by Harrison Ford on the Lyrics That Inspire Him
Harrison Ford has captivated audiences for decades with his iconic roles in films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. Though he is reticent to reveal too much about his personal life, Ford has mentioned in interviews over the years that music is a great source of inspiration for him as an actor. When preparing for roles, he often listens to music to help get into the right emotional headspace and connect more deeply with his characters.
In a rare glimpse into the music that motivates him, Ford recently opened up about some of the lyrics that he finds particularly inspirational. From David Bowie to Bob Dylan, Ford discussed how the work of these legendary artists drives him to deliver powerful performances.
“I’ve always been a bit private about discussing the specific music and lyrics that speak to me,” Ford admitted. “But there are a few songs over the years that I’ve really cherished, that motivate and inspire me in my work and life.”
David Bowie’s “Changes”
One artist that Ford has frequently mentioned as an inspiration is David Bowie. When asked about Bowie lyrics that resonate with him, Ford pointed to “Changes” as a song that has stuck with him throughout his career.
“I think the lyric ‘Turn and face the strange’ is particularly poignant,” Ford explained. “As an actor, and as a person, it’s important to embrace new challenges and step outside your comfort zone. Bowie’s music has always encouraged me to take risks and be open to change.”
According to Ford, the emotive vocals and powerful lyrics of “Changes” remind him to approach both his work and his outlook on life with flexibility and courage. Even as he has grown older, Ford finds solace in the song’s message that change can be a positive, transformative force.
Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Another folk rock icon that Ford admires is Bob Dylan. When asked about inspirational lyrics from Dylan’s catalog, Ford was quick to highlight the classic “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”
“I’ve always been struck by the line ‘Your old road is rapidly aging’,” Ford said. “As someone who came into Hollywood later in life, I think about how fleeting success can be. Dylan’s lyrics are a reminder to stay determined and focused.”
Ford explained that the song motivates him to continue growing and taking on new challenges. Even after decades in the business, he doesn’t want to become complacent or rest on his past roles. Dylan’s urgent lyrics are a call to action for Ford to keep pushing himself as an actor.
U2’s “With or Without You”
The haunting vocals and lyrics of U2 have also provided inspiration for Ford over the years. When asked about impactful lines from the Irish rock band, Ford highlighted “With or Without You.”
“The lyric ‘My hands are tied, my body bruised’ really resonates with me,” Ford revealed. “As an action star, I can relate to feeling battered both physically and mentally. There’s a vulnerability expressed in that line that strikes a chord.”
According to Ford, the song reminds him that even our heroes have moments of fragility and self-doubt. The raw emotion in Bono’s delivery of this lyric moves Ford and gets him into the mindset of an underdog overcoming adversity. It inspires him to bring gravitas and complexity to characters that some may wrongly dismiss as superficial.
The Beatles’ “Let It Be”
With its messages of perseverance and hope, Ford called The Beatles’ “Let It Be” an enduring source of perspective.
“I think the line ‘There will be an answer, let it be’ is so simple but profound,” Ford said. “When you’re struggling through difficult times, it’s easy to get down on yourself and worry. This lyric reminds me that solutions will come in time.”
Ford related that he often draws upon the reassuring lyrics of “Let It Be” when he is frustrated with a challenging scene or feeling creatively stifled. The song’s quiet optimism gives him patience and faith that he will eventually achieve what he sets out to accomplish. It provides a feeling of calm in anxiety-inducing moments.
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”
When he wants to get fully immersed in a character’s larger-than-life emotions, Ford turns to Queen’s operatic rock ballad “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“The lyric ‘I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy’ is so theatrical and expressive,” Ford enthused. “I love letting that line stir up big, almost exaggerated feelings when I’m getting ready for an intense scene.”
According to Ford, the sweeping grandeur of “Bohemian Rhapsody” allows him to tap into feelings of rebellion, defiance, and inner turmoil. The song Dramatically captures pain and struggle, which Ford draws on to inform his most brooding, conflicted characters. Freddie Mercury’s one-of-a-kind voice gives him goosebumps.
Aerosmith’s “Dream On”
Ford also expanded on some of the 1970s rock music that drives his work, including Aerosmith’s early hit “Dream On.”
“The yearning in lines like ‘Every time I look in the mirror, all these lines on my face getting clearer’ really moves me,” Ford said. “There’s this aching regret that Steven Tyler captures so well. It’s emotionally powerful.”
He explained that the palpable sadness and longing in “Dream On” allows him to tap into poignant sensibilities. The raw vulnerability pairs nicely with Ford’s ability to subtly convey the inner turmoil of characters. According to Ford, the song will make his own dreams feel more vivid and stirring.
Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”
While Ford is inspired by many classic rock acts, he also finds motivation in the music of Metallica. Their 1991 power ballad “Nothing Else Matters” stands out for its message of cherishing intimate relationships.
“The lyric ‘You’re my everything, I’d do anything for you’ has such a sincerity to it,” Ford revealed. “Especially as I get older, I’m realizing how meaningful it is to have people in your life who truly understand and support you.”
Ford explained that the tenderness beneath Metallica’s heavy metal exterior drives his most emotional scenes. He thinks of the people closest to him when trying to convey a character’s internal battles and connections. The vulnerability of “Nothing Else Matters” grounds Ford and reminds him of what is most important.
Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
In addition to rock music, Ford shared his appreciation for the work of rapper Eminem. When preparing for intense action sequences, he often turns to the pump-up anthem “Lose Yourself.”
“Lyrics like ‘His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy’ are just so vivid,” Ford said. “Eminem captures the physical experience of nerves so well. I play that song to get in the zone when I need to summon a lot of energy and adrenaline.”
The gritty, evocative descriptions in “Lose Yourself” allow Ford to get under the skin of characters under immense stress. The song’s pulsating rhythm and defiant attitude drive him in high-stakes scenes. Ford also praised Eminem’s technical rhyming abilities that add momentum to the track.
Radiohead’s “Creep”
Ford has mentioned Radiohead as one of his favorite modern bands. When discussing their lyrics that move him, he pointed to their early-90s alt-rock hit “Creep.”
“The self-loathing in lines like ‘I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo’ is really gripping,” Ford said. “It’s powerful when music taps into the parts of ourselves that we’re ashamed of and want to hide.”
According to Ford, Thom Yorke’s raw, emotional delivery of “Creep” helps him access characters’ most vulnerable insecurities. The song’s honesty and dark mood are an unlikely source of inspiration that Ford cherishes. Even our flaws make us uniquely human.
Looking Ahead with Music
Harrison Ford has clearly been impacted by the music of David Bowie, Bob Dylan, U2, and many other legends over the years. These singers and songwriters unlocked parts of Ford emotionally and creatively. Their iconic lyrics motivated him to become the memorable actor we know today.
As he moves forward in his remarkable career, music will undoubtedly continue to be Ford’s companion. Though the tunes that inspire him may change and evolve, lyricists will keep providing the spark Ford needs to inhabit his characters fully. Music’s immeasurable power will help this classic star craft captivating performances for years to come.
