About the song
“Glory of Love,” performed by Peter Cetera, stands as an enduring anthem of love and resilience since its release in 1986. Co-written with his then-wife Diane Nini and David Foster, the song marked Cetera’s debut as a solo artist after departing from the iconic band Chicago. Its inclusion in the film “The Karate Kid Part II” catapulted it to the top of the charts, clinching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the adult contemporary charts for weeks.
The song’s journey to success was swift yet impactful. Initially intended as the theme for “Rocky 4,” it found its home in “The Karate Kid Part II,” where its emotive lyrics and powerful melody perfectly complemented the film’s themes of love and perseverance. This shift in placement did not diminish its impact; instead, it solidified its place in pop culture history.
Upon release, “Glory of Love” was often misattributed to Chicago due to its stylistic similarities to Cetera’s previous works with the band. Its music video, set in a Japanese martial arts dojo and interspersed with scenes from the film, added visual depth to the song’s narrative, further enhancing its appeal.
Recognition followed swiftly: nominations for Academy, Golden Globe, and Grammy Awards underscored its cultural significance and musical excellence. Despite not receiving RIAA certification, the song’s enduring popularity has been cemented by its frequent appearances in various media and its multiple cover versions over the years, showcasing its enduring appeal and universal message.
Cetera’s live performances, including a notable rendition at the 59th Academy Awards, further cemented “Glory of Love” as a timeless classic. Its impact extends beyond its initial release, resonating with audiences globally and affirming its status as a quintessential love ballad of the 1980s. The song continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that the “Glory of Love” remains eternally cherished in the annals of music history.
Video
Lyrics
Tonight it’s very clear
‘Cause we’re both lying here
There’s so many things I wanna say
I will always love you
I would never leave you aloneSometimes I just forget
Say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you crying
I don’t wanna lose you
I could never make it aloneI am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’re dreaming of
We’ll live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of loveYou keep me standing tall
You help me through it all
I’m always strong when you’re beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it aloneI am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero
You’ve been dreaming of
We’ll live forever
Knowing together that we did it all
For the glory of loveIt’s like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time I will save the day
Take you to my castle far awayI am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero that you’re dreaming of
We’re gonna live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of loveWe’ll live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of loveWe did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love