Ya know these days we'll call anyone a hero Some of them do nothing Absolutely zero Still everybody in the world knows their names It seems to me we all confuse honor with fame We see them in primetime Stylin' on our TVs Then at Breakfast Smiling on our Wheaties Oh, just a bunch of rich folks Getting paid to play Hey if that's all it takes today I don't wanna be a hero I'll only break your heart Don't wanna be a hero I'll only break your heart Personally, I think we oughta Set our sights higher Why imitate sparks When you wanna be fire? Why use a flashlight When we've got the moon? We're flesh and blood people We're not damn cartoons I wish I was But I'm not a Jonas Salk Nor Mother Theresa Hell no, I just rock Now listen to me Just trying to make ya blink I'm not a role model I just sing Don't wanna be a hero I'll only break your heart Don't wanna be a hero I'll only break your heart Artificial saviors Oh they make me scream Cause there ain't no easy way To be redeemed So many paths to take Ya gotta find your voice Just can't escape The fact that it's you That has to make that choice Don't limit yourself To cable television Heroes have been around Why ever since heroism So pull out your Plato And read your Shakespeare Jefferson Einstein But I don't wanna be your hero I'll only break your heart