I wanna stop by and play it cool
It’s hard to talk with all these people in your room
I try to lock eyes and give you clues
So you can come and follow me out by the pool (Yeah)
My blood pressure elevates
When I call you out for bein’ fake
And I don’t want to be mean
But I’m not gonna shut up instead
I know who you really are
And your so-called “friends,” quotation marks
I don’t wanna make a scene
She cut me off and that’s when she said
“I don’t need a hero, I don’t want to be saved”
But I said, “I’ll be here every night and day,” oh
I don’t need a hero, but if you let me stay
Oh, I can still be here every night and day, oh
You hide your feelings (Hide your feelings), you medicate (You medicate)
You’re doin’ shit that’s keepin’ both of us awake
Make me the villain (Make me the villain), I know it helps
But I’m not gonna run like everybody else (No)
My blood pressure elevates
When I call you out for bein’ fake
And I don’t want to be mean
But I’m not gonna shut up instead
I know who you really are (Really are)
And your so-called “friends,” quotation marks
I don’t wanna make a scene
She cut me off and that’s when she said
“I don’t need a hero, I don’t want to be saved” (Don’t want to be saved)
But I said, “I’ll be here every night and day,” oh
I don’t need a hero, but if you let me stay (If you let me stay)
Oh, I can still be here every night and day, oh
(I don’t need a hero)
Oh (Oh, I said, “I’ll be here,” oh)
Lovin’ you ain’t easy, but I’m never gonna stop it
I know that night I lost my head and I was bein’ out of pocket
I wasn’t tryna start a fight or tell you how to live your life
I just wanted (I just wanted)
You to know I fuckin’ cared, and she said
“I don’t need a hero, I don’t want to be saved” (I don’t want to be saved)
But I said, “I’ll be here every night and day,” oh (Oh)
I don’t need a hero, but if you let me stay (If you let me stay)
Oh, I can still be here every night and day, oh
(I don’t need a hero, I don’t want to be saved)
Oh (But I said, “I’ll be here”)
Every night and day, oh
I don’t need a hero, but if you let me stay
Oh, I can still be here every night and day, oh
Unveiling Vulnerability in “Hero”
In “Hero,” Charlie Puth explores the delicate balance between wanting to help someone and respecting their boundaries. The narrative unfolds at a social gathering, where the protagonist tries to connect with someone who hides their true feelings behind a facade. Through emotionally charged lyrics, Puth addresses the struggle of loving someone who resists being “saved,” recognizing their need for independence. The recurring phrase, “I don’t need a hero,” highlights the other person’s desire for autonomy, even as the singer promises unwavering support. The song captures the tension between offering help and allowing space, making it relatable for anyone who’s ever wanted to be there for someone without overstepping.
Song Credits
- Artist: Charlie Puth
- Songwriters: Charlie Puth, Jacob Kasher
- Release Year: 2024
- Label: Atlantic Records