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David Bowie — Heroes (live acoustic)
Album: Bridge School Concerts, Vol 1
Avg rating:
7.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1734









Released: 1997
Length: 6:30
Plays (last 30 days): 2
I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them just for one day
We can be heroes just for one day

And you, you can be mean
And I, I'll drink all the time
'Cause we're lovers, and that is a fact
Yes we're lovers, and that is that

Though nothing will keep us together
We could steal time just for one day
We can be heroes forever and ever
What'd you say?

I, I wish you could swim
Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Though nothing, nothing will keep us together
We can beat them forever and ever
Oh we can be heroes just for one day

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be heroes just for one day
We can be us just for one day

I, I can remember ''(I remember)''
Standing by the wall ''(by the wall)''
And the guns shot above our heads ''(over our heads)''
And we kissed as though nothing could fall ''(nothing could fall)''

And the shame was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them forever and ever
Then we could be heroes just for one day

We can be heroes
We can be heroes
We can be heroes
Just for one day
We can be heroes

We're nothing and nothing will help us
Maybe we're lying, then you better not stay
But we could be safer just for one day

Oh-oh-oh-ohh
Oh-oh-oh-ohh
Just for one day
Comments (228)add comment
Ahhhhh. Glorious.
 steven.newby3 wrote:

For me, this is better than the original. Superb



Both versions are superb I would say!
For me, this is better than the original. Superb
The Bridge School is a non-profit organization in Hillsborough, California for children with severe speech and physical impairments, and the concerts were organized by Neil Young for fundraising (source: Wikipedia).  Interesting!
was fortunate enough to be at this concert. :)
Wow! Just wow!

HeroesBass, Backing Vocals – Gail Ann DorseyGuitar, Backing Vocals – Reeves GabrelsLyrics By – David BowieMusic By – Brian Eno, David BowieVocals, Guitar – David Bowie

Guitarist for the original version on LPs = Robert Fripp
Berlin. The Wall. Bowie. I love how he tinkered with this song over the years. This is beautiful. Danke RP.
thanks David, your very best stays with us forever through RP.
 shayde wrote:

I love the smooth bass backing this. The best bass players are subtle, strong, and breath life into a song without all the flash of a lead.


As they say: Amen to that 🙏
Heard so many versions of this song over the years but not this version before.  His last live set at Glastonbury there is a classic version of this and so many of his songs and is one of the best lives sets anywhere IMHO.  Such a great balance in this version of the song with the instruments and the additional vocals. How refreshing and a new spin on this classic song for me from one of my Heroes. How have I not heard this before! 

A day without listening to some Bowie is not a good day in my book.  Thanks Bill.
I think this is my favourite version of Heroes now. (although the original is pretty good too ... :))
 KCgalinMD wrote:

...Gail Ann Dorsey is playing bass and singing backup. Thanks RP!


First listen - this was an easy 8 for me until Gail came in singing.
Even easier 9 now.
Not everyone's cup of tea, this version, but you can really appreciate Iggy's influence on Bowie, especially on this Masterpiece
Happy to hear another version of this great song -- especially because
Gail Ann Dorsey is playing bass and singing backup. Thanks RP!
 shayde wrote:

I love the smooth bass backing this. The best bass players are subtle, strong, and breath life into a song without all the flash of a lead.


I was just listening to the bass line in this. scrolling through the comments, thinking this exact thought...the playing here is sublime...thanks for hearing it as well...
 jdhess wrote:

Great segue Bill.  A Neil Young song to this one from the Bridge School Concerts. Pegi Young with the help of her husband Neil raised money for this very special school and put together some incredible shows!



I wasn't sure where I was when I heard the intro, am I wirh Neil, am I at Bridge?
Great segue Bill.  A Neil Young song to this one from the Bridge School Concerts. Pegi Young with the help of her husband Neil raised money for this very special school and put together some incredible shows!
 gregskrtic wrote:


Make it a 10!


It's teetering on that, I have only handed out 71 10's out of 1700 some odd votes (4% of my ratings)

btw thank you Bill & Rebecca for playing this on main for first time in a while, a forgotten classic for sure.
 jlind wrote:

I forgot how cool this is, really digging the "My Favorites" feature I decided to try out. I have this at a well deserved 9. Spin it up Bill & Rebecca!



Make it a 10!
Simply Awesome!  Easy 10!
Not heard it before. Very nice.
Now perhaps play the Motorhead version (on the album Motorizer) by way of contrast.
This is lovely, but "acoustic" it's not.  Still gets top marks from me.
Wow, great variation. Great cause. My favourite Cold War song. May you Rest In Peace David.
I forgot how cool this is, really digging the "My Favorites" feature I decided to try out. I have this at a well deserved 9. Spin it up Bill & Rebecca!
I really do not like this song, but prefer this version over the studio.
 oilydwarf wrote:
Great version, not necessarily better than the original but great none-the-less
 
Agree, made me stop what I was doing and look this up. 8.

Terrific version...
 
+1 !
11
Cool!
Love Bowie, love the song... want to love this, but somehow no, just can't. Just feels a little self-indulgent to me and lacks the drive and uplift of the original.
Great version, not necessarily better than the original but great none-the-less
sandpebble wrote:

I was unaware .... Thanks

 


from Wiki:

>>>Mick Ronson died of liver cancer on 29 April 1993 at the age of 46. In his memory, the Mick Ronson Memorial Stage was constructed in Queens Gardens in his hometown of Hull. There is also a street named after him on Bilton Grange Estate, not far from where he lived.

Some songs go straight to the heart. This one, apparently, goes straight to the colon.

I get a weird mental picture of David Bowie as a snake charmer, with some guy lying on the ground in front of him, and the guy's lower intestine swaying out of his stomach to the music.


 
FrankMc wrote:
Wondering what that comment means. I guess if ET had been a bit stopped up, this would be a good thing.

 
natalita wrote:
hahaha
 
EssexTex wrote:
This makes my bowels move...
 
 
musicology wrote:
saw this performance in 1996 and almost wet myself.

 



 treatment_bound wrote:


Unfortunately, Mick checked out before the '96 Bridge School concerts.

 
I was unaware .... Thanks

 steeler wrote:
Definitely different. But I find something lost in this version — the whiff of stridency in the original, for instance. This sounds melancholy. Beaten.   Still good, though.
  Agree! Certainly I'm still enjoying this, but I much prefer his original version too.


Wow - I didn't think Bowie could make this song any better, and then I hear this. Love it!

 sandpebble wrote:
Great version! I hope that's Mick Ronson
 

Unfortunately, Mick checked out before the '96 Bridge School concerts.

Bleh
Great version! I hope that's Mick Ronson
saw this performance in 1996 and almost wet myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW65rFN22io


(image not available)

RP irony, nice.
I have never heard this before.   I try to hear everything the man has done.   He's the BEST!!
I'm not a David Bowie fan but I like this.
 ronniegirl wrote:
I thought this was his version at the Concert for New York in 2001. Gave me chills.
 

i think it was neil young's bridge school benefit concert in 1999 or so.
it's a shame, really, that i can't rate this one an 11...absolute perfection.
Wondering what that comment means. I guess if ET had been a bit stopped up, this would be a good thing.

 
natalita wrote:
hahaha
 
EssexTex wrote:
This makes my bowels move...
 
 


I love every version I have ever heard of this fine song.  This one is really strong.  8

hahaha
 
EssexTex wrote:
This makes my bowels move...
 


This makes my bowels move...someone plug old Dave in he's running flat.



David Bowie - "Heroes" Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYjBQKIOb-w


 Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
works astonishingly well in a spare acoustic arrangement
all hail the thin white duke
 
{#Meditate}  {#Notworthy} {#Music} {#Sunny}
Definitely different. But I find something lost in this version — the whiff of stridency in the original, for instance. This sounds melancholy. Beaten.   Still good, though.


Maravilhoso
you mean Queen Bowie,,,,all hail Queen Bowie
 
laramieu wrote:


Queen AND Bowie
 


 smdeeg wrote:

(Under) Pressure?  Isn't that a Queen song? {#Wink}
 

Queen AND Bowie
 smdeeg wrote:

(Under) Pressure?  Isn't that a Queen song? smdeeg wrote:
(Sotto) Pressione? non Ú che una canzone regina? {#Wink}
 

{#Wink}

 goldberry wrote:
(snip) Maybe his best after Pressure.
 
(Under) Pressure?  Isn't that a Queen song? {#Wink}
works astonishingly well in a spare acoustic arrangement
all hail the thin white duke
Now this is a reinvention of a classic that can really justify its existence. Love the freshness, brings it alive for me again.

greatest song in the history of music...
there i said it..
over the top...who me.?..
i even like the german version 'helden'
this version is a little understated unlike the original..
nice to hear tho...
When this song was first released I wasn't that keen, but it has grown on me over the years and this version is fantastic.
 bpkengor wrote:
I must be a pop culture junkie. I listen to this song and I'm taken to the last scene of The Replacements with Keanu Reeves, even those this is a different version.
 
Heh, it's Moulin Rouge with me.

 Xeric wrote:
Fine version of one of my very favorite songs.
 
... of one of my favourite artists.

 BillnDollarBaby wrote:
Totally, bloody brilliant. {#Notworthy}  Love this song... love this version.
 
yes, it's a great version!


Brilliant!... never heard this version before.
Fine version of one of my very favorite songs.
I hear Bowie, and I can't help but think Labrynth, tights and a crotch stuffed with socks. Kick ass song still. Maybe his best after Pressure.
I must be a pop culture junkie. I listen to this song and I'm taken to the last scene of The Replacements with Keanu Reeves, even those this is a different version.
Very nice version.
excellent vrsion. reminds me of a bad relationship unfortunatly. please dont play it again.
As I read the negative comments below on a song that would move decent,intelligent creatures with chills or even tears of understanding, I almost feel sorry for those whom have posted as their soul must have been bartered at a time long before.
I thought this was his version at the Concert for New York in 2001. Gave me chills.
Pretty hideous. This version just kinda wails on and on. I have mercy on Bowie for Labyrinth, but this just ain't right.
Are we stuck in an era today or what. This is the umpteenth song from the either the 70's or early 80's I've heard today. Enough already. ">
If I never hear this again...I'll be a happy man..someone throw a lolly stick at him please
biologenius wrote:
Agreed, this is redundant and boring. I vote for the German version, it rocks! Du, könntest du schwimmen, wie delphine, delphine es tun...
...as seen in the movie 'Christiane F.'. Love the mentioned version and the special way Bowie sings in German.
Wow, I misread the Now Playing list...thought the name of this tune was Herpes! Little as I like Bowie, I couldn't wish that on him. Excellent tune.
it stinks
mamerjamer wrote:
This is by far not my favorite stylization of Heroes by David Bowie ..//..
Agreed, this is redundant and boring. I vote for the German version, it rocks! Du, könntest du schwimmen, wie delphine, delphine es tun...
jayvee2 wrote:
Why?
'cause it's just great, my friend...
jayvee2 wrote:
Why?
BECAUSE!
This is by far not my favorite stylization of Heroes by David Bowie, as I feel the textures in the original recording and other live versions add so much. There is an absolutely awesome version of Heroes live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYjBQKIOb-w This film, in my mind, epitomizes everything that there is to love about David Bowie. You can tell that he is as into it as the crowd is, and he has total command of his audience. This particular period in his career was fun too. When he let his hair down, relaxed and enjoyed being David Bowie.
jayvee2 wrote:
Why?
Zee?
#8,a better solo #9.
Why?
roseap wrote:
damn you, Moulin Rouge...
..for ruining this (and many other) songs? AGREED!
damn you, Moulin Rouge...
Does David know that this version is circulating?
thewiseking wrote:
german version; the best. the most theatrical. not understanding the lyrics actually makes them more powerful. original; a great theatrical piece this version; soporific, effete. silly even.
My favorite Bowie song. This version however, is Shatneresque.
Acoustic version of an all-time favorite tune by an all-time favorite artist.
I think I've figured my problem with Bowie on RP, I guess I am hearing the same boring 5 hit songs in different versions...Bowie has a whole catalog that could be peppered in.
There is a special version that was recorded for the (anti-drug-)movie 'Christiane F.'. It's live and Bowie sings parts of the song in German.... That started my love for Bowie many years ago.
At last, I logged on just in time to hear one of my favourite Bowie tracks, thank you Radio Paradise!
rKokon wrote:
Last time I rated it a 9. Today I wanted to rate it a 1. Shows clearly how music must match one's mood of the moment! RP needs to give us a chance to show the range of our ratings of a song. Those with the widest range might indicate something . . . !
Indicate... mood swings, perhaps? Bipolar disorder? Aging? How about just different feelings on different days (a.k.a. being human)? I would like to see my shifts in song ratings... I could laugh at myself.
I have always been a Bowie fan! Great song!
german version; the best. the most theatrical. not understanding the lyrics actually makes them more powerful. original; a great theatrical piece this version; soporific, effete. silly even.
Pyro wrote:
This is such a powerful song, it works for me in any form (studio or live).
Me too! As well as the German version. Fantastic.
Last time I rated it a 9. Today I wanted to rate it a 1. Shows clearly how music must match one's mood of the moment! RP needs to give us a chance to show the range of our ratings of a song. Those with the widest range might indicate something . . . !
not a good version. demonstrates all the flaws without the power.
I love his voice. Thanks RP.
Most excellent!!!
hmm well thats an alternative impression of Bowie's work lionirons wrote:
I second that. Pure crap.
Like this better than the original
I'didn't know this version! quite cool!!
pigglywiggly wrote:
Great tune. Great version.
Couldn't agree more!!!!
This is such a powerful song, it works for me in any form (studio or live). That said, I generally prefer studio work.
Check... Sweet ass bass lines. shayde wrote:
I love the smooth bass backing this. The best bass players are subtle, strong, and breath life into a song without all the flash of a lead.
I like the way the musicians felt each other out at the beginning.
Smoove_D wrote:
The only thing as bad as a David Bowie song is a live acoustic version of a David Bowie song.
I second that. Pure crap.
i wish there was more from the bridge school benefit....it's an amazing concert. i know there is some really good pearl jam and neil young stuff from those concerts.
The only thing as bad as a David Bowie song is a live acoustic version of a David Bowie song.
Good makeout song
I heart David Bowie! I love both the original and live versions of this song. Dreamy!
I love the smooth bass backing this. The best bass players are subtle, strong, and breath life into a song without all the flash of a lead.
There's something happening here but you DO what what it is, don't you, Mr. Jones? Happy 60th Birthday, Dave.
This version sucks all the life out of the original...
I agree with Shesdifferent. But to say that I am disappointed with Bowie is to stretch it far. It is too much to ask of any musician to continue producing kick ass music over decades. In my book, Bowie is far, far up in the top, for his early work. So like said, please more, more from the repertoire of younger Bowie!
I still think RP could have made a much better and entertaining choice to play for Mr Bowie!!!!