a tone that is "remarkably irritating", while he considered Michael Bolton's pop version to be "finely tuned".
The book "Ways of Being Male" felt that the phrase "go the distance" is a prime example of the way themes are "couched in the language of sport and competition" throughout the film. Den of Geek deemed it "one of Disney's great anthems/motivational mantras for all aspiring athletes and deities." MoviePilot suggests that the shooting star during "Go the Distance" is actually Aladdin and Jasmine's magic carpet ride. The Globe and Mail likened it to Duddy's Leaving St. Urbain Street, while BoingBoing compared it to "Pocahontas"'s "Just Around the Riverbend". Vulture deemed it "inspiring".
Awards and chart placings.
The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Both awards, however, went to "My Heart Will Go On", a song by Celine Dion from "Titanic", a film directed by James Cameron. "Go the Distance" peaked at #24 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart and went to #1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart, Bolton's ninth song to top this chart.
Versions.
Film version.
The song was recorded by American actor Roger Bart in his film role as the singing voice of Hercules.
"Go the Distance" is performed in the film by Hercules (age 15) who possesses god-like strength and finds it increasingly hard to fit in with his peers. The song serves as Hercules' prayer to the Gods to help him find where he truly belongs. His prayers are answered, as he is revealed to be the long-lost son of Zeus, king of the gods. Hercules is also told that he must become a true hero in order to rejoin his father on Mount Olympus. The number is later reprised when Hercules sets off on his quest to become a true hero, proclaiming that he wants to "go the distance" in order to prove himself.
Michael Bolton version.
American singer-songwriter Michael Bolton recorded a pop version of the song for the film's Young Hercules. This version was later included his 1997 album "All That Matters".
The music video for Bolton's version was directed by Dani Jacobs. Sections of the music video were filmed in the Great Hall of the Brooklyn Museum and feature Bolton performing the song, intercut with scenes from "Hercules". Vocal Spectrum did a cover of this version.
Ricky Martin version.
Ricky Martin recorded a Spanish-language version of "Go the Distance" from "Hercules" soundtrack, called "No Importa la Distancia" (English: "No Matter the Distance"). It was released as a single on July 1, 1997. Later, it was included on Martin's 1998 album "Vuelve". A music video was also released. The song reached number ten on the Latin Pop Songs in the United States.
Charts.
Formats and track listings.
European CD single
European CD maxi-single
We Love Disney.
The song was covered in different languages for the series "We Love Disney" by:
Other appearances.
In 1998, this song was used in a tribute video to honor New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing of the NBA at Madison Square Garden minutes before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
In 2000, The Lettermen covered the song on their "Greatest Movie Hits" album.
The barbershop quartet "Vocal Spectrum" recorded a four-part arrangement as the last track of their 2008 album, "Vocal Spectrum II".
"Go the Distance" is featured in the Triumph portion of the Happily Ever After fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
In April 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic, Disney Broadway Stars performs "Go the Distance" while self-isolating.
An a capella chorale arrangement of the a single chorus of the song is featured in the stage musical adaptation of the Disney Channel's "Descendants" franchise, sung by the "Auradonian Choir".
See also.
List of Billboard Adult Contemporary number ones of 1997