If I Were Superman

24 Mar 2020 · 3 min

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2:47

The piece is a poetic, lyrical monologue in which the speaker, a kid from Brooklyn, strings together a series of "If I were..." fantasies—millionaire, Superman, cowboy, runner, lion, river, spaceman, general, music, hero, poet, detective—each describing a grand, idealized version of themselves. The repeated desire to be Superman, especially the line "if I were Superman, I'd fly," underscores a yearning for freedom and empowerment. Interwoven with these grand visions is a humble self‑portrait: the speaker acknowledges their modest circumstances, limited luck, and the need to keep dreams alive despite everyday struggles. The overall tone is hopeful, wistful, and reflective, using vivid metaphors to convey personal aspirations and the tension between imagined greatness and current reality.

Chapters

paint the day. If I were a millionaire, I'd buy whatever caught my eye. If I were Superman, I'd fly. If I were a cowboy, I'd shoot the fastest gun. If I were a runner, I'd make the longest run. If I were a lion, I'd rule the jungle. If I were a river, I'd flow in peace. If I were a spaceman, I'd go to every star in the sky. And if I were Superman, I'd fly. But I'm just a kid from Brooklyn trying to keep my dreams alive. Don't have a lot of I always seem to get by. Maybe someday my luck will change. Maybe I'll make a plan. But till that happens, you gotta understand. If I were a general, I'd bring an end to every war. If I were music, I'd play on every shore. If I were a hero, I'd save the day. If I were a poet, I'd touch your soul. If I were a detective, I'd solve the toughest crimes. And if I were Superman— oh my— if I were Superman, I'd fly.