When the house fell asleep there was always a light And it fell from the page to the eyes of an American boy In a storybook land I could dream what I read When it went to my head I'd see I wanna be a hero I wanna be a hero But the practical side said the question was still When you grow up what will you be? I wanna be a hero I wanna be a hero Chorus: Hero It's a nice-boy notion that the real world's gonna destroy You know It's a Marvel comicbook Saturday matinee fairytale, boy Growing older you'll find that illusions are brought And the idol you thought you'd be was just another zero I wanna be a hero Heroes died when the squealers bought 'em off Died when the dealers got 'em off Welcome to the "in it for the money as an idol" show When they ain't as big as life When they ditch their second wife Where's the boy to go? Gotta be a hero (Chorus) When the house fell asleep From a book I was led to a light that I never knew I wanna be your hero I wanna be your hero And he spoke to my heart from the moment I prayed Here's a pattern I made for you I wanna be your hero I wanna be your hero