Heroes

The Midnight's song 'Heroes' delves into the existential quest for meaning and fulfillment in a world that often feels barren and unyielding. The opening lines, 'One year closer to my death / I still haven't found what I'm looking for yet,' set a somber tone, reflecting a sense of urgency and disillusionment. The protagonist is not searching for superficial or materialistic gains like 'big blue eyes, long blonde hair' or 'a million dollars,' but something deeper and more significant.

The lyrics paint a picture of a desolate landscape, both literally and metaphorically, where 'nothing grows in the wasteland now.' This wasteland symbolizes a life devoid of purpose and growth, a recurring theme in the song. The protagonist feels trapped in a cycle of mediocrity, 'almost getting by,' surrounded by 'pundits and sages' who offer little real wisdom or solace. The repetition of 'almost getting by' underscores the frustration of living a life that feels incomplete and unfulfilled.

Despite the bleakness, there is a glimmer of hope and a desire for renewal. The lines 'I'm ready to live my life again / Like there's a chance worth taking' signify a readiness to break free from the stagnation and embrace life with renewed vigor. The protagonist is also ready to 'love you like I can / Like my heart's not breaking,' indicating a willingness to open up emotionally despite past hurts. The recurring mention of 'the missing hero is you' suggests that the true hero, the one who can bring meaning and change, is within oneself or perhaps a significant other who has yet to be found or realized.

The song's blend of melancholy and hope captures the complex emotions of searching for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling lost and the enduring hope that something or someone will come along to make everything worthwhile.