Standing Outside The Fire

"Standing Outside The Fire" is a 1993 song released by American Country Music artist Garth Brooks. It debuted on his "In Pieces" album and also appears on "The Hits", "The Limited Series", "Double Live", and "The Ultimate Hits". It reached #3 on the Billboard Country Charts in 1994. The song was written by Brooks and Jenny Yates.

The Song

*Key: A Major.
*Length - 3:52

"Standing Outside The Fire" is known by many to be a song of inspiration. One notable line in chorus reads: "Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire"."

The Music Video

Brooks claims, on his "All Access" DVD, that most letters he receives regarding "Standing Outside The Fire" are from participants (or relatives of) in Special Olympics. In the video, a high school student with Down syndrome decides to not participate in the institution's Special Olympics but signs up for the regular event. There is much strife between the man's father and mother concerning whether or not he should be allowed to do this. The father is strongly opposed, claiming that "he will embarrass himself." However, the mother believes the father disapproves because he himself will be embarrassed. The character with Down syndrome is seen working very hard for the meet. On the day of the school's Olympics, the man trips during a race and is injured. The coach tries to help him out, but the man's father encourages his son to finish the race regardless, rather than quit. The father states "Get away from him! He is not finished!" After his father's encouragement, the young man picks himself up and sprints across the finish line, where he is emotionally embraced by both of his parents.

References and External Links

* [http://www.planetgarth.com/lyrics/standing_outside_the_fire.php "Standing Outside The Fire" Lyrics]
* [http://singingfool.com/default.asp?frame=http://singingfool.com/musicvideo.asp?publishedid=70734 "Standing Outside The Fire" Music Video]