Inspiration Behind No Easy Way Out:
Robert Tepper’s song No Easy Way Out was a perfect fit for the Rocky IV soundtrack. While some may refer to Robert as a one hit wonder, this hit was huge and is brought back to life during monthly Rocky marathons on cable television. No Easy Way Out is an anthem for driven individuals who avoid taking short cuts in life. Rather, this fighter mentality urges listeners to face their challenges, obstacles and trials head on.
Biblical Application:
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come, 1 Timothy 4:6-8.
Exegesis of No Easy Way Out:
We’re not indestructible
Baby, better get that straight
I think it’s unbelievable
How you give into the hands of fate
In the context of Rocky IV, Rocky has just agreed to fight Ivan Drago who just killed his friend Apollo Creed in what was supposed to be a friendly bout. After an argument with his wife. Rocky gets in his car to blow off steam.
Some things are worth fighting for
Some feelings never die
I’m not askin’ for another chance
I just wanna know why
Rocky is a fighter who only knows how to fight. This is what he does. Unfortunately, his wife doesn’t understand.
There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in can’t be wrong
As the chorus begins, Rocky is going to have to train like he has never trained before. Taking a shortcut may result in his own death.
I don’t wanna pacify you
I don’t wanna drag you down
But I’m feelin’ like a prisoner
Like a stranger in a no named town
Rocky feels like he has to fight Drago even if his own wife doesn’t think he has a chance.
I see all the angry faces
Afraid that could be you and me
Talkin’ about what might have been
I’m thinkin’ about what it used to be
Rocky’s decision has put a strain on his marriage, going to Russia alone to train.
There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in can’t be wrong
Accepting this challenge is the only logical choice for Rocky to make in his mind.
Baby, baby, we can shed this skin
We can know how we feel inside
Instead of goin’ down an endless road
Not knowin’ if we’re dead or alive
Unfortunately, Rocky’s relationship with his wife is on cold ice, not sure if he can repair his marriage after the boxing match with Drago.
Some things are worth fightin’ for
Some feelings never die
I’m not askin’ for another chance
I just wanna know why
Any type of questionable decision will put a strain on a relationship.
There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in, givin’ in can’t be wrong, no
Rocky believes he is making the right decision by fighting Drago.
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy way out)
There’s no shortcut home
(There’s no shortcut home)
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy, no easy, no easy way out)
Taking short cuts while training will result in defeat, death or both.
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy way out)
There’s no shortcut home
(There’s no shortcut home)
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy, no easy, no easy way out)
There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
These are the thoughts racing through Rocky’s head as he returns home.
Final Thoughts:
In this age of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness), athletes are losing the hunger to win. As high school athletes are now getting paid to play a specific sport, they are losing their competitive advantage, the Eye of the Tiger. Although certain professional athletes may not get the attention that they deserve. However, as long as they individuals avoid taking short cuts along the way, fame or fortune will come over time for this relentless hard work.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 