Heroes
Queen David Bowie Mick Ronson 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
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Heroes" by Queen, David Bowie, and Mick Ronson talk about two people who dream of being something greater than they are, if only for a day. They view each other as royalty and lovers, despite their ordinary lives. They face adversity and dangers, but their love is strong enough to make them feel invincible. They are able to achieve greatness and overcome their limitations, if only for a brief moment.


The lyrics also touch on the idea of political and social division. The reference to standing by the wall and the guns shooting above their heads could be interpreted as a nod to the Berlin Wall and the Cold War. The two characters in the song find strength in their love for each other and are able to overcome the challenges they face. The theme of this song is about love and unity, in a time when the world was divided by politics and war.


Line by Line Meaning

I, I will be king
I am confident in my ability to lead and succeed


And you, you will be queen
You are equally capable and deserving of success and recognition


Though nothing, will drive them away
Despite obstacles and opposition, we will persevere


We can beat them, just for one day
Even if it's just for a short time, we can overcome any challenge


We can be heroes, just for one day
Our strength, bravery, and determination can make us heroes, if only for a short time


And you, you can be mean
You have the ability to be fierce and uncompromising


And I, I'll drink all the time
I may have my own flaws, but that doesn't mean we can't succeed together


'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
Our relationship is a proven truth and a source of comfort


Yes, we're lovers, and that is that
Our bond is unshakable


Though nothing, will keep us together
Even the strongest relationships face challenges and uncertainty


We could steal time, just for one day
We can make the most of our time together, despite any circumstances


We can be heroes, forever and ever
Our legacy can endure, even if just in our own minds


What'd you say?
Do you agree with me?


I, I wish you could swim
I wish you could experience a freedom I can't give you


Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Like dolphins, who can move effortlessly through water


Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
Despite any separation or trauma, our bond remains


We can beat them, forever and ever
We will endure and overcome, no matter how long it takes


Oh, we can be heroes, just for one day
Even a short-lived victory is worth celebrating and remembering


Standing, by the wall (by the wall)
Observing a bleak or oppressive situation


And the guns, shot above our heads (over our heads)
Facing real danger or violence


And we kissed, as though nothing could fall (nothing could fall)
Finding solace and comfort in each other despite dire circumstances


And the shame, was on the other side
The blame lay elsewhere, and we had nothing to be ashamed of


We can be heroes, just for one day
In the moment, we can be forces to be reckoned with


We're nothing, and nothing will help us
Despite our lack of status or resources, we won't give up


Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
If we're deceiving ourselves about our chances, it might not be wise for you to join us


But we could be safer, just for one day
Despite risk, we can find respite and comfort even briefly


Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Musical interlude




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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