That's Really Super Supergirl
XTC Lyrics


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I can't hold you down
If you want to fly
Can't you see I'm all broke up inside
Well just you use your two X Ray eyes

Hurt like Kryptonite
Put me on my knees
Now that I've found out just what you're doing
With your secret identities

That's really super Supergirl
How you saved yourself in seconds flat
And your friends are going to say
That's really super Supergirl
How you're changing all the world's weather
But you couldn't put us back together
Now I feel like I'm tethered deep
Inside your Fortress of Solitude
Don't mean to be rude
But I don't feel super
Supergirl

I won't call again
Even in a jam
Now I realise you could be on a mission
Saving some other man

That's really super Supergirl
How you saved yourself in seconds flat
And your friends are going to say
That's really super Supergirl
How you stopped the universe from dying
But you're never going to stop me crying
And I feel like you're trying hard
To sweep me like dirt underneath your cape
Well I might be an ape
But I used to feel super
Supergirl

That's really super Supergirl
How you saved yourself in seconds flat
And your friends are going to say
That's really super Supergirl
How you're changing all the world's weather
But you couldn't put us back together
Super Supergirl
How you stopped the universe from dying
But you're never going to stop me crying
Super Supergirl
I'm here in your Fortress of Solitude




Don't mean to be rude
But I don't feel super

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of XTC's "That's Really Super Supergirl" tell the story of a man's struggle to come to terms with a relationship that has fallen apart. He is pained by the fact that his ex-partner, who he refers to as Supergirl, has moved on and has seemingly become invulnerable to harm, while he is left behind, feeling broken and tethered. In the first verse, he admits that he cannot hold her down and that she is free to fly. He is hurt by the fact that he has been replaced with someone else who now benefits from her secret superhero identity ("With your secret identities"). The pain he feels is likened to that of being exposed to Kryptonite, which is the one element that can weaken Superman. He then goes on to admire her strength and superpowers as she saves herself in seconds flat and goes on to change the world's weather. However, despite it all, he remains hurt and unable to shake off the feeling of being left behind, as he sees himself stuck in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman's sanctuary.


The song is a metaphor for a relationship breakup, where one person moves on and the other is left behind. The singer compares his ex-partner to a superhuman character whose strengths and vulnerabilities are beyond his understanding. He admires her ability to save herself in seconds flat, but at the same time, he is bitter about being left behind.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't hold you down
I'm not trying to limit you


If you want to fly
You should pursue your dreams


Can't you see I'm all broke up inside
I'm hurt because of your actions


Well just you use your two X Ray eyes
You should try to see things from my perspective


Hurt like Kryptonite
Your actions have caused me a lot of pain


Put me on my knees
I feel powerless in this situation


Now that I've found out just what you're doing
I've discovered your secret actions


With your secret identities
You have hidden your true self from me


That's really super Supergirl
You are amazing


How you saved yourself in seconds flat
You are capable of quick and impressive actions


And your friends are going to say
Others will recognize your greatness


How you're changing all the world's weather
You are making a significant impact on the world


But you couldn't put us back together
You couldn't repair our relationship


Now I feel like I'm tethered deep
I feel stuck and trapped


Inside your Fortress of Solitude
I feel isolated and alone


Don't mean to be rude
I'm trying not to offend you


But I don't feel super
I don't feel great about our situation


I won't call again
I won't try to contact you


Even in a jam
Not even if I really need your help


Now I realise you could be on a mission
I understand you may have other priorities


Saving some other man
Helping someone else


How you stopped the universe from dying
Your abilities are impressive


But you're never going to stop me crying
Your powers can't fix my emotional pain


And I feel like you're trying hard
I get the sense that you are making an effort


To sweep me like dirt underneath your cape
You are disregarding my feelings


Well I might be an ape
I may not be perfect


But I used to feel super
I used to feel good about myself and our relationship


Super Supergirl
A play on words, acknowledging the superhero theme


I'm here in your Fortress of Solitude
I'm still feeling isolated and alone


But I don't feel super
I'm still feeling unhappy about our situation




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDY PARTRIDGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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