Hero/Heroine

In 'Hero/Heroine,' Boys Like Girls explore the transformative and redemptive power of love. The song's protagonist begins in a state of emotional turmoil, with 'hands in my pocket and my head in a cloud,' indicating a sense of confusion and detachment. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist has been hurt before, as evidenced by the 'sinister smile in a hole in my heart' and a 'closet filled up to the brim with the ghosts of my past and the skeletons.' These lines paint a picture of someone who has been deeply affected by past relationships and is wary of opening up again.

However, the arrival of a new love interest changes everything. The chorus, 'I feel like a hero and you are my heroine,' signifies that this new person has given the protagonist a sense of purpose and strength. The use of 'hero' and 'heroine' is metaphorical, suggesting that love has the power to elevate and transform individuals, making them feel invincible. The protagonist admits to feeling 'a weakness coming on,' but this vulnerability is welcomed because it 'never felt so good to be so wrong.' This paradox highlights the complexity of love, where vulnerability and strength coexist.

The song also touches on the idea of redemption and renewal. The protagonist describes feeling 'like a newborn child' every time they see their love interest smile, indicating a sense of rebirth and new beginnings. The line 'your love is the sweetest sin' adds another layer, suggesting that while love can be risky and even painful, it is ultimately worth it. The song concludes with a sense of uncomplicated joy and newfound clarity, as the protagonist moves from a state of jadedness to one of emotional openness and happiness.