Released: 2024
“Hero” by Charlie Puth zeroes in on a rocky relationship in the spotlight. The song echoes unrequited dedication, loyalty, and the struggle to help someone who doesn’t want to be “saved.” Our pop star is wearing his heart on his sleeve, trying to be the hero for his lover, but finding resistance.
In the opening lines, “I wanna stop by and play it cool, it’s hard to talk with all these people in your room,” Puth portrays the awkwardness of trying to connect in a crowded space. The phrase “play it cool” shows him trying to appear unfazed amidst the glitz and glamour. This sets the stage for an atmosphere of superficiality.
When he chimes in during the chorus, “I don’t need a hero, I don’t want to be saved,” the hero-girl dynamic gets flipped. The girl is not asking for a hero, but Puth insists, stating “I’ll be here every night and day.” This exposes the tension in their relationship – the battle between needing help and not wanting it.
The lyrics, “You hide your feelings, you medicate, you’re doin’ shit that’s keepin’ both of us awake” give us a window into the stress their relationship’s under. The “medicate” bit might be a nod to using substances as a form of escape, a common trope in pop culture references.
Charlie Puth steps into the villain role in “Make me the villain, I know it helps, But I’m not gonna run like everybody else.” Here, he’s okay taking the heat if it helps her cope, showing the depth of his love for her.
In the line, “Lovin’ you ain’t easy, but I’m never gonna stop it,” he acknowledges the challenges but remains steadfast. This showcases his unwavering love, even when it’s met with resistance.
The declaration, “You to know I fuckin’ cared,” feels raw and heart-wrenching. It’s as if Puth is screaming into the void for acknowledgment of his emotions. It’s a tender moment, showing his deep desire for her to understand his emotions.
Refraining the chorus, “I don’t need a hero, but if you let me stay, Oh, I can still be here every night and day,” Puth confirms that she does not need a hero, but he would still remain a faithful presence in her life, unyielding and constant.
Overall, “Hero” tells the tale of a love that is undying yet unreciprocated. Despite its poppy vibe, the song carries a deep emotional undertone, highlighting the struggle of loving someone unwilling to be ‘rescued.’
