Joel McNeely was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Both of his parents were involved in music and theater, and as a child he played the piano, saxophone, bass, and flute. He attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, studied jazz at the University of Miami, and earned a master's degree as a composition major at the Eastman School of Music.
LucasArts chose McNeely to compose the soundtrack to the 1996 Star Wars game, Shadows of the Empire, while incorporating the themes from the films by John Williams. This was an experimental project where he conveyed general moods and themes instead of writing music to flow for specific scenes.
He is also known for conducting a series of re-recordings of film scores by Bernard Herrmann, Franz Waxman, John Barry, and other composers under the label of Varèse Sarabande, including those Herrmann wrote for Vertigo, Psycho and Citizen Kane. He also composed the score for The Avengers and the theme and music for FOX's Dark Angel. Additionally, he scored the movies Terminal Velocity, Iron Will (which was used in the teaser trailer to Toy Story, the theatrical trailer to Balto, and the VHS trailer to Mulan), Flipper, Gold Diggers, Samantha, Virus, and I Know Who Killed Me. He also scored a multitude of Disney animated films (Mulan II, Return to Never Land, Tinker Bell and many others).
Currently McNeely scores occasional episodes of the FOX animated TV series American Dad!, since the fourth season replacing Ron Jones who left to focus more on composing for Family Guy, including the episode with the Back to the Future parody, and the season five premiere (among others).
McNeely has produced both of Seth MacFarlane's studio albums, including 2011's Music Is Better Than Words, 2014's Holiday for Swing, and 2017's In Full Swing.
In 2017, he composed a score for MacFarlane's new series, The Orville, along with Bruce Broughton and John Debney.
Float
Joel McNeely Lyrics
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Headfirst and fast like an avalanche
Maybe I'll land
Maybe I'll crash, I will take that chance
'Cause there's nothing but air
In between me and everything
Nothing to keep me from flying aimlessly
Shamelessly laughing at destiny
And no one knows how high I go
Or what makes the atmosphere glow
I could follow the narrow road
But maybe I'll let it all go
And just float, whoa
I'm gonna live
Headstrong and wild like a golden child
All of the while
I'll be taking each breath with a mile wide smile
'Cause there's nothing but ground below
Why should I take it slow?
Status quo isn't so great and I know
I can light up the sky like a thunderbolt
And no one knows how high I go
Or what makes the atmosphere glow
I could follow the narrow road
But maybe I'll let it all go
And just float, whoa
I'll float, float
No one knows how high I go
Or what makes the atmosphere glow
I could follow the narrow road
But maybe I'll let it all go
And just float, whoa
I'll float, float
The lyrics of "Float" by Joel McNeely are about taking risks and living life to the fullest. The singer is ready to fall headfirst into any situation, whether it leads to success or failure. He mentions the absence of any obstacles or limitations in his way as he takes this chance, and he chooses to laugh in the face of destiny.
The second verse talks about how the singer intends to live his life. He wants to be headstrong and wild like a "golden child," taking each breath with a wide smile. He doesn't want to live life at a slow pace or follow the status quo, believing that he can light up the sky like a thunderbolt. The chorus repeats that he will float, letting go of any limitations and just enjoying the journey.
Overall, the lyrics of "Float" celebrate taking risks and living life fully. The singer has a sense of freedom as he allows himself to take chances and accept the unknown. He encourages listeners to let go of their fears and limitations and embrace a life of excitement and possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna fall
I am willing to take risks.
Headfirst and fast like an avalanche
I am ready to jump headfirst and take on life like an unstoppable force.
Maybe I'll land
I have a goal in mind, but the outcome is uncertain.
Maybe I'll crash, I will take that chance
Even if I fail, I am not afraid to try.
'Cause there's nothing but air
There is nothing holding me back from achieving my dreams.
In between me and everything
I have the ability to make my own path in life.
Nothing to keep me from flying aimlessly
There is no one stopping me from exploring and creating my own journey.
Shamelessly laughing at destiny
I am not afraid of destiny and am willing to laugh in its face.
And no one knows how high I go
I have unknown potential that I am excited to explore.
Or what makes the atmosphere glow
There are endless possibilities waiting for me to discover.
I could follow the narrow road
I have the option to play it safe and follow a preconceived path.
But maybe I'll let it all go
Or I could take a risk and forge my own path.
And just float, whoa
I am allowing myself to let go and embrace the journey.
I'm gonna live
I am ready to truly start living my life.
Headstrong and wild like a golden child
I am confident, strong-willed, and unafraid to take on the world.
All of the while
As I embark on this adventure, I will never lose sight of my goals.
I'll be taking each breath with a mile wide smile
I am excited for every moment of this journey and am ready to embrace it with joy.
'Cause there's nothing but ground below
I have nothing holding me back and everything to gain.
Why should I take it slow?
I refuse to settle for less than what I am capable of achieving.
Status quo isn't so great and I know
I am not content with following the status quo and want to make my own mark on the world.
I can light up the sky like a thunderbolt
I am aware of my own strength and capabilities and am ready to leave a lasting impact.
I'll float, float
I will continue to embrace the adventure, taking risks and soaring to new heights.
No one knows how high I go
The sky is truly the limit and I am ready to explore my full potential.
Or what makes the atmosphere glow
The world is full of mystery and wonder, waiting for me to discover.
I could follow the narrow road
I have the option to take the safe, predictable path.
But maybe I'll let it all go
But I am more interested in taking risks and paving my own way.
And just float, whoa
I am letting go of all limitations and embracing the adventure with open arms.
I'll float, float
I will never stop exploring and taking risks, always ready for new adventures.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: WILLIAM MC AULEY III, WILLIAM JAMES III MC AULEY, WILLIAM JAMES MCAULEY III
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind