"Burning Heart" is a song by American rock band Survivor. It appeared in the 1985 film Rocky IV and on its soundtrack album; the film's star Sylvester Stallone personally commissioned the song. The single peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks; it was the biggest hit the band had with Jimi Jamison on lead vocals. It was also a hit internationally, topping the charts of Belgium and Switzerland and entering the top 10 in several other European countries.
Contents
Content
"Burning Heart", which is about an "all or nothing" battle, was inspired by the Cold War, as shown by lyrics such as "Is it East versus West?" and "Can any nation stand alone?" The Communist East versus Capitalist West conflict is reflected in the film by the fight in the boxing ring between Rocky and Ivan Drago.
Music video
The music video for "Burning Heart" features Survivor giving a concert, mixed with scenes from the film Rocky IV. A version with only the band (no movie footage) also exists, available on YouTube.
Reception
In Smash Hits, Janice Long wrote, "Watch out, "Eye of the Tiger" Mark 2. It sounds like exactly the same backing track, and it's from Rocky IV. I think we could live without this record."
Track listings
7-inch single
"Burning Heart" – 3:51
"Feels Like Love" – 3:20
12-inch maxi
"Burning Heart" – 3:51
"Eye of the Tiger" – 3:46
"Feels Like Love" – 3:20
Cover versions
1999: Jimi Jamison released a live version of "Burning Heart" on his album Empires.
2003: Seventh Avenue