Five for Fighting – Superman (It’s Not Easy) (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind Superman:
Superman was conceived out of John Ondrasik’s personal frustration at not being heard. This disrespect spawned a metaphorical take on Superman’s struggles as a character. Feeling undervalued in the music industry after an underwhelming album, John received the idea of Superman, realizing that it is not easy to explain who you are without blowing your cover as Clark Kent.
Biblical Application:
The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand, Matthew 13:10-13.
Exegesis of Superman:
I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naïve
I’m just out to find
The better part of me
Superman or John is trying to discover their greatest assets, gifts and talents in life.
I’m more than a bird, I’m more than a plane
I’m more than some pretty face beside a train
And it’s not easy to be me
Reference to Superman, struggling to find a balance in life between being a beat writer and a superhero.
I wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
‘Bout a home I’ll never see
Feeling pain inside of Superman about his planet that exploded.
It may sound absurd, but don’t be naïve
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede?
Even heroes have the right to dream
And it’s not easy to be me
Even heroes struggle with mental health. Trying to be human and express emotions like an average person.
Up, up and away, away from me
Well, it’s alright
Flying to rescue the next citizen who is in desperate need.
You can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy or anything
Superman is watching the skies for trouble.
I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naïve
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
Seeing his life from the eyes and mind of a normal human being.
I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Diggin’ for kryptonite on this one-way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Lookin’ for special things inside of me
A costume doesn’t make a superhero. It is what he does with his gifts and talents.
Inside of me
Inside of me, yeah
Inside of me
Inside of me
John is trying to find his place in this world.
I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
I’m only a man lookin’ for a dream
I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy, hoo, hoo, hoo
This search for truth and meaning isn’t easy.
It’s not easy to be me
Finding the right balance in life is tough.
Final Thoughts:
I always wondered why I was born with a severe speech impediment in the form of stuttering. Looking back, this twenty years of questioning God conceived and refined a passion within me to write. While I am far from a superman, I am blessed with the gift of writing in the Spirit. Throughout each week, I receive rhema’s from God while reading the Bible, insights from watching a film or series and have visions about spiritual truth, connecting the dots that I never saw before. This is how ExpressYourself4Him was established in February of 2012 and why this writing ministry continues today. However, just like Superman, it’s not easy, more often like a grind to find the right words to say.
by Jay Mankus
