Hero

Mariah Carey

About Hero

"Hero" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on October 19, 1993, via Columbia Records as the second single from Carey's third studio album, Music Box (1993). Originally intended for Gloria Estefan, the song was written and produced by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff. While writing the song, Carey did not connect to its style or sound, therefore forfeiting it over to the soundtrack of the film of the same name. However, after being convinced to keep it, she changed some of the lyrics to more precisely fit her personality. Lyrically, the song is regarded as one of Carey's most inspirational and personal ballads, with its protagonist declaring that even though people may feel discouraged or down at times, in reality, they are "heroes" if they look inside themselves and see their own inner strength; in time, it will help them "find the way". The song received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics for its lyrical content, while Carey's vocal performance was praised. Aside from its lyrics, "Hero" derived its hook and sound from several musical instruments such as the guitar, piano, and organ. The song experienced strong success in several international markets, and also became Carey's eighth chart topper on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it was ranked number 53 on the Decade-End Chart. Outside the United States, "Hero" enjoyed strong charting, reaching the top five in Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand and Norway and the top ten in Australia and the United Kingdom. 


Year:
2006
3:53
57 
#1

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There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away

[Chorus]
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

It's a long, road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And the emptiness you felt
Will disappear

[Chorus]

Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone
Tear them away
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time you'll find the way

And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
That a hero lies in you
That a hero lies in you

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Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut in 1990 under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, and released her self-titled debut studio album, Mariah Carey. The album went multi-platinum and spawned four consecutive number one singles, on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following her marriage to Mottola in 1993, a series of hit records, including Emotions (1991), Music Box (1993) and Merry Christmas (1994), established her position as Columbia's highest-selling act. Daydream (1995), made music history when the second single, "One Sweet Day" a duet with Boyz II Men, spent a record sixteen weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100, and remains… more »

20 fans

Written by: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Release
The song "Hero" by Mariah Carey was released on October 19, 1993.
Album
It's the second single from her third studio album, "Music Box."
Song Inspiration
Mariah Carey mentioned the song was inspired by a fictional character from a film she was working on with her then-husband Tommy Mottola. However, the project never came to fruition.
Songwriter
Mariah Carey co-wrote the song with songwriter Walter Afanasieff.
Commercial Success
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks in the United States, becoming Carey's eighth chart topper in the country.
Certified Platinum
"Hero" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, selling over one million copies.
Global hit
Besides US success, it also topped charts in Canada and New Zealand and reached top five in Ireland, United Kingdom and Australia.
Award Nominations
The song earned Carey nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards and Song of the Year at the 8th Billboard Music Awards.
Tribute Version
Following the 9/11 attacks, Carey performed a special version of "Hero" at the benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes. This led to the song re-entering the charts and reaching a new peak of number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Frequent Live Performances
"Hero" became a staple of Carey's live performances and is often sung as the closing number. It was also featured in most of her concert tours and live events.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists across diverse musical genres around the world, including X-Factor and American Idol contestants, demonstrating its enduring popularity and influence.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Larry Jordan, was entirely in black and white, featuring Carey performing the song in a large auditorium in front of an orchestra.

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    Hero

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1994

    Billboard #1


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