About the song
Bonnie Tyler’s soaring vocals and Jim Steinman’s dramatic composition make “Holding Out for a Hero” an iconic anthem that has stood the test of time. Released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack to the film Footloose, this power ballad quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
With its anthemic chorus and soaring melodies, the song tells the story of a woman longing for a hero to rescue her from her troubles. It’s a theme that has resonated with listeners for decades, offering a sense of hope and inspiration. Steinman’s signature style, characterized by grand orchestration and dramatic lyrics, perfectly complements Tyler’s powerful voice, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
The song’s popularity was further fueled by the accompanying music video, which featured Tyler escaping from a burning house and being pursued by evil cowboys. The dramatic visuals and Tyler’s captivating performance helped to cement the song’s status as a classic.
Despite its critical reception, which has been mixed over the years, “Holding Out for a Hero” remains a beloved and enduring piece of music. Its timeless message of hope and resilience continues to inspire audiences of all ages, making it a true classic of the pop music genre.
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