Lyricapsule: ‘Rocky’ Begins to get Stronger; January 9, 1976

The Italian Stallion came to life on this day in 1976, as Sylvester Stallone began filming his first feature film, Rocky. Inspired by a supposed chump no-namer, club fighter Chuck Wepner, who went 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in the spring of ’75, Stalone glitzed it Hollywood with homely love interest Adrian – “Adrian!” – and hard-ass trainin’ Mickey – “women weaken legs!” – and the rest is 10 oscar nom history. But none of this would be so glorious without “Gonna Fly Now,” the training-montage commissioned centerpiece that follows Balboa through the streets of Philadelphia, horns-ablast as he climbs the Museum of Art and raises his arms in sweet personal victory. There are 30 words in this song. And together, they allow a listener to conquer anything, from boxing ring to dishes. You cannot fail: