Go the Distance Quotes

Context

This line is from the song "Go the Distance," sung by Hercules, in the movie Hercules (1997).

Hercules thinks he comes from humble beginnings, but turns out his dad is Zeus. It's kind of like the Superman story: mystery kid shows up and later finds out he's got super-human potential.

One day, he tells his dad he feels like a total misfit, and his parents are like, "Oh yeah, you're adopted, and there was a cool amulet around your neck when we found you, and it's a symbol of the gods." Of course this prompts young Herc to set off on a journey, amulet in hand, headed to the temple of the gods to get some answers. He will literally and figuratively go as far as it takes to figure out who he is.

Where you've heard it

Long distance runners probably chant this to themselves while on their daily treks, and couch potatoes might say it when the fridge just seems so far away. Whether you're fit as a fiddle or fitfully fickle, this one comes in handy as self-motivation anytime.

Additional Notable References:

• There's a sweet Michael Bolton rendition of this song, complete with his curls blowing in the wind.
• A bunch of people got Hercules-inspired tattoos.
• Or they put it on their graduation caps.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Despite its potential as a motivational running shoe ad, this phrase is encouraging in real life, so go ahead and chant it as often as you want.