“You’re the Inspiration” is a power ballad by the American rock band Chicago, released in October 1984 with “Once in a Lifetime” on the B-side as the third single from their fourteenth album Chicago 17. The song was written by band member Peter Cetera and producer David Foster, both of whom were instrumental in shaping Chicago’s sound during the 1980s. It became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the U.S.
The lyrics of “You’re the Inspiration” are a heartfelt declaration of love and admiration. The song is about expressing deep affection and the belief that the person you’re singing to is the driving force and inspiration behind everything good in life. It’s often seen as a romantic anthem, perfect for weddings and special moments between couples. Peter Cetera’s smooth, emotional vocal delivery captures the sincerity and passion of the lyrics.
Musically, the song is a soft rock ballad, characterized by lush production and strong orchestration, typical of David Foster’s style. The arrangement features soaring keyboards, a prominent saxophone solo, and a melodic, sing-along chorus that has made it a classic. The blend of rock, pop, and adult contemporary influences helped “You’re the Inspiration” reach a wide audience.
This song marked Chicago’s transition into a more polished, ballad-heavy sound in the 1980s, distancing them from the jazz-rock roots that had defined their earlier career. Peter Cetera, the band’s lead singer at the time, left the group shortly after this album to pursue a solo career, and “You’re the Inspiration” remains one of his most memorable performances with the band.
Even decades later, “You’re the Inspiration” continues to be one of Chicago’s most enduring and popular songs, often associated with love and celebration, thanks to its romantic message and timeless appeal.