Superman Songs (Seriously)

I was posting that video of the Crash Test Dummies and their tune “Superman’s Song” and it got me to thinking, which is always a dangerous proposition. It suddenly occurred to me that, oddly enough, The Black Hole Archives contain several songs that are about or reference Superman in some way. In addition, they’re almost all good songs (the key there being the word “almost”). Is this an interesting topic? Maybe, to some people. To most? Probably not. But since the Rock Hard Times readers are a sophisticated lot, I can be sure you’ll be glued to every word. Ah, what the hell, it fascinates me and that all that matters. Hey, it's my site.

Believe it or not I had to narrow it down to my Top 5 with 1 Honorable Mention. I couldn’t, in good conscience, keep “Black Superman (Muhammed Ali)” by The Kinshasa Band in the mix. Yes, I have that song in my collection, and I like it, damn it. Open mind, Vesey. Open mind. Without further ado, here’s my list (click on the title to see and hear whatever the hell I could find on YouTube):

1. Superman – R.E.M. (1986)

This is actually a cover of a song done in the 60’s by a band called The Clique. To be specific, it was the B-Side of The Clique’s only hit, “Sugar on Sunday.” “Sugar on Sunday,” by the way, was originally written and recorded by Tommy James & the Shondells (click on this link, man. Tommy still sounds really good). I swear all this stuff is in my head and not Wikipedia. I retain this kind of information but lock myself out of the house at least once a week. Anyway, a great song by R.E.M. from Lifes Rich Pageant that has some strong vocals by both Michael Stipe and Mike Mills. Cool Peter Buck intro as well.

2. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman – The Kinks (1979)

From the “Low Budget” album, this song has some of the familiar, clever Ray Davies lyrics we all know and love. A sampling:

Woke up this morning, started to sneeze
I had a cigarette and a cup of tea
I looked in the mirror what did I see
A nine stone weakling with knobbly knees
I did my knees bend press ups touch my toes
I had another sneeze and I blew my nose
I looked in the mirror at my pigeon chest
I had to put on my clothes because it made me depressed
Surely there must be a way
For me to change the shape I'm in
Dissatisfied is what I am I want to be a better man.
Superman, Superman, wish I could fly like Superman.

3. O Superman – Laurie Anderson (1981)

I know, Laurie Anderson is not everyone’s cup of tea. Her music has been described as Art Rock, Progressive Rock, Experimental Rock, and Avant-Garde Rock. Again, it’s not for everybody, but I love it. If you ever want an interesting and original music experience, rent the DVD “Home of the Brave”, Laurie’s 1986 concert film. I wouldn’t have friends over to share it with though, unless it’s me. “O Superman” is half sung, half spoken, and all weird. I’d print some lyrics but they’d either confuse you or frighten you, but more than likely do both. It’s on her “Big Science” album from the early ‘80’s. So, just click on the title up there, don’t watch the stupid homemade video that goes with it, close your eyes, and float downstream . . .

4. Superman’s Song – Crash Test Dummies (1991)

Some people I know (Marianne) hear Brad Robert’s voice and want to go out and shoot up a mall. Then again, that’s no shocker because MY voice sometimes makes her want to go out and shoot up a mall. Me? I always liked the Dummies, and this song is sung with such earnestness that you really believe these guys are lamenting the sad life of Superman with a true sincerity.

But probably not. Dig this:

Hey Bob, Supe had a straight job
Even though he could have smashed through any bank
In the United States, he had the strength, but he would not
Folks said his family were all dead
Their planet crumbled but Superman, he forced himself
To carry on, forget Krypton, and keep going.
Supermen never made any money
For saving the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair the world will never see
Another man like him.

Good stuff right there.

5. Superman’s Ghost – Don McLean (1989) (Great lyrics - listen!)

This song is about George Reeves, the actor who portrayed Superman on the 50’s television show and ended up shooting himself in the head. That's him up top. The guy could never get past the stereotype after playing the role (by the way, there’s a very good movie starring Ben Affleck called Hollywoodland that addresses this very subject). Anyway, check out some lyrics:

I'm red white and blue, I've got justice to do
I'm the man of your fantasy dreams
But I'm an alien man from an alien land
Who's alive on your orthicon screens.
I once ruled the world and when flags were unfurled
I performed for you live not on tape.
But the public is cruel when played for a fool
As you see by the blood on my cape.

As I listened to this today it occurred to me that McLean could be singing about himself and the fact that he's never been able to get past "American Pie." Just throwin' it out there.

Honorable Mention:

Superman (It’s Not Easy) – Five for Fighting (2000)

This version could have been inspired by the Dummies song for all I know. The lyrics are similar and the feel is along the same lines as well. To wit . . .

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
It’s not easy to be . . . . me.

I know, there’s all kinds of meanings you can read into the lyrics of songs like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “Superman’s Song”. The whole “even though I’m strong and seem to have everything I still have problems blah-blah-blah” line of psychobabble bullshit. I prefer to take these songs at face value, but that’s just me. But interpret as you will. That’s what music is all about, no?