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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Bowie's song Heroes seem to be about two individuals who come from different backgrounds, but are united through their love for each other. They are aware that the world may try to tear them apart with its prejudices and problems, but they refuse to give up on each other. They find solace in the fact that, even if it's only for one day, they can be heroes.


The opening verse, "I, I will be king/ And you, you will be queen/ Though nothing will drive them away," suggests a sense of determination and defiance of the societal boundaries that would try to keep them apart. The chorus, "We can be heroes, just for one day," offers a reminder that a brief moment of bravery and love can change everything, at least temporarily. The second verse, "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," indicates that they will stick together through thick and thin, regardless of what they may face.


In the bridge, Bowie's clever use of metaphor is evident with the lines, "I, I wish you could swim/ Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim/ Though nothing, nothing will keep us together," as they suggest that they may be better off as creatures of the sea, far away from humanity's problems. However, they keep fighting against all odds, "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."


Line by Line Meaning

I, I will be king
I want to be in charge, to have power and control.


And you, you will be queen
And you can be with me, we can rule together.


Though nothing will drive them away
Even though we may have opposition, we won't be discouraged.


We can beat them, just for one day
We can triumph over adversity, even if it's just for a brief moment.


We can be heroes, just for one day
We can achieve greatness and be admired, even if it's temporary.


And you, you can be mean
You can be cruel or unkind, but I'll still love you.


And I, I'll drink all the time
I'll cope with life's difficulties by drinking excessively.


'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
Because we're romantically involved and that is true.


Yes, we're lovers, and that is that
Yes, we're in love, end of story.


Though nothing will keep us together
Despite external factors that may try to tear us apart.


We could steal time, just for one day
We could enjoy each other's company without worry, even if it's just for a brief respite.


We can be heroes forever and ever
We can be admired and respected for all time.


What'd you say?
Do you agree? Are you on board with this idea?


I, I wish you could swim
I wish you could feel free and uninhibited, like dolphins swimming in the ocean.


Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Graceful and majestic creatures, unencumbered by the limitations of land.


And we kissed as though nothing could fall
We were so in love and caught up in the moment that nothing else mattered, not even danger.


And the shame was on the other side
The party that caused the conflict or harm should be the one feeling shame.


Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever
We can triumph over our enemies for all eternity.


Then we could be heroes, just for one day
We could live boldly and courageously, even if it's only for a brief time.


We're nothing, and nothing will help us
We are insignificant and alone, with no one to aid us.


Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
Perhaps we're deceiving ourselves, and it's best for you to leave.


But we could be safer, just for one day
But we could still find comfort or solace in each other's presence, at least for a short time.


We can be heroes
We can be exceptional, courageous individuals.


We can be heroes
We can overcome adversity and inspire others.


Just for one day
Even if it's only for a fleeting moment.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

ConscriptHornet

I'm....supposed to quote regular show but...it's time to realize facts. Video games are getting better, movies are getting better...but something...is not getting better.


Cartoon TV shows:


Regular Show: Ended
The Amazing World Of Gumball: Got 1 or 2 seasons left
Steven Universe: Finishing this season and got one more.
Spongebob: ...We don't speak about the legend.
Teen Titans go: No one gives a shit

We have to face the fact that...we got to accept new shows into our lives. But let the legends live on forever...in our hearts.



All comments from YouTube:

Rachel

I don’t know why but I like the single version more

ZeezRawesomE

Me too

Christian Jamgochian

It flows better and has less awkward shifts in the way he sings, as compared to the album version. The album version feels more like poetry with music than a song in the modern sense.

Time Lord Rohan

No matter if you came here from stranger things, regular show, or just David Bowie himself as long as we can all agree that this is a bloody good song

Time Lord Rohan

@Nintendo fan Roxas not my problem

Nintendo fan Roxas

I came from the Simpsons

Noice Noice

True dat

1 More Replies...

Trey Morrison

I probably listened to this song 6 times, to make myself feel better. Because my sister treats me like dirt. This song truly is great. And makes me feel good,

MiaMari

Tell your sister .. I’m sure she loves you💙

Emily Petsche

R.I.P. David Bowie

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