When first I read the title of the posting and saw “Eye of the Tiger” as the song, a huge smile crossed my face as I recalled my own experiences with it. Listening to a version that I recorded from the radio on my wood sided Harmon Kardon lp/cassette/stereo. Then during the reading of your story I flashed to sitting in my car in the parking lot at work a few months ago. I really enjoy listening to StoryCorps on NPR while driving into work on Friday monrnings, or sitting in the parking lot if I am a bit earlier than normal. The story this particular Friday was of a woman recounting her battle with cancer and her theme was from Rocky, although a different song it was identified its intent was for the exact same reasons you list. Now finishing your compelling storytelling, I flashed to Lou Reed and although I cannot recall either the direct quote nor the exact song where he quotes Andy Warhol, I will paraphrase him here:
“Those songs with the dirty words in them, keep them that way.”

All this to say that your writing takes me on a tour of my own experiences at the same time that I am living yours.

Very powerful, Scott.