Heroes
Iva Davies / Icehouse Lyrics
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Like the dolphins
Like dolphins can swim
Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
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
The song "Heroes," by Iva Davies/Icehouse, is a powerful pop ballad that speaks to the human desire for connection and the need to be remembered. The song's opening lines begin with the hope that two people can be united like dolphins, who are known to swim closely together. The line "Though nothing, nothing will keep us together" denotes the fragility of any relationship; even with the best intentions, sometimes people grow apart. Still, the song urges the listener to not give up hope: "We can beat them, forever and ever."
The second verse speaks to the idea of royalty – "I will be King, and you will be Queen" – but quickly turns the narrative to the more mundane reality of everyday life. In the end, though, the song declares that it doesn't matter how arbitrary the distinctions between people might be: wealth, status, or otherwise. Regardless of these divisions, anyone can become a hero for one day, whether with a simple act of kindness or a grand gesture. The song ends with the repeated chorus of "We can be heroes just for one day," driving home the idea that even if we can't hold onto those connections – like those fleeting moments of swimming gracefully like dolphins – we can cherish them for what they are.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I wish you could swim
I wish you possessed the grace and freedom of movement that dolphins demonstrate while swimming
Like the dolphins
In the same way that dolphins swim
Like dolphins can swim
With the ease and fluidity of dolphins' swimming movements
Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
Despite any challenges we may face, we will remain united and steadfast in our connection
We can beat them, forever and ever
We have the strength and resilience to conquer any obstacles or adversaries, now and always
Oh, we can be heroes just for one day
We have the potential to be heroic, even if only for a brief moment
I, I will be King
I will take charge and lead with authority
And you, you will be Queen
You will share in my power and rule alongside me
Though nothing will drive them away
Despite our efforts, there may be forces or people that we cannot repel or overcome
We can be heroes just for one day
Even if our heroism is temporary, we can still make a powerful impact in a short amount of time
We can be us just for one day
For a brief moment, we can be our true selves without fear of judgment or consequence
I, I can remember
I have a vivid recollection of a past experience
(I remember)
I distinctly recall what happened
Standing by the wall
I was positioned next to a wall
(By the wall)
The wall was conspicuous and noteworthy
And the guns, shot above our heads
We were in proximity to firearms that were fired into the air near us
(Over our heads)
The guns were directed upward, away from our bodies
And we kissed, as though nothing could fall
In spite of the danger around us, we embraced each other with abandon and tenderness
(Nothing could fall)
We were carefree and unburdened in that moment
And the shame, was on the other side
Our oppressors or enemies were the ones who should feel ashamed, not us
Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever
We will always be able to overcome those who seek to harm or oppress us
Then we could be heroes just for one day
In that particular moment, we had the opportunity to be heroic and rise above our circumstances
We can be heroes
We have the potential and capacity for heroism
We can be heroes
We can exhibit courage and selflessness in trying situations
We can be heroes just for one day
Even if our heroism is brief, it can still have a lasting impact
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LISA COLEMAN, WENDY MELVOIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind