Heroes / Helden

David Bowie's 'Heroes / Helden' is a song that captures the fleeting nature of heroism and the human desire to transcend the ordinary, even if just for a moment. The lyrics speak to the aspiration of two people to rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness together. The repeated line 'We can be Heroes, just for one day' suggests that while this greatness may be temporary, it is still worth striving for. The song's mood is one of defiance and hope, as the protagonists insist that they can overcome obstacles and be remembered as heroes, if only briefly.

The inclusion of German lyrics in 'Helden' adds a layer of complexity to the song. Bowie lived in Berlin in the late 1970s, and the references to cold walls and gunshots could be alluding to the Berlin Wall and the political tensions of the time. The song becomes not just a personal anthem but also a commentary on the broader human experience of struggle and the universal longing for a moment of triumph. The German verses, with their imagery of dolphins swimming and lovers defying the coldness of the wall, evoke a sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

'Helden' is ultimately about the power of love and the human spirit to overcome challenges. The song acknowledges the harsh reality that 'nothing will keep us together,' yet it still celebrates the possibility of stealing time to be heroes. It's a reminder that heroism can be found in the everyday acts of courage and love, and that even the most ordinary of us can achieve extraordinary things, if only for a fleeting moment.