Heroes
Gang of Youths Lyrics
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Just like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
But nothing, nothing will keep us together
Yeah, we can beat them, forever and ever
'Coz we can be heroes, just for one day
I, I will be king
And nothing can drive us away
We can be heroes, just for one day
And we can be us, oh, just for one day
And I, I can remember
Standing, by the wall
And the guns, the guns shot above our heads
And we kissed, as though nothing could fall
And the shame, was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them, oh, forever and ever
Then we could be heroes, oh, just for one day
We, we can be heroes
We, we can be heroes
And we, we can be heroes, just for one day
We can be heroes
The opening lines of Gang of Youths’s song “Heroes” are a direct reference to David Bowie’s song of the same name. The song was written in 1977 and Bowie’s original version is often seen as a statement about the power of individualism in the face of the rigid ideologies of the Cold War era. The line “But nothing, nothing will keep us together” speaks to the fragility of relationships and the fact that, no matter how much we may try to hold onto something, it can always slip away. This taps into the universal human struggle with the impermanence of existence and the rejection of the status quo.
The second verse of the song paints a picture of conflict, with the singer standing by a wall while guns shoot above their heads. This could be a reference to the protests of the 1980s, particularly those in Eastern Europe. The shame mentioned in the song could be related to the feeling of being on the “wrong” side of history or standing for values that are not in line with the majority. However, the chorus provides a sense of hope, with the singer proclaiming that they and their partner can be heroes just for one day. This reflects the idea that, even in the face of adversity and conflict, we have the capacity to rise above it and be the best, most heroic versions of ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I wish I could swim
The singer longs for a skill they don't possess.
Just like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
The singer compares their lack of ability to the natural talent of dolphins.
But nothing, nothing will keep us together
Despite adversity, the singer remains determined to stand strong.
Yeah, we can beat them, forever and ever
The artist believes they can overcome their struggles indefinitely.
'Coz we can be heroes, just for one day
The artist finds meaning and purpose in the idea of being a hero, even if just for a short time.
I, I will be king
The singer desires power and leadership.
And you, you will be queen
The singer envisions someone important and powerful by their side.
And nothing can drive us away
The artist believes their connection is strong enough to withstand any obstacle.
We can be heroes, just for one day
The artist reiterates the temporary nature of their hope and aspirations.
And we can be us, oh, just for one day
The artist wants to be free to be themselves, even if it's only for a brief moment.
And I, I can remember
The singer reflects on a past experience.
Standing, by the wall
The artist describes their physical location during this memory.
And the guns, the guns shot above our heads
The singer recalls a time of intense danger and violence.
And we kissed, as though nothing could fall
Despite the danger, the singer found comfort and safety in a simple human connection.
And the shame, was on the other side
The singer is able to find fault in those who caused the traumatic experience.
Oh, we can beat them, oh, forever and ever
Despite the traumatic experience, the artist remains determined to overcome their struggles.
Then we could be heroes, oh, just for one day
The artist finds hope and purpose in the idea of becoming a hero, if only for a brief moment.
We, we can be heroes
The singer reaffirms their belief in their own strength and resilience.
And we, we can be heroes, just for one day
The singer acknowledges the temporary nature of their hope and aspirations, but finds value in them nonetheless.
Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.