Go the Distance Song by Michael Bolton from the movie Hercules

Secular Music Related to Gospel Topics

"Go the Distance" is from the Disney Animated movie Hercules. This story follows the young Hercules as he comes to the truth that he is a God, the son of Zeus. Hercules is faced with the task of being a Hero, to return to his parents from whom he was taken. Along his journey, he finds difficulty and doesn't know when or if he can make it. Hercules sings "Go the Distance" as he starts and endures his journey. 

Now let's take a look into the lyrics of the song and relate it to the Gospel Topic of Enduring to the End.

I have often dreamed of a far-off place

Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me

Where the crowds would cheer when they see my face

And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be

I'll be there someday, I can go the distance

I will find my way if I can be strong

I know every mile would be worth my while

When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong

I love this first verse and the chorus. When we return back to our Heavenly Father, and Savior, Jesus Christ, they will be waiting for us, along with our loved ones who have passed on with arms open wide. In his talk, "Heavenly Father Has a Special Plan," Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi testifies, "I know that your Heavenly Father has a special plan for you and your family to return to live with Him. Let’s go home." Part of this plan is to make covenants with God and endure to the end. We know it won't be easy, but we know it will be worth it.

Down an unknown road to embrace my fate

Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you

And a thousand years would be worth the wait

It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through

And I won't look back, I can go the distance

And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat

It's an uphill slope

But I won't lose hope, 'till I go the distance

And my journey is complete, oh yeah

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part

For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance

I will search the world, I will face its harms

I don't care how far, I can go the distance

'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

I will search the world, I will face its harms

'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

In this life, and as we are tasked with 'going the distance,' we will be faced with many difficulties and adversities. Just as it is written in 2 Nephi 2:11, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.” we are here on earth to be tried and tested and endure to the end that we may return to our Heavenly Father above. In D&C 121:7, God speaks saying “... peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but al small moment.” This life isn't forever. The pains and tries we face will be a small moment. And as we endure to the end with a steadfastness in Christ, we will be blessed and able to return to our Heavenly Home.

While serving an LDS Mission in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, I struggled a lot in the beginning. I felt alone, and I didn't know the language or how to speak to others, and I felt like my mission was going to talk forever to finish. This song was approved in our Mission Music Library. I heard Go the Distance one morning when I was struggling a lot. I was able to feel better because I knew the song and where it came from. But then I started to really listen to the words. I know that this was Heavenly Fathers' way of comforting me, speaking to me, and saying that everything was going to be okay. I knew that I, too, could go the distance and finish my mission. I also knew this distance didn't stop after 18 months of service, but it was lifelong. At that moment, I was ready to commit and endure to the end. I knew who was waiting for me and was ready to endure my distance.

I hope that through this post, you were able to see God’s hand in even the smallest and simple everyday things. Heavenly Father loves you, and is talking to you, in more ways than you know!

Have a safe and blessed week!