Heroes/Helden
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
For ever and ever
What d'you say?

Du
Könntest du schwimmen
Wie Delphine
Delphine es tun
Niemand gibt uns eine Chance
Doch können wir siegen
Für immer und immer
Und wir sind dann Helden
Für einen Tag

Ich
Ich bin dann König
Und du
Du Königin
Obwohl sie
Unschlagbar scheinen
Werden wir Helden
Für einen Tag
Wir sind dann wir
An diesem Tag

Ich
Ich glaub' das zu träumen
(Zu träumen)
Die Mauer
Im Rücken war kalt
(So kalt)
Schüsse reißen die Luft
(Reißen die Luft)
Doch wir küssen
Als ob nicht geschieht
(Nichts geschieht)
Und die Scham fiel auf ihre Seite
Oh, wir können sie schlagen
Für alle Zeiten
Dann sind wir Helden
Nur diesen Tag

Dann sind wir Helden
Dann sind wir Helden
Dann sind wir Helden
Nur diesen Tag
Dann sind wir Helden

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to David Bowie's song Heroes/Helden speak to the fleeting nature of human connection and the possibility of transcending one's limitations. In the first stanza, the singer asserts his and his lover's role as king and queen, and proposes that together they can overcome any obstacle for even just one day. The second stanza describes the imperfect reality of their relationship, as the singer drinks heavily and the two of them are aware that nothing can keep them together. Nonetheless, Bowie affirms their love and their ability to be heroes for a day, to transcend the mundane and be something greater.


The song's third stanza is sung entirely in German, adding to the sense of the song's universality and timelessness. The German lyrics extend the previous themes of transformation and the possibility of victory by comparing the lovers to dolphins swimming, triumphant, in the face of obstacles. And yet, the reality of their surroundings, with shots ringing out and a cold wall at their back, is devastating. Despite this, the two kiss, unafraid, and the shame falls on their opponents. The final stanza returns to English, emphasizing the pointlessness of their existence and the urgency of seizing the moment. The final line, "But we could be safer just for one day," highlights the fragility of human connection and the importance of making the most of the time we have.


Line by Line Meaning

I will be king
I have aspirations of being a leader with power and control.


And you will be queen
You will be my partner, standing beside me as an equal in this endeavor.


Though nothing will drive them away
There may be opposition or rejection, but we won't let it deter us from pursuing our goals.


We can beat them just for one day
We may not always win, but we have the ability to overcome our adversaries for a brief moment in time.


We can be heroes just for one day
We have the potential to inspire others and make a significant impact on the world, if only for a short amount of time.


And you can be mean
You have a rough exterior and the capacity to be unkind to others.


And I'll drink all the time
I tend to resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism when things get difficult.


'Cause we're lovers and that is a fact
Despite our flaws and struggles, we are in a romantic relationship that holds significant meaning to us.


Yes, we're lovers and that is that
There is no denying the love that we have for each other, no matter the obstacles we face.


Though nothing will keep us together
Our relationship may face challenges and obstacles that threaten to tear us apart.


We could steal time just for one day
We have the opportunity to make the most of the time we have, despite difficulties and limitations.


We can be heroes, forever and ever
We have the potential to make an impact that lasts far beyond a single day, as heroes in our own right.


What d'you say?
Do you agree that we can make a difference, even if it's only for a limited time?


Du könntest du schwimmen wie Delphine Delphine es tun
You have the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and fluidity, like a dolphin in the water.


Niemand gibt uns eine Chance Doch können wir siegen, für immer und immer
Although we may not be given many opportunities, we can still succeed against all odds, and our legacy can persist for eternity.


Und wir sind dann Helden für einen Tag
Our achievements, no matter how fleeting, can gain us recognition as heroes in the eyes of others.


Ich glaub' das zu träumen
This seems like a dream to me, too good to be true.


(Zu träumen)
To dream.


Die Mauer im Rücken war kalt
The wall behind us was cold and unforgiving.


(So kalt)
So cold.


Schüsse reißen die Luft
The sound of gunfire fills the air, loud and chaotic.


(Reißen die Luft)
Tearing through the air.


Doch wir küssen, als ob nicht geschieht
Despite the violence and danger around us, we share a moment of intimacy and connection as if nothing else matters.


(Nichts geschieht)
As if nothing is happening.


Und die Scham fiel auf ihre Seite
We refused to be intimidated or ashamed, even in the face of opposition.


Oh, wir können sie schlagen für alle Zeiten
Our actions and bravery can have a lasting impact on future generations who seek to overcome similar challenges.


Dann sind wir Helden nur diesen Tag
Even if our success is only temporary, we still have the potential to be recognized as great heroes.


(repeat chorus)
The chorus repeats to emphasize the message that we have the ability to be heroes, no matter how brief or difficult the journey may be.


We're nothing, and nothing will help us
We may feel like we have nothing to offer or contribute, but we cannot rely on external sources to solve our problems.


Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
If we are deceiving ourselves about our ability to succeed, then it may be best for others not to get involved.


But we could be safer, just for one day
Despite our shortcomings and potential dangers, we still have the ability to find safety and security if we work together and take risks.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Eno, David Bowie, Andrea Schroeder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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