Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) Lyrics

I asked you a question
I didn't need you to reply
Is it getting heavy?
And then realize
It's getting heavy
Well I thought it was already as heavy as can be

Is it overwhelming
To use a crane to crush a fly?
It's a good time for Superman
To lift the sun into the sky
Because it's getting heavy
Well I thought it was already as heavy as can be

Tell everybody
Waiting for Superman
That they should try to
Hold on the best they can
He hasn't dropped them, forgot them or anything
It's just too heavy for Superman to lift
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Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

I have to say that I disagree with the God interpretation. No offense.

I think the potency of this song comes from the fact that Superman is just a man. Everyone depends on him because they think that he can do anything... but he can't. He has his flaws and limits just like anyone.

Maybe the difference of oppinion is because I only see one person in this song. I think that the "you" is Superman. The "I" asks him if he thinks he can handle it and then says it's a "good time for superman to lift the sun into the sky" like "Come on Clark Kent. It's time to drop the fake weakness and step up." Then he realizes that Superman just isn't strong enough. So he's like "just tell everyone."

The whole song is beautiful because it parallels life so well. We're always going to find ourselves looking for someone else to help. But when we find ourselves being called upon to be "a superman" (nice distinction in the title there) we realize there isn't always someone who can help us. We're alone with the weight of the world.

@spiffypurplecows sounds like this song is a call to greatness to Clark Kent, and yea, Clarkie boy does put on a powerlessness act, so it absolutely makes sense. I like that version of the song, but I don't think the right dynamic of the actual song. For me, this song is about a difficult life situation, maybe somewhat tragic or unexpected or ones that seem impossible or difficult to power through.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

Wow - this song blows me away. It's melancholy - taps into that feeling most people have at some point of wanting to be rescued - "waiting for Superman" - life does get heavy. He leaves us a little hope - we're not forgotten, but some things are even too heavy for Superman.

Sad but sweet.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

I'm waitin' for a superman. and I know he hasn't dropped me, forgot me or anything

it's just too heavy for superman to lift

this song breaks my heart the lyrics are incredible.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

I can't believe no one else has commented on this song. This is my latest favorite song. I can't stop listening to it.

I have to hear it many times in a row. Of course, I thought my life was as heavy as could be and yet it's been getting heavier.

I am waiting for superman . . . I'm holding on best I can.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

beautiful but very sad song. i love the lyrics.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

You can find this song on some compilation CDs like "Sounds Eclectic 3" or "Yeti". Good luck finding those.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

Once again (as he did with Such Great Heights) Sam provides a cover better than the original.

its an awesome cover, but the original is a masterpiece

I personally like the cover better.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

i think Superman is God.

when he asks "is it overwhelming to use a crane to crush a fly" i think he is angry at God for allowing this person (who is most likely dead or dying) to suffer so much pain and to die in such a way.

"its a good time for Superman to lift the sun into the sky" i think this means it's a good time for God to bring some new hope or happiness into his life.

and "it's just too heavy for a Superman to lift" i think this is an answer to the "can God create a rock so big he cannot lift it?" question. the writer feels like yes, God can and has done this with the person who is suffering. I think this song is about losing hope and faith in God, and losing a deeply loved one.

I am walking down the aisle to this song!

so I know everyone is finding this song sad, but it is SO beautiful I love the Lips version best!

Any-who, my man and I live states apart (for 4 years now) and I have referred to him as my Superman. He looks like clark kent and dances like superman flies :) and I am obsessed with super heroes . . . so any way . . .i am always waiting for him to come lift my sun into the sky(visit me), so I am choreographing a dance with my super...

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

@ theBKwhopper sorry to be a pill but the song is a cover. the lyrics may have significance to beam but he didn't write them. i don't know if this is one of those times when the background of the author can be brought in.

Cover art for Waiting for a Superman (Flaming Lips cover) lyrics by Iron & Wine

The Flaming Lips wrote this song for 1999's The Soft Bulletin. They wrote it after Elliott Smith passed out of pain and frustration and before tonight, at the Sasquatch Music Fest where they played the entire album, they had supposedly only played it once before because of the weight that the lyrics have behind them. Check out npr's website and they should have the performance up for a while...

 
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