Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Hero
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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To never have sunlight on your face
You been content to let me shine
You always walked a step behind
I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
Only a face without a name
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I'd like to be
I can fly higher than an eagle
With you as the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I've got it all right here, right here in my heart
I want you to know I know the truth, oh baby
Oh, when I would be nothing without you
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I'd like to be
I can fly higher, higher than an eagle
With you as the wind beneath my wings
For you are the wind beneath my wings, oh baby
Gladys Knight & The Pip's song "Hero" is a tribute to a person who has always remained in the background, supporting the singer through thick and thin, without seeking any attention or recognition. The song opens with a realization that the person behind the singer must have lived a life devoid of warmth and light. They have always let the singer take the spotlight, walking a step behind, content with being in the shadows. The lyrics carry a tinge of regret that the singer took the support for granted but never acknowledged it in public.
The second verse of the song reveals the contrast between the singer's public adulation and the unsung sacrifices of the anonymous supporter. While the singer basked in the glory, the supporter led a life of strength and resilience, without any recognition. Despite this disparity, the supporter never complained or sought pity. The chorus of the song expresses the gratefulness and admiration that the singer has for the wind beneath their wings. The lyrics describe the omnipresent influence that this person has on the singer's life, allowing them to soar high like an eagle.
Line by Line Meaning
It must have been cold there in my shadow
Your support must have been lonely and uncomfortable.
To never have sunlight on your face
Supporting me may have prevented you from experiencing your own moments of brightness and joy.
You been content to let me shine
You were happy for me to be in the spotlight.
You always walked a step behind
You put your own ambitions and needs aside to support me in reaching mine.
I was the one with all the glory
I received all the recognition and praise for our achievements.
While you were the one with all the strength
You were the one who provided the support and resilience that made our success possible.
Only a face without a name
Despite your crucial role in our success, you were largely unrecognized and unknown to others.
I never once heard you complain
Despite the challenges and sacrifices you made, you never expressed any resentment or negativity about supporting me.
Did you ever know that you're my hero
I want you to know how much I value and appreciate you.
And everything I'd like to be
You embody the qualities and traits that I admire and aspire to.
I can fly higher than an eagle
With your support and encouragement, I feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
With you as the wind beneath my wings
Your support is the force that propels and lifts me to greater heights.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
Even if I haven't publicly acknowledged your contributions, they have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
But I've got it all right here, right here in my heart
I carry my gratitude and admiration for you with me always, even if I don't always express it outwardly.
I want you to know I know the truth, oh baby
I want you to know that I recognize and appreciate your sacrifices and contributions.
Oh, when I would be nothing without you
I owe much of my success and achievements to your support and strength.
For you are the wind beneath my wings, oh baby
I recognize and honor the important role you played in my life and success.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeff Silbar, Larry Henley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind