"Heroes"
David Bowie Lyrics


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I, I will be king
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

Overall Meaning

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
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

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"Heroes" by David Bowie is an iconic song that has left an indelible mark on music history. The track, released in 1977, has become one of Bowie's most beloved and enduring hits. Alongside the song's brilliance, the accompanying music video, available on YouTube, adds an extra layer of artistry and significance to the overall experience.

The "Heroes" music video, directed by Stanley Dorfman, captures the essence of the song's themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit. The video showcases Bowie's charismatic presence and his ability to convey emotion through his performances. Shot in black and white, the video exudes a sense of timelessness, emphasizing the universal appeal of the song's message.

The video features David Bowie and his backing band performing in a studio, with a simple yet effective setup. The focus remains primarily on Bowie himself, allowing viewers to witness his energy and magnetism as he delivers the song with his signature style. His passionate vocals, combined with his captivating stage presence, create a mesmerizing experience that resonates with audiences.

What sets the "Heroes" music video apart is its ability to capture the intensity and vulnerability of the song. As Bowie sings the iconic lyrics, "We can be heroes, just for one day," his expressions and body language convey a deep sense of longing and determination. The video captures the emotional weight of the song, drawing viewers into its powerful narrative.

Additionally, the "Heroes" video presents Bowie in a way that showcases his artistry and creative vision. It exemplifies his ability to push boundaries and challenge conventions, which were hallmarks of his career. The simplicity of the video allows Bowie's talent to shine, highlighting his ability to captivate audiences with both his music and his stage presence.

The YouTube platform has played a significant role in making the "Heroes" music video accessible to a wide audience, allowing fans and music enthusiasts to experience this exceptional performance at any time. The comments section of the video is filled with admiration and appreciation from viewers who have been moved by Bowie's artistry and the song's profound impact.

The "Heroes" music video on YouTube stands as a testament to David Bowie's influence as a visionary artist. It showcases his ability to create timeless music and visuals that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you are a long-time fan or discovering Bowie's music for the first time, this video is a captivating representation of his artistry and the enduring power of "Heroes."



All comments from YouTube:

Olds Diesel

This is absolutely THE best performance he ever did! Just look at him… in his prime… laughing and joking with the audience and the band…. REALLY enjoying it!!! What a marvelous gift he was to all of us!!! Thank you David….. miss you….RIP

Sue H

So true. He is, and was, a true superstar. His light still shines. Heroes is my favourite Bowie song. Genius ❤

Gail Flora

Still watching. I was just gonna post his best performance of Heroes. Love. Love. He had a great time singing it. I’m 67.

Mummabear

It’s my favourite part watching him interact with the audience😃

Daniela Argandona

@Mummabear mine too!! But he will always be a shinning star!

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Jaime Sweany

I have probably watched this video 100 times and it never fails to feel like one of the most sincere and heartfelt performances of all times. RIP dear David, you ARE a Hero.

Eddy Spaghetti

Kinda stupid, but one of my favorites being over 60

Michelle D.

Me too, I love watching this video. And David Bowie never ever gets boring. ❤❤ Wish he was still with us. 😢😢

Ailton Lopes

Eu sinto a mesma coisa do seu belo e inteligente comentário🎸🎶👍🇧🇷🙏.

Romeo da Silva Ramos

The only artist that had me crying when he passed away.

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