Superman (It's Not Easy)

Five for Fighting

About Superman (It's Not Easy)

"Superman (It's Not Easy)" (also titled as "Superman") is a song written and performed by American singer Five for Fighting. It was released in April 2001 as the second single from his second studio album America Town. Following the September 11 attacks, the song was used to honor the victims, survivors, police, and firefighters involved in the attacks. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 38 on October 27, 2001, then subsequently peaked at number 14, becoming Five for Fighting's first top-forty hit in the United States. The single was a major hit in Australia and New Zealand, reaching number two on both countries' national charts. It additionally reached the top 20 in Ireland, Italy and Norway. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002. more »

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I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me

I'm more than a bird, I'm more than a plane
I'm more than some pretty face beside a train
And it's not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see

It may sound absurd, but don't be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won't you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
And it's not easy to be me

Up, up and away, away from me
Well, it's all right, you can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy
Or anything

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
Inside of me
Inside me
Inside me
Inside of me

I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
I'm only a man
Looking for a dream

I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it's not easy

It's not easy to be 
Me

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Five for Fighting

Five for Fighting is the stage name of American singer-songwriter John Ondrasik. He is best known for his piano-based rock, such as the Top 40 hits "Superman (It's Not Easy)" (2001), "100 Years" (2003), and "The Riddle" (2006). more »

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Written by: John Ondrasik

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

13 facts about this song

Artist Origin "Superman (It's Not Easy)" is written and performed by Five for Fighting, a band name that is a hockey term referring to a five-minute major penalty for fighting. The band is technically a one-man show, with primary member John Ondrasik fronting it.
Song Inspiration The song was inspired by the difficulties of everyday life and the feeling of not being invincible like Superman. John Ondrasik wrote it during a tough period of his career where he pointed out that even Superman has weakness.
Release Date "Superman (It's Not Easy)" was released on April 1, 2001, as part of the band's "America Town" album.
Chart Success The song peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received substantial airplay in Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Grammy Nominations The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2002.
9/11 Impact Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, this song became an anthem of sorts for the times, due to its lyrics about heroism and struggle.
Charity Performances Ondrasik performed the song at The Concert for New York City in 2001, benefiting the victims of the 9/11 attacks. He also sang it at the opening of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Prominent Live Performances The song was also performed during the final season of the popular television show "Smallville," which is based on a young Clark Kent before he becomes Superman.
Pop Culture Influence The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows, including "Dawson's Creek," "Scrubs," and "The 4400."
Impactful Lyrics Some critics and listeners interpreted the lyrics as an examination of the challenges and pressures that come with being responsible for others or being a hero, making it relatable to many.
Music Video The music video for the song, directed by Ramaa Mosley, features Ondrasik singing on the rooftops of Los Angeles. Some film footage of the 1978 movie "Superman" was used in the video.
Dedication to Heroes Ondrasik has mentioned in various interviews that the song, despite its comparisons to a fictional superhero, is really a tribute to everyday heroes - like parents, teachers, or anyone facing their own challenges.
Special Version A new version was recorded in 2009 for the compilation album "Playlist: The Very Best of Five for Fighting". This version is a solo piano rendition, highlighting the lyrics more prominently.

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"Superman (It's Not Easy) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34126246/Five+for+Fighting/Superman+%28It%27s+Not+Easy%29>.

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