Superman

R.E.M.

I am, I am, I am Superman and I know what's happening
I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything

You don't really love that guy you make it with now, do you?
I know you don't love that guy 'cause I can see right through you

I am, I am, I am Superman and I know what's happening
I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything

If you go a million miles away I'll track you down, girl
Trust me when I say I know the pathway to your heart

If you go a million miles away I'll track you down, girl
Trust me when I say I know the pathway to your heart

I am, I am Superman and I know what's happening
I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything

I am, I am, I am Superman and I know what's happening
I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything


Lyrics submitted by xpankfrisst

Superman Lyrics as written by Mitch Bottler Gary Zekley

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing

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Superman song meanings
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10 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Wire cover.

    Who can't relate to this song? Thinking you're the perfect person for someone and since you know but and that someone seems to like another someone, obviously, that would make you Superman!!!

    ZinbobDanon May 19, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    obviously!

    I think I know someone who thinks they are superman.

    CÆTon February 20, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's not a Wire cover, it's from a band called The Clique i think

    SwagBagon July 28, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    "Strange" from Document was the Wire cover.

    Anyway, there's not much interpretation to be done here, I think.

    TheUniversalon February 25, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Just about the arrogance of getting dumped.

    Smokleron April 06, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I Am Superman, BINGO!

    ImNeilYoungon August 24, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    A few things:

    1. This song is a cover of a song by an obscure 60's band called The Clique.
    2. Michael Stipe handed lead vocals over to usual backing man/bassist Mike Mills for the first time because Stipe wasn't as enthusiastic about recording the song as the others.
    3. I find it to be an ironically simple closing track to such a complex and fascinating album (Lifes Rich Pageant). However, like all R.E.M. songs, even covers, the lyrics have a deeper and in this case disturbing meaning. (See next fact).
    4. This song, which is usually thought of as an optimistic 80's single about being able to do anything, is in reality a deceptive tune that is clearly about a deranged stalker who claims he will go anywhere and do anything to find and seduce a girl he is obsessed with. He has deranged himself into believing that only he is right for her, and he is doing her a favor by obsessively hunting her down. He sees himself as the hero - Superman, willing and able to do anything and go anywhere to "help" this girl - when in reality he is quite plainly the villain.

    Hope I was able to clear things up.

    HyperBullyon April 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation

    I agree with HyperBully's #4. When I first heard this song (or actually listened to the lyrics), I immediately thought of The Police's "Every Breath You Take". He's stalking a girl that he likes, who likes someone else.

    But I thought of the "I can do anything" as meaning he can do anything it takes to track her down and get her to like him back (as in when he says he will follow her a million miles, and "can see through you").

    BigJ1028on May 20, 2010   Link
  • 0
    Lyric Correction

    The name of this song is 'I Am Superman'.

    janettetsmithon May 24, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I don't think it'shat much of a stalker song.

    He just loves her he wants her to know it! She's with the wrong guy. Love the base riff.

    L

    stevezepsmithon June 16, 2018   Link

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