The song "A Chance to Be a Hero" by Engelbert Humperdinck is about the aspirations and dreams of the protagonist when they were young. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and determination to achieve greatness, even in the face of financial limitations. The protagonist reflects on their younger days when they were full of hope and ambition, despite not having much money. They held onto their faith and believed that they could accomplish their dreams. At the age of seventeen, they already knew what they wanted to be and were eager to make it big on stage, in the spotlight, and on the front pages. The chorus emphasizes the transformative power and importance of taking a chance to become a hero. They express a desire for recognition and validation by hoping that people will recognize their name. It's a chance to become someone new, to be seen as a hero and live a life of fame and success. However, as time passes, the protagonist realizes that opportunities may slip away if not seized upon. They compare life to a parade passing by, and once it's gone, it's too late to chase after their lifelong fantasy. It becomes apparent that the chances they once had might never come back again. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, highlighting the desire to be a hero and pleading for someone to assist the protagonist in achieving their dreams. Overall, "A Chance to Be a Hero" encapsulates the universal longing for recognition, success, and the pursuit of dreams. It speaks to the aspirations and regrets of many individuals who may have missed their opportunities but still hold onto the hope of achieving greatness.
