The second installment of his "Berlin Trilogy" with Brian Eno (the other releases being "Low" and "Lodger") "Heroes" developed the sound of "Low" in a more positive direction. Of the three albums, it was the most befitting of the appellation "Berlin", being the only one wholly recorded there.
The title track remains one of Bowie's best known, a classic story of two lovers who meet at the Berlin Wall. The album is considered one of his best by critics, notably for the contributions of guitarist Robert Fripp who flew in from the U.S. to record his parts in one day. John Lennon was quoted as saying that when making his album "Double Fantasy" in 1980, his ambition was to "do something as good as "Heroes". It was named NME Album of the Year.
"Heroes"
David Bowie Lyrics
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And you, you will be queen
Though nothing, will drive them away
We can beat them, just for one day
We can be heroes, just for one day
And you, you can be mean
And I, I'll drink all the time
'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
Yes we're lovers, and that is that
Though nothing, will keep us together
We could steal time, just for one day
We can be heroes, forever and ever
What'd you say?
I, I wish you could swim
Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
We can beat them, forever and ever
Oh we can be heroes, just for one day
I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day
I, I can remember (I remember)
Standing, by the wall (by the wall)
And the guns, shot above our heads (over our heads)
And we kissed, as though nothing could fall (nothing could fall)
And the shame, was on the other side
Oh we can beat them, forever and ever
Then we could be heroes, just for one day
We can be heroes
We can be heroes
We can be heroes
Just for one day
We can be heroes
We're nothing, and nothing will help us
Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
But we could be safer, just for one day
Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh, just for one day
The lyrics to David Bowie's song "Heroes" depict two individuals who are deeply in love and they both wish to live a life where they reign supreme as the king and queen. Although they are aware that society may not be accepting of their relationship, they believe that they have the power to overcome this obstacle together. The song suggests that in the presence of love, all obstacles, no matter how big or small can be overcome, and that for a single moment in time, we can be heroes.
The chorus of the song reinforces the message of the song, stating, "We can be heroes, just for one day." This line suggests that for a brief period, we can all be the main characters of our own stories and live our lives as we wish. The verse, "I, I wish you could swim, like dolphins, like dolphins can swim" symbolizes the importance of freedom and the ability to move with ease. Tying in with the main theme of the song, the idea of dolphins swimming freely is akin to the idea of the two individuals living life free of any negativity and judgement.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I will be king
I will strive for ambition and power
And you, you will be queen
You will also rise to a position of power
Though nothing, will drive them away
External forces will not make us give up our positions
We can beat them, just for one day
We can surpass our opponents for a brief time period
We can be heroes, just for one day
We can achieve greatness, if only for a short time
And you, you can be mean
You are capable of being harsh or cruel
And I, I'll drink all the time
I'll turn to alcohol as a way of coping
'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
We share a bond that is indisputable
Yes we're lovers, and that is that
Our love is a simple truth that we accept
Though nothing, will keep us together
External pressures won't break our bond
We could steal time, just for one day
We can make memories together, if only briefly
We can be heroes, forever and ever
Our achievements can become a legend for eternity
What'd you say?
Do you agree with me?
I, I wish you could swim
I wish you could be as carefree as a dolphin
Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
With grace and agility
And we kissed, as though nothing could fall (nothing could fall)
We shared a moment of pure bliss, ignoring the dangers around us
And the shame, was on the other side
We rejected the guilt projected onto us by society
We can be us, just for one day
We can embrace who we truly are without fear
We're nothing, and nothing will help us
We are powerless in the grand scheme of things
Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
If our love is built on falsehoods, it's best to part ways
But we could be safer, just for one day
We can find comfort and security with each other, temporarily
Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh, just for one day
For a brief moment in time, we can live without restrictions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Eno, David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DrJKintobor
on I Can't Give Everything Away
I can totally imagine this being the end theme of Sabrina Online, when Sabrina marries Richard and they drive off into the sunset...
Peter Bonney
on Diamond Dogs
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