If I Were Superman

20 Nov 2019 · 3 min

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2:33

The video presents a single‑speaker lyrical monologue in which the narrator, a kid from Brooklyn, strings together a series of “If I were …” fantasies. He imagines being a millionaire, Superman, a cowboy, a runner, a lion, a river, a spaceman, a general, music, a hero, a poet, and a detective, repeatedly returning to the Superman motif as a symbol of ultimate freedom. Interwoven with these grandiose wishes is a grounded self‑portrait: he acknowledges his modest circumstances, limited luck, and the need to keep his dreams alive despite everyday struggles. The piece balances whimsical aspiration with a humble, hopeful resolve, using repetitive phrasing and vivid metaphors to convey yearning and perseverance.

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.