Heroes
David Bowie [Heroes 1977] Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Overall Meaning

The song "Heroes" is a powerful anthem that speaks to the human desire for freedom, love, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The first verse speaks to the freedom and beauty that can be found in nature, as the singer expresses a desire for their loved one to swim like dolphins. However, the second line of the verse introduces a note of tension, as the fact that "nothing will keep us together" is acknowledged. The chorus then offers a solution: by "beating them" and "being heroes just for one day," the two lovers can overcome their troubles and be together.


The second verse delves deeper into the idea of overcoming obstacles, specifically in the form of political oppression. The singer recalls a moment of standing by a wall, with guns firing overhead. Despite this overwhelming danger, the two lovers kiss as though nothing could harm them. The chorus repeats, offering hope that despite the difficult circumstances, they can indeed be heroes.


Overall, "Heroes" is a song that speaks to the human desire to overcome obstacles, whether they be internal or external, and find freedom and love. It acknowledges the difficulty of doing so, but offers hope in the form of heroism and the possibility of rising above.


Line by Line Meaning

I, I wish you could swim
Expressing a desire to be able to move like dolphins do in the water


Like the dolphins
As agile and graceful as a dolphin in water


Like dolphins can swim
Referencing the prowess of the dolphins in the water that one wishes to emulate


Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
Emphasizing that there is no obstacle that can separate those united by a shared love or bond


We can beat them, forever and ever
Together, we can triumph over anything and endure any challenge that comes our way, no matter how long it takes


Oh, we can be heroes just for one day
We can choose to be our best selves, our bravest, and most noble selves for just one day


I, I will be King
Ambitiously claiming the mantle of royalty, as a vocal expression of the aspirations one holds for oneself


And you, you will be Queen
Extending the same aspirations to a loved one or a partner in a relationship


Though nothing will drive them away
No challenge or opposition will deter or defeat us from achieving our goals or maintaining our bond


We can be heroes just for one day
Inspired to channel the strength and courage required to be heroes, for just one day


I, I can remember
Reflecting on a past memory, reliving and recounting it


(I remember)
A repetition of the previous idea, putting more emphasis on memory to evoke nostalgia


Standing by the wall
Recalling a specific moment and a setting in which the memory took place


(By the wall)
A reminder of the original environment from the prior line, for contextual relevance


And the guns, shot above our heads
Mentioning a potential danger from above, which was ever-present in that memory; perhaps, emphasizing the conflict


(Over our heads)
A repetition of the previous idea, tying it back to the memory being recounted


And we kissed, as though nothing could fall
Describing a moment of intimacy that happened amidst turmoil and danger, to express the intense love and connection with one's partner


(Nothing could fall)
A reference to the belief that, despite the risks or threats, that one's connection to their partner is unbreakable


And the shame, was on the other side
Suggesting that those who opposed them, perhaps those at whom the guns were aimed, were in the wrong and should feel the shame, rather than those who were being targeted


Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever
Feeling confident in their ability to persist and triumph over any challenge, especially those who seek to do them harm


Then we could be heroes just for one day
Inspiration to rekindle the spirit of heroism, despite any conflicts or difficulties, and to embrace the courage that comes with it


We can be heroes
The urge to take up the mantle of heroism, to be leaders of change, to inspire the masses, and to take on great risk to bring about a better world


We can be heroes
A repetition of the previous sentiment, driving home the idea that any one of us has the potential to be a hero and to make a difference


We can be heroes just for one day
The final call to action, the reminder that the time to be a hero is now, even if we only have a day to spare




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN PETER GEORGE ENO, DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@rommelghm

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?

I, I wish you could swim
Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
We can beat them, for ever 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, for ever 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



@thomashart22

This is probably the most important song in my life.

It played at the end of The Perks of Being A Wallflower. And as it ended, my first relationship truly began.
It played at the end of Jojo Rabbit. And as it ended, my love for cinema truly began.
And, above all, it played at the end of Regular Show. And as it ended, I knew my childhood was over. For the adventure of adulthood had just begun.

He chased the butterflies
He loved to Laugh
He saved the universe
He was our friend

Rest easy, Pops.
You too, Bowie.



All comments from YouTube:

@masterben1162

“And at this moment, we were infinite.”

@RodrigoAlves-rh5fe

I Love this movie.

@elisespeeckaert3828

The book hit different

@sono8880

The perks of being a wallflower

@miajimenez7484

AMEN

@imgeegeey4623

Yessss!!!!

152 More Replies...

@skrtskrt9513

You know your watching good film, when this song comes on.

@BlueBerryblue

Rip pops

@joshmomo2917

Perks of being a wallflower

@simoneprocopioo

@@joshmomo2917 aye i watched that movie too

More Comments

More Versions