We can steal time, just for one day…

My grandmother always told me that everyone in your life need not necessarily be in your life forever to be an important part of your life. They could be in your life for “a reason or a season”. And that is okay too. That is David Bowie’s message in “Heroes”.

Bowie witnesses a relationship that is clearly not going to last but rather than bemoan the fact, be sad and wallow about the future unhappiness, he decides to embrace the happiness that they are able to share with each other today. It is a great message that I myself could do well to remember. I seem to be constantly dwelling on the past regarding what different choices I could have made, or be worried about a future that hasn’t come to fruition. Bowie tells us to enjoy today. That there is a heroism in that.

As with many Bowie songs, the production is well done, and a bit heavy-handed. While they rightfully keep his voice mixed highly, there are a lot of instruments in the background. Bowie’s vocal is mostly delivered flatly with occasional bursts of emotion. It works.

As far as how they are “heroes”—that is an interesting question. I think he is saying that it is clear their destination is set—they are not going to be together. But for one day, they can fight against destiny and enjoy each other and suspend their future with each other, before they must return to real life.

Heroes Lyrics

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 could 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 can remember (I remember)
Standing 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.
Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh
just for one day…

written by David Bowie