About the song
Bonnie Tyler’s iconic anthem, “Holding Out for a Hero”, is a timeless ballad that captured the hearts of millions when it first hit the airwaves in 1984. Originally written for the soundtrack to the classic coming-of-age film Footloose, this powerful song quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become a global sensation.
With its soaring vocals and dramatic orchestration, “Holding Out for a Hero” is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic rock ballads. Tyler’s emotive delivery perfectly conveys the longing and hope expressed in the lyrics, making it a song that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Co-written by Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford, the song tells the story of a woman searching for a mythical figure to save her from a world filled with despair and disappointment. The lyrics are both poignant and empowering, striking a chord with audiences who have felt lost or alone.
The song’s popularity was further fueled by its inclusion on Tyler’s 1986 album Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire. A re-release in 1985 propelled the track to the top of the charts in several countries, including Ireland and the United Kingdom.
“Holding Out for a Hero” continues to be a beloved classic, inspiring countless covers and tributes. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and offer a sense of hope and empowerment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this iconic song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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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