Music of the Day, 15 April 2025

got to keep on moving

A string of positive events from last week has continued this morning for me. I’m sure that’s why this upbeat, kinda cheesy synth-pop hit resurfaced.

I had a vague recollection that “Break My Stride” was about romance, but I clearly didn’t fully grok the lyrics back in 1983–’84 when it hit the top five on both Cash Box and Billboard charts. I took the song as being positive in the aftermath of a failed relationship and moving on with confidence, so hearing it today and realizing she’s the one who’s running and won’t slow down makes me feel like a bit of a dunce.¹ Not exactly as upbeat as I’d remembered.

It was a pleasant surprise to discover that Matthew Wilder wasn’t a one-hit wonder. A second single from his debut album, I Don’t Speak the Language, also slipped in to the top 40, but just barely. If I heard “The Kid’s American,” I don’t remember it.

His second album didn’t do nearly as well, and Wilder turned to songwriting and producing. I may try to track down his albums just to see what else he did as a singer … or I may see if I can watch Mulan somewhere online. He co-wrote its songs (with David Zippel) and provided Ling’s singing voice.

Whatever I choose will have to wait a bit, as I still have some “running” to do today—getting things done and keeping my forward momentum going.

1. even more embarrassing is that I’ve misheard a line all these years! After “the road behind was rocky”, I thought the next line was “but now you feel agape,” as in the Greek word. Please don’t ask me to explain … I have no idea how I got there.