In these posts I’ll explore some music that deals with our comic book heroes. I’ll list some of my favorites about superheroes who arrive in the nick of time and save the day. Some of these are about our Marvel and DC idols while others about some less well-known heroes. There are songs about Superman, Spiderman, the Hulk, Iron Man, Magneto, Titanium Man, Flash Gordon, Batman and Robin, the Greatest American Hero, Dragonfly, and many more.
Nobody Loves The Hulk
“Nobody Loves the Hulk” is a novelty song relased by the garage rock band, formed in Pelham, New York, The Traits[1]. The song was written by record producer and songwriter Rosalind Rogoff. The lyrics explore the theme of being an outcast and the difficulty of finding acceptance,
mirroring the character’s constant battle with his own monstrous nature. The inspiration for the song can be traced to the rich narrative of the Hulk comics, where the green-skinned hero, Bruce Banner, grapples with the dual identity of his monstrous alter ego.
“Nobody Loves the Hulk” serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition and the struggle for connection amidst the challenges of self-discovery.
Poor Bruce Banner
Was Working At His Lobotary
When He Saw Rick Jones
About To Go In A Blaze Of Glory
Well he Saved The Boy
But At What A Change
The Explosion Made Him So Starnge
For His Molicules Have Been Rearranged
Into The Hulk! The Hulk!
Magneto and Titanium Man
“Magneto and Titanium Man” is a song performed by Paul McCartney and Wings, featured on their 1975 album “Venus and Mars.” Written by Paul McCartney, the song draws inspiration from Marvel Comics characters Magneto and Titanium Man, known for their appearances in X-Men and Iron Man storylines, respectively.
The lyrics tell a whimsical tale of the superheroic trio, with Magneto and Titanium Man joining forces against the protagonist, the Crimson Dynamo, who seeks refuge in the arms of an alluring lady named Natasha. When asked his opinion of the song decades after its release, Stan Lee (who co-created all three characters) said he thought it was “terrific.” McCartney’s catchy and upbeat composition, combined with the comic book references, creates a unique blend of rock and pop that showcases the artist’s storytelling prowess.
The song exemplifies McCartney’s ability to weave imaginative narratives into his music, appealing to both fans of his musical work and comic book enthusiasts.
Well there she were and to my despair
She's a five-star criminal breaking the code
Magneto said, "Now the time has come
To gather our forces and run!"
Oh, no, this can't be so
And then it occurred to me, you couldn't be bad
Magneto was mad, Titanium too!
And the Crimson Dynamo, well, he just couldn't cut it no more
You were the law
Batdance
“Batdance” is a song performed and written by American musician Prince for the 1989 Batman film soundtrack. Serving as a unique and eclectic tribute to the iconic superhero, the song showcases Prince’s genre-blending style by seamlessly integrating elements of funk, rock, and pop.
“Batdance” was inspired by the multifaceted nature of the Batman character, incorporating samples from the film’s dialogue and incorporating themes of duality and chaos. The song skillfully weaves together various musical elements,
reflecting both the dark and light sides of Batman’s persona. Its dynamic production and Prince’s energetic performance capture the essence of the caped crusader’s complex character. “Batdance” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and remains a distinctive piece in the Batman film music canon.
"Stop the press"
"Stop the press, who is that?"
"Vicki Vale, Vicki Vale"
"I like"
Batman
Batman
Batman
"Oh, bats"
"Hi, Bruce Wayne"
"I've tried to avoid all this, but I can't"
"I just got to know... are we going to try to love each other?"
"Stop the press, who is that?"
"Vicki Vale"
"She is great, isn't she?"
Flash
“Flash’s Theme” is a song written and performed by the legendary British rock band Queen for the 1980 film “Flash Gordon.” Written by all four members of Queen—Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon—the song serves as the main theme for the movie, inspired by the iconic comic strip character Flash Gordon.
Queen’s energetic and anthemic composition captures the spirit of the science fiction adventure, combining rock and synthesizer elements to create a memorable and bombastic soundtrack.
The lyrics reflect Flash Gordon’s heroism and the grandeur of the film’s narrative, with Freddie Mercury delivering a powerful vocal performance. “Flash’s Theme” became a hit, reaching high positions on the charts and remaining one of Queen’s notable contributions to film music.
He's for every one of us
Stand for every one of us
He saves with a mighty hand
Every man, every woman
Every child, it's the mighty flash
Jimmy Olsen’s Blues
“Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” is a song by the American rock band Spin Doctors, featured on their 1991 debut album “Pocket Full of Kryptonite.” Written by lead singer Chris Barron and guitarist Eric Schenkman, the song draws inspiration from the character Jimmy Olsen in DC Comics’ Superman series.
The lyrics humorously explore the unrequited love and frustrations of Jimmy Olsen, the Daily Planet photographer, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships and pines for Lois Lane. Spin Doctors’ signature blend of rock, funk, and blues infuses the song with a catchy and upbeat sound, making “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” a standout track on the album.
The album cover has a photo of a phone booth, Clark Kent’s changing station, and the “Pocketful of Kryptonite” that will protect Olsen from Supermans jealosy. The song’s clever narrative and infectious melody contributed to the commercial success of “Pocket Full of Kryptonite.”
Lois Lane please put me in your planner
Yeah, Lois Lane you don't need no Super Man
Come on downtown and stay with me tonight
I got a pocket full of kryptonite
Spider-Man Theme Song
“Spider-Man” is the theme song by the rock band Aerosmith. The track is a cover of the original “Spider-Man Theme,” which was composed by Paul Francis Webster and Bob Harris for the animated television series “Spider-Man” in the 1960s. The Aerosmith cover was featured in the soundtrack for the 2002 film “Spider-Man,”
directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire. The song incorporates Aerosmith’s distinctive rock style, adding a new flavor to the iconic Spider-Man theme. It served as a promotional single for the film and contributed to the soundtrack’s commercial success.
Is he strong? Listen, Bud!
He's got radioactive blood
Can he swing from a thread?
No escape from his spiderweb
Look out! There goes the Spider
In the chill of night
At the scene of the crime
Like a laserlight
He arrives just in time
Spider-man, Spider-man
Footnotes
- The Traits were a popular teenage band, formed in 1967, and composed of students enrolled at Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, New York. The group’s lineup featured Mike Carrol (lead vocals), Dom Chicherchia (lead guitar), Bob Creaturo (bass guitar), Jim Klieforth (keyboards), and Bobby Williams (drums). [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- CBR “The story behind the 1969 song ‘Nobody Loves the Hulk'” https://www.cbr.com/the-story-behind-the-1969-song-nobody-loves-the-hulk/
- Wikipedia “The Traits” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Traits
- Wikipedia “Magneto and Titanium Man” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto_and_Titanium_Man
- Wikipedia “Batdance” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batdance
- Wikipedia “Flash (Queen song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_(Queen_song)
- Wikipedia “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_Full_of_Kryptonite
- Genius Lyrics https://genius.com/
- Wikipedia “Spider-Man (theme song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man_(theme_song)
- Music Grotto “23 Best Songs About Heroes And Superheroes” https://www.musicgrotto.com/songs-about-heroes/
- Billboard “15 Sensational Superhero Songs” https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/best-superhero-comic-book-songs-batman-superman-avengers-comic-con-513473/
- Zing Instruments “22 Best Songs about Heroes and Superheroes That Kick Butt!” https://zinginstruments.com/songs-about-heroes/
