Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2000
- Album Name: Motel
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “1972 Bronze Medalist” by The Bad Plus
The song “1972 Bronze Medalist” by The Bad Plus released in 2000 is a reflection on perseverance in the face of defeat. The song seems to be about a person who has come up short in life, having failed to reach a goal that they had set their sights on. The song speaks to the resilience of the person who has fallen short and the determination to keep moving forward despite being reminded of their “failure.” Despite not achieving the desired outcome, the lyrics talk about the pride associated with still having done their best and still having gained something from the journey. The song captures a moment in time, of being proud yet also humbled, a feeling that is so often expressed in the story of the bronze medalist after they have done all they could only to come up short. The song is a reminder of the strength and beauty that can come from embracing failure, of carrying on despite what might have been, and of still finding something to proud of in the process.