One of Garth Brooks's best-known songs, 'Standing Outside The Fire' is an inspirational song about positive risk-taking. It also features a memorable piano run and strings on the second verse.
The song is written by Garth Brooks and Jenny Yates, and was released in December 1993 as the third single from his album In Pieces. It has also been featured on multiple compilation albums and reached number 3 on the Billboard country charts.
In the music video for the song, a mentally challenged boy with Down syndrome named Brandon decides to not participate in his school's Special Olympics, but instead signs up for the regular event. The video shows a strong argument between his mother and father over whether or not this is the right choice.
Those who take a chance on something like love, or Olympic level training, or performance, or anything they are passionate about, might get burned. But those hearts that have no scars to show, are the ones who never do let go and risk it the tables being turned.
The song demonstrates that taking risks is important, and that even special kids can achieve great things if they are willing to make the effort. It is a powerful message that encourages everyone to try their best to achieve what they want in life, and not to let other people make their choices for them.