In the movies Rocky I and Rocky II, Rocky Balboa rose from being an obscure working-class Philadelphia boxer to defeat Apollo Creed and become the world heavyweight champion. But fame and fortune are TRANSIENT or brief and passing. Rocky lost his edge and his title to a fearsome rival named Clubber Lang. The lyrics in the song “Eye of the Tiger” capture Rocky’s struggle in Rocky III to regain his title. Let’s take a look:
ARDUOUS – Rocky’s rise to the top wasn’t easy. His quest to defeat Apollo Creed forced him to commit to an ARDUOUS or demanding struggle that required great effort and determination. Rocky “did his time,” “went the distance” and finally became the world heavyweight champion.
ACCLAIM – Rocky’s victory earned wealth and public ACCLAIM or praise. The Philadelphia Museum of Art even honored him by installing a bronze “Rocky Statue” located atop the museum’s famous “Rocky Steps.”
ESCHEW – Wealth and fame can “happen too fast.” Rocky ESCHEWED or forgoed the work ethic and passion that made him a champion. Without the “eye of the tiger” and the “will to survive,” Rocky lost his title to the fearsome and arrogant Clubber Lang.
RESILIENCE and TENACITY – In order to win back his crown, Rocky will have to regain the inner strength, unwavering TENACITY or determination, and RESILIENCE or ability to bounce back from adversity that made him a champion.
PREVAIL – Will Rocky regain the “eye of the tiger?” Will he PREVAIL or triumph by finding the “guts” needed to become a champion? FUHGEDDABOUTIT – you already know the answer!
TRANSIENT – brief and quickly passing
ARDUOUS – describes the great effort required to reach a goal
ACCLAIM – great public praise
ESCHEW – to avoid; forgo
TENACITY – great determination and persistence
RESILIENCE – the ability and flexibility needed to bounce back from adversity
PREVAIL – to triumph by overcoming difficulties