Superheroes

Album: Heavy Is the Head (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Superheroes" is a love letter to the black youth of Britain.

    Even though more time we don't fly straight
    But trust me, bro, I promise we gon' die great
    Our burdens are heavy but we ain't lightweights
    Our parents were legends, they had to migrate


    Stormzy is sending a message of encouragement to the emerging black British generation who may be struggling but are heroes in their own lives. When the Grime MC premiered the song's music video in schools across the UK, he said:

    "We're all superheroes. As much as we come from where we come from, we might be disadvantaged, we might have so many obstacles in front of us, you are a superhero in your own right, and don't ever forget that. Those little skills that we have, those big skills that we have, those talents, those things that often go ignored, that makes you a superhero."
  • Stormzy gives several examples of "Young black queens" throughout the track, including tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams and author Malorie Blackman.

    Serena or Venus, the way I serve it
    I'm Malorie Blackman the way I sell books


    Stormzy has described Malorie Blackman's Noughts and Crosses series as his "favorite books of all time." The rapper appeared in the BBC TV adaptation of the novel as Kolawe.
  • Stormzy recites lyrics from Keisha White's "Someday" in the final 30 seconds of the song. White's track is best known as the theme song for the popular children's TV show The Story Of Tracy Beaker, which aired on CBBC between 2002 and 2005.
  • Directed by British filmmaker Taz Tron Delix, the animated video includes references to fellow rappers Little Simz and Dave, Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.