“Holding Out for a Hero” is an iconic song by the Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, known for her distinctive husky voice and powerful delivery. This track was written by the legendary songwriter and producer Jim Steinman, alongside Dean Pitchford. It was originally released as part of the soundtrack for the 1984 film “Footloose,” one of the defining movies of the 1980s.
The song captures the era’s spirit with its dramatic instrumentation and energetic tempo, featuring a blend of rock and pop elements. “Holding Out for a Hero” stands out due to its anthemic quality and its lyrics that speak of longing and hope, themes that resonated deeply with audiences of the time and continue to do so today.
Bonnie Tyler’s performance in “Holding Out for a Hero” is both fierce and passionate, embodying the strong, defiant spirit of the song. This track also appeared on Tyler’s 1986 album “Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire,” further cementing its place in her impressive discography.
Upon its release, “Holding Out for a Hero” achieved significant success on the charts. In the United States, it reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it performed even better in the UK, peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous cover versions and its inclusion in various movies, TV shows, and advertisements over the decades.
For many fans, “Holding Out for a Hero” is more than just a song; it is a powerful anthem that encapsulates the dramatic flair and emotional intensity that Bonnie Tyler is known for. Whether revisiting it in the context of the “Footloose” soundtrack or enjoying it as part of her album “Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire,” listeners are continually drawn to its compelling mix of hope and urgency, making it a timeless piece in Bonnie Tyler’s remarkable career.
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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
