About the song
“Holding Out for a Hero,” a powerhouse ballad by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, has etched its place in the annals of iconic pop culture. Originally recorded for the 1984 film “Footloose,” the song later found a permanent home on Tyler’s album “Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire.” This dynamic collaboration between Tyler and the visionary producer Jim Steinman, who co-wrote the track with Dean Pitchford, resulted in a global phenomenon.
Born from the synergy of Tyler’s raw vocals and Steinman’s dramatic orchestration, “Holding Out for a Hero” resonated with audiences on a profound level. Its soaring melodies and anthemic chorus captured the longing for a savior amidst life’s challenges. The song’s narrative of a desperate plea for a hero to emerge from the shadows struck a chord with listeners worldwide, propelling it to the top of charts in numerous countries.
Beyond its commercial success, “Holding Out for a Hero” has endured as a cultural touchstone. Its iconic music video, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand Canyon, further cemented the song’s status as a visual spectacle. Tyler’s powerful portrayal of a woman yearning for a hero has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and timeless appeal. Its impact extends beyond the realm of music, with countless covers, parodies, and references in film and television. “Holding Out for a Hero” remains a powerful anthem that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences of all generations.
Video
Lyrics
Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the streetwise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?
Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night, I toss and I turn
And I dream of what I need
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
Larger than life
Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere, just beyond my reach
There’s someone reaching back for me
Racing on the thunder
And rising with the heat
It’s gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet, yeah
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night
Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I could swear there is someone, somewhere, watching me
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood
(Like a fire in my blood, like a fire in my blood)
(Like a fire in my blood, like a fire in my blood, blood)
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night