"Heroes"
The Magnetic Fields 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, 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

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields' "Heroes" presents a narrative of an unconventional love story that is almost doomed to fail, yet triumphs for a fleeting moment. The song opens with a declaration from the singer to their lover; they will become king and queen, and they will be heroes, if only for a day. The singer acknowledges that there are challenges ahead, but they believe that they are strong enough to overcome them, if only for a brief moment. The song paints a picture of two lovers who are at their happiest when they are in each other's arms and can disregard the rest of the world's expectations.


Throughout the song, it is clear that the relationship itself is a challenge. The singer alludes to the fact that the other person can be "mean" and that they themselves drink too much, but despite this, they are still "lovers." The song appears to be about two people who are trying to make their relationship work, against all odds. The chorus serves as a fantastical escape from reality, a brief moment where they can be "heroes" and forget their troubles.


The song ends with a nostalgic memory of a time when the two lovers kissed in the face of adversity. The line "we can beat them" is repeated, illustrating that, although the love story may be brief and doomed from the start, in that moment, they triumphed. The song is bittersweet, a celebration of love and its ability to overcome adversity, even if only for a short time.


Line by Line Meaning

I, I will be king
I want to have power and authority


And you, you will be queen
You will be my partner in this, with equal power and status


Though nothing will drive them away
Despite the obstacles we'll face, we won't back down


We can beat them, just for one day
We can overcome the difficulties for a short period of time


We can be heroes, just for one day
We can accomplish great things if we work together and make the most of our time


And you, you can be mean
You may have a tough exterior, but I know who you really are


And I, I'll drink all the time
I may have my own issues, but we have each other to lean on


'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
Our relationship is real and we care for each other deeply


Yes we're lovers, and that is that
Our love is an undeniable truth


Though nothing, will keep us together
We acknowledge that challenges will arise, but we won't let them tear us apart


We could steal time, just for one day
We can make the most of the moments we have together


We can be heroes, for ever and ever
Our legacy of teamwork and perseverance can last for generations


What d'you say?
Are you with me?


I, I wish you could swim
I admire your physical abilities and wish I could be like you


Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Metaphorically comparing the fluidity and grace of dolphins to your own abilities


I, I can remember (I remember)
Reflecting on a past memory


Standing, by the wall (by the wall)
Recalling a specific moment in time and space


And the guns, shot above our heads (over our heads)
Describing a situation filled with danger and threat


And we kissed, as though nothing could fall (nothing could fall)
Finding comfort in each other during a moment of danger


And the shame, was on the other side
Feeling that the shame and guilt is not ours to bear


We can be heroes, just for one day
The reminder that we can do great things in short periods of time


We can be heroes
Reaffirming the strength and resilience of their partnership


We're nothing, and nothing will help us
Acknowledging their lack of resources or external support


Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
Admitting that they may not have all the answers and that it may be safer to walk away from the situation


But we could be safer, just for one day
Holding onto hope and the possibility of momentary safety




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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