Hero

Regina Spektor's song "Hero" delves into the complexities of human imperfection and the societal pressures that lead to a disconnection from one's true self. The repetition of the phrase "He never ever saw it coming at all" suggests a sense of surprise or shock, possibly at the realization that life is not as predictable or controllable as one might think. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how people are often blindsided by the reality that they cannot achieve perfection, despite societal expectations to do so.

The chorus, "Hey, open wide / Here comes original sin," could be a metaphor for the inevitability of human flaws and the idea that no one is immune to making mistakes. The term "original sin" traditionally refers to the fall of man in Christian theology, symbolizing the inherent imperfection in all humans. Spektor might be using this concept to suggest that striving for perfection is futile because imperfection is a fundamental part of the human condition. The line "It's alright" serves as a reassurance that accepting one's flaws is a part of life.

The song also touches on the theme of resistance to societal norms, particularly with the lines "Power to the people / We don't want it, we want pleasure." This indicates a rejection of the power structures and the empty promises of happiness they offer. The mention of TVs trying to "rape us" is a stark metaphor for the invasive and manipulative nature of media and its influence on our lives. The song concludes with the empowering statement, "I'm the hero of the story / Don't need to be saved," which reinforces the message of self-reliance and the importance of being the protagonist in one's own life, rather than seeking external validation or rescue.