Go the Distance, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by David Zippel, is part of the soundtrack for the 1997 Disney film Hercules. The song is performed in the movie by the character Hercules, who expresses his desire to prove he is a hero to join the gods on Olympus. Go the Distance was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Key: D
Introduction:
D
G
A
D
G
A
D
I have often dreamed, of a far off place
G
F#
Bm
D/G
A
Where a hero’s welcome, would be waiting for me
G
A
D
G
A
D
Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face
G
F#
Bm
G
A4
A
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I’m meant to be
D/F#
G
D/A
A
I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
D/F#
G
D/A
A
I will find my way, if I can be strong
D/F#
G
Bm
Em
I know every mile, will be worth my while
G
A
D
G7M
A4
D
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong
G
A
D
G
A
D
Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
G
F#
Bm
D/G
A
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
G
A
D
G
A
D
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
G
F#
Bm
G
A4
A
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through
D/F#
G
D/A
A
And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
D/F#
G
D/A
A
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
D/F#
G
Bm
Em
It’s an uphill slope, but I won’t lose hope
G
A
D
G7M
A4
D
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete
F
D/Bb
E/C
C#/A
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
D2
G
F#4
F
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart
E
F#
B
G
A
D
Bm
D
A
G
D/F#
G
D/A
A4
A/G
Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
D/F#
G
D/A
A
I will search the world, I will face its’ harms
D/F#
G
F#
Bm
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance
G
A
D
G7M
A
D
Till I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms
D/F#
Em/G
Bm
E/G
I will search the world, I will face it’s harms
G
A
D
B/G
C#/A
D
(
D/A
D/G
D
Till I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms