I Believe In
T.G.U.S Lyrics

The song "I Believe I Can Fly" by T.G.U.S (The Gospel United States) is an uplifting self-affirmation anthem that has become legendary since its release in 1996. The lyrics express the inspiration that comes from believing in oneself, even in times of struggle and fear. The first stanza sets the stage for the message of the song, with lines like "I used to think that I could not go on" and "life was nothing but an awful song." The singer implies a past full of despair and hopelessness. But then the song takes a turn, pivoting on the line "But now I know the meaning of true love," and the singer starts to describe a newfound sense of purpose and determination.

The chorus is the most famous part of the song and essentially repeats the mantra of "I believe I can fly" four times in succession. The idea is that once one believes in oneself, anything is possible. The concept is reiterated in the following stanza with lines such as "See I was on the verge of breaking down" and "Sometimes silence can seem so loud" which imply that the road to self-belief is bumpy and full of obstacles. Nevertheless, the singer remains optimistic, citing the "miracles in life I must achieve."

The song has become a cultural touchstone, frequently sung in graduation ceremonies and inspirational speeches. Perhaps most notably, it was featured in the movie Space Jam, sung by R. Kelly, who wrote the song. It is an anthem for anyone who has ever doubted themselves or felt like giving up. The song reminds listeners that believing in oneself is the foundation for achieving greatness.