Hilary Duff
Album: Hilary Duff
Song: Fly
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
The Band
Seventeen year old Hilary Duff has been all over the entertainment business with no signs of slowing down. Born in Houston, Texas, Hilary pursued acting from an early age. Her big break came in 2000 when she was cast in the starring role of Disney’s hit TV series Lizzie McGuire. The series was followed by Lizzie McGuire the Movie in 2003. Her singing career took off the same year with her debut album, Metamorphosis. She co-starred in several other movies including, “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “A Cinderella Story.” This weekend hosts the release of her latest movie, “Raise Your Voice,” a project which brings Hilary’s singing and acting careers together for the first time.
The Music
“Fly” was first released as a single, then featured on the singers self titled sophomore album, Hilary Duff. Not coincidentally, the album hit stores September 28th, also her birthday. According to Hilary, this album is “heavier and more personal” than previous recordings. Yet, the songs remain remarkably clean and upbeat—unlike so many others who have gone before her (need we mention names?). She stays away from sexual references and crude language to focus on feelings. Most of the songs center around young love, but others venture into deeper waters such as personal struggles and disappointments.
The Song
An instant hit amongst Hilary fans, “Fly” closely follows the Duff formula for success—soft, thoughtful verses followed by a loud, energizing chorus. This dramatic effect coupled with lyrics designed to encourage and motivate a person, results an inspiring uplifting piece of music for those who appreciate a good pop song.
The song meant to encourage others to find a passion in life and pursue it whole heartedly. Hilary challenges her listeners to “leave [all your worries] somewhere else/ Find a dream you can follow/ Reach for something when there’s nothing left.” Furthermore she encourages listeners to “let go of your yesterday,” likely referring to bad experiences that hold a person back. For those who may feel hindered low self-esteem, the chorus is for you:
Open up the part of you that wants to hide away
You can shine,
Forget about the reasons why you can’t in life,
And start to try, cause it’s your time,
Time to fly
Again, the song focuses on trying to get people to move beyond their comfort zones and work hard to achieve a goal is a noble effort. Despite the cheesiness some might associate with Hilary because of her age, the style of music, or even certain characters she has played, this is probably one of the more worthwhile songs on the charts.
Maybe you don’t dream of a successful music career, but we as Christians we do have a calling in life. That calling is to bring glory to the Father. In fact, our calling is so important we should pursue it above anything else. We each have obstacles to overcome in our spiritual lives. Maybe you struggle to share your faith openly or stand up to your peers. Or maybe you struggle just to read your Bible and spend time in prayer consistently. If Hilary Duff can have that kind of passion and drive for her career, shouldn’t we have that and then some for God? You can glorify God wherever you are and whatever you do. The apostle Paul had a great attitude and outlook on life. He said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Even though this song has a good message overall, it is not coming from a Christian worldview. Hilary seems to let her feelings dictate right and wrong in her life. She sings, “Can you hear it calling? Can you feel it in your soul? Can you trust this longing?” As the song continues, it implies that feelings are always right—as in, if you feel it, you should go for it. As Christians it’s important to keep in mind that God is the one who ultimately sets the standards for right and wrong, regardless of what we feel.
So What Do You Think?
1. What’s your all time favorite Hilary Duff song?
2. Hilary has a reputation for being a good role model to teen girls.
Do you agree that her influence is positive?
3. Why do think it’s hard to stay clean in the music industry?
4. Does this song encourage you? In what ways?
5. Do you have a dream you have been or plan to pursue?
6. What are some in which you can bring glory to God right now?