About the song
“My Heart Will Go On” is a song that has become synonymous with the 1997 film Titanic, and its impact on the music world is still felt today. Composed by James Horner, with lyrics by Will Jennings, and produced by Horner, Walter Afanasieff, and Simon Franglen, this powerful ballad has become Celine Dion’s signature song. Released as a single internationally by Columbia and Epic on November 24, 1997, it was included on Dion’s album Let’s Talk About Love (1997) and the Titanic soundtrack.
The song’s origins date back to the film’s production, when Horner composed the basis of the song as a motif for the soundtrack. Initially, the director, James Cameron, was hesitant to include a pop song in the film, but after hearing the demo, he agreed to let Horner develop it further. The final version was arranged by Afanasieff, and the music video was directed by Bille Woodruff.
“My Heart Will Go On” is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, with Dion’s powerful vocals soaring above a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics, written from the perspective of a person looking back on a great love, are both poignant and universal. The song’s structure is equally impressive, with a simple yet effective chord progression and a memorable melody that has become iconic.
The song’s impact was immediate and profound. It topped the charts in more than 25 countries and was the best-selling single of 1998. With worldwide sales estimated at more than 18 million, it is the second-best-selling single by a woman in music history and one of the best-selling singles of all time. It was included in the list of Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The song’s critical reception was equally impressive, with many music critics praising Dion’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional impact. AllMusic senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that the song “shines the most brilliantly” and marked it as a standout track from the Let’s Talk About Love album. Larry Flick from Billboard called it a “stately ballad”, noting that the song “woos with romantic lyrics and a melancholy melody that is fleshed out with a weeping flute solo.”
Despite some criticism over the years, “My Heart Will Go On” remains a beloved and iconic song. It has won numerous awards, including the 1998 Academy Award for Best Original Song, the 1999 Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. It has also been named one of the greatest songs of all time by various publications, including Rolling Stone and Vulture.
In conclusion, “My Heart Will Go On” is a timeless ballad that has become synonymous with the film Titanic and Celine Dion’s career. Its impact on the music world is still felt today, and its emotional power and universal appeal continue to inspire new generations of music lovers.
Video
Lyrics
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more, you open the door
And you’re here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go ’til we’re gone
Love was when I loved you
One true time I’d hold to
In my life, we’ll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on (why does the heart go on?)
Once more, you open the door
And you’re here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
You’re here, there’s nothing I fear
And I know that my heart will go on
We’ll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart and
My heart will go on and on