Song of Motivation

Eric Clapton’s “It’s in the Way That You Use It”—one of those very few tunes that I can listen to all day every day, and still consume with the same energy and emotion every time. In fact, it is my song of motivation, especially in the gym. It combines an electrifying sound with perfectly inspirational lyrics that fuel my workout session, encourage me to train with intensity and purpose and remind me to not abuse the gifts and privileges with which God blessed me.

The song debuted in October of 1986 as the theme to the Paul Newman-Tom Cruise flick The Color of Money directed by Martin Scorsese. As the sequel to The Hustler (1961), Newman reprises his role of Fast Eddie Felson, a pool shark seeking to climb the ranks once again. With big payouts in sight, he takes the talented babyface Vincent Lauria under his wing. These two combined with Vince’s sexy and manipulative girlfriend shape an unstoppable trio. However, when arrogance gets a hold on the young protégé, lost matches ensue and inevitably lead to destruction for the faction.

A month after the movie hit the big screen, the song was released as the first track on Clapton’s tenth studio album entitled August under the Reprise Record label and produced with Phil Collins and Tom Dowd. It went on to reach #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

With tremendous enthusiasm, I give you “It’s in the Way That You Use It”—may it add a little hop to your step and exhilaration in your life…