About the song
“Up Where We Belong,” a timeless anthem of love and aspiration, emerged as a pivotal soundtrack in the 1982 film “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Penned by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, the song found its soaring voices in Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. Initially conceived as a duet, the song’s creation was inspired by the film’s narrative of overcoming life’s obstacles and pursuing love against all odds.
Jennifer Warnes, already celebrated for her success in previous soundtracks, was chosen to sing alongside Cocker, whose gravelly, emotive voice was a stark contrast to her softer tones. Will Jennings, drawing from the film’s score by Nitzsche and Sainte-Marie, crafted lyrics that resonated with themes of resilience and the universal desire for upliftment in both love and life.
Released in July 1982, “Up Where We Belong” swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, securing its place as a global chart-topper. It sold over a million copies in the US alone, earning it accolades from the Recording Industry Association of America and becoming a defining song of the era. At the Grammy Awards, Cocker and Warnes clinched the trophy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, while Jennings, Nitzsche, and Sainte-Marie received both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Beyond its cinematic origins, “Up Where We Belong” transcended its soundtrack roots. Versions by artists like BeBe & CeCe Winans brought a spiritual dimension to its message, while television shows like “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons” parodied its iconic use in the film’s final scene. The song’s enduring legacy is underscored by its inclusion in various “Greatest Songs” lists, affirming its status as a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Through its powerful blend of heartfelt lyrics and emotive performances, “Up Where We Belong” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and transcend the boundaries of time and genre.
Video
Lyrics
Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world few hearts survive
All I know is the way I feel
When it’s real, I keep it alive
The road is long
There are mountains in our way
But we climb a step every day
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world below
Up where the clear winds blow
Some hang on to used to be
Live their lives looking behind
All we have is here and now
All our lives, out there to find
The road is long
There are mountains in our way
But we climb a step every day
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we know
Where the clear winds blow
Time goes by
No time to cry
Life’s you and I
Alive today
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we know
Where the clear winds blow
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong