Blast back to the 80s with a power ballad that perfectly encapsulates the hopeful spirit of a beloved coming-of-age werewolf flick!
The Song
"Shootin' for the Moon" is a vibrant pop-rock anthem by Amy Holland, best known for its inclusion in the 1985 cult classic film Teen Wolf starring Michael J. Fox. The track perfectly captures the optimistic and determined spirit of the movie's protagonist, Scott Howard, as he navigates high school, basketball, and his newfound lycanthropic abilities. Its lyrics speak of seizing opportunities and believing in oneself, with lines like "When you're shooting for the moon and finally make it, Guess a lucky star is shining on you". The song provides a soaring soundtrack to Scott's transformation and burgeoning confidence.
The Artist
Amy Holland (born Amy Celeste Boersma on August 15, 1953) is an American pop and rock singer with a career spanning over 40 years. She gained early recognition with her self-titled debut album in 1980, which featured the hit single "How Do I Survive" and earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 1981. Holland is married to renowned musician Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, since 1983. Throughout the 1980s, she contributed to several film soundtracks, including Scarface (1983), Night of the Comet (1984), and notably, Teen Wolf (1985).
Chart Performance
While "Shootin' for the Moon" resonated strongly with fans of Teen Wolf, it did not achieve significant chart success as a standalone single. Amy Holland's most prominent chart hit remains "How Do I Survive," which peaked at No. 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1980. Her 1983 duet with Chris Christian, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," also made it to No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 21 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Despite its lack of mainstream chart performance, "Shootin' for the Moon" has endured as a fan favorite due to its iconic association with Teen Wolf.
Cultural Impact
"Shootin' for the Moon" is intrinsically linked to the cultural phenomenon of Teen Wolf. The song perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of comedy, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama, becoming an unofficial anthem for overcoming challenges and embracing one's unique qualities. Its placement during pivotal montages in the movie helped solidify its nostalgic appeal for generations of viewers who grew up with the film. The song remains a beloved piece of 80s movie soundtrack history, often cited by fans when discussing the most memorable aspects of Teen Wolf.
Fun Facts
- "Shootin' for the Moon" was released on the Teen Wolf soundtrack in 1985.
- The song was produced by Miles Goodman.
- The lyrics, with their themes of ambition and destiny, are considered a perfect embodiment of Teen Wolf's message.
- Despite its popularity among fans of the movie, the song is not widely available on major streaming platforms, leading some fans to express their surprise.
- Amy Holland took a break from her solo career to focus on raising her children and supporting her husband, Michael McDonald's, touring schedule.
- She made a comeback to music with her third studio album, The Journey to Miracle River, in 2008.Blast back to the 80s with a power ballad that perfectly encapsulates the hopeful spirit of a beloved coming-of-age werewolf flick!
The Song
"Shootin' for the Moon" is a vibrant pop-rock anthem by Amy Holland, best known for its inclusion in the 1985 cult classic film Teen Wolf starring Michael J. Fox. The track perfectly captures the optimistic and determined spirit of the movie's protagonist, Scott Howard, as he navigates high school, basketball, and his newfound lycanthropic abilities. Its lyrics speak of seizing opportunities and believing in oneself, with lines like "When you're shooting for the moon and finally make it, Guess a lucky star is shining on you". The song provides a soaring soundtrack to Scott's transformation and burgeoning confidence.
The Artist
Amy Holland (born Amy Celeste Boersma on August 15, 1953) is an American pop and rock singer with a career spanning over 40 years. She gained early recognition with her self-titled debut album in 1980, which featured the hit single "How Do I Survive" and earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 1981. Holland is married to renowned musician Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, since 1983. Throughout the 1980s, she contributed to several film soundtracks, including Scarface (1983), Night of the Comet (1984), and notably, Teen Wolf (1985).
Chart Performance
While "Shootin' for the Moon" resonated strongly with fans of Teen Wolf, it did not achieve significant chart success as a standalone single. Amy Holland's most prominent chart hit remains "How Do I Survive," which peaked at No. 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1980. Her 1983 duet with Chris Christian, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," also made it to No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 21 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Despite its lack of mainstream chart performance, "Shootin' for the Moon" has endured as a fan favorite due to its iconic association with Teen Wolf.
Cultural Impact
"Shootin' for the Moon" is intrinsically linked to the cultural phenomenon of Teen Wolf. The song perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of comedy, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama, becoming an unofficial anthem for overcoming challenges and embracing one's unique qualities. Its placement during pivotal montages in the movie helped solidify its nostalgic appeal for generations of viewers who grew up with the film. The song remains a beloved piece of 80s movie soundtrack history, often cited by fans when discussing the most memorable aspects of Teen Wolf.
Fun Facts
- "Shootin' for the Moon" was released on the Teen Wolf soundtrack in 1985.
- The song was produced by Miles Goodman.
- The lyrics, with their themes of ambition and destiny, are considered a perfect embodiment of Teen Wolf's message.
- Despite its popularity among fans of the movie, the song is not widely available on major streaming platforms, leading some fans to express their surprise.
- Amy Holland took a break from her solo career to focus on raising her children and supporting her husband, Michael McDonald's, touring schedule.
- She made a comeback to music with her third studio album, The Journey to Miracle River, in 2008.

