Hero

David Kushner's song 'Hero' delves into the complex emotions and shifting dynamics of a relationship that has soured. The lyrics explore the transformation of the narrator from a revered figure to a vilified one in the eyes of their former partner. This shift is poignantly captured in the recurring lines, 'I was the hero but you get the glory / Now I'm the villain inside of your story.' The song speaks to the pain and confusion that often accompany the end of a relationship, where one person feels unjustly blamed and misunderstood.

The song's opening lines, 'How do I begin? / How do I cope?' set the tone for a narrative of introspection and struggle. The contrast between 'Some people sin / Some people don't' suggests a moral ambiguity, hinting that the reasons for the relationship's failure are not black and white. The metaphor of 'walking through heaven' versus 'walking through flames' further emphasizes the stark difference in how each person experiences the aftermath of their breakup. While one seems to move on effortlessly, the other is left to grapple with intense emotional turmoil.

Kushner's use of religious imagery, such as 'I was the saint, you used to adore me,' adds a layer of irony and depth to the song. The narrator once held a place of high regard, almost sanctified, but now finds themselves demonized. This fall from grace is underscored by the lines 'I bled, I bled for free / Gave every part of me,' which convey a sense of sacrifice and unreciprocated effort. The song ultimately captures the disillusionment and heartache of feeling unappreciated and misrepresented in a relationship that has turned toxic.