The Life and Times of the Creatively Stunted

As you’ve probably noticed, my Superhero Songs selections are typically not songs about superheroes. Thus far I have chosen songs whose titles invoke the idea of superheroes, though, for the most part, are not directly about super powers or super powered individuals. Well, I’d be remiss if i didn’t include some songs that directly reflect our iconic comic book heroes, so without further adieu, I present The Flaming Lips’ “Waitin’ for a Superman”.

There are literally hundreds of Superman themed songs out there. R.E.M.’s “Superman”, Big Head Todd’s “Resignation Superman”, 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite”, The Spin Doctors’ “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues”… the list goes on and on. Hell, even RuPaul has a Superman themed track. Of course, Superman is an absolute of pop culture iconology, but why so much interest in The Man of Steel? Sure, he’s fast. Sure, he’s strong. Sure, he’s bulletproof. But to me these things have always been drawbacks. What fun is a character who is 99% invulnerable? I like my heroes to have weakness, and that may be why The Flaming Lips’ “Waiting for a Superman” is my favorite of the bunch.

To me, the interesting thing about Superman isn’t his abilities, but the fact that he choses to use these abilities morally. Were he not raised by an all american farm family, it’s entirely possible that his powers would be used for different gains. (See Superman: Red Son for an amazing example of this.) But instead he was raised “normal”, and with that comes normal temptations and normal self doubt. This theme is what attracts me to “Waitin’ for a Superman”. It presents the character of Superman as someone that does have limitations and insecurity. The lyrics to the chorus sum it up perfectly.

“Tell everybody waitin’ for Superman
That they should try to hold on as best they can
He hasn’t dropped them, forgot them, or anything
It’s just too heavy for Superman to lift.

18. The Flaming Lips - Waitin’ for a Superman