Meaning of the Song “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” by Joey Scarbury Mean?

What does “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” by Joey Scarbury Mean?

Released in 1981, the “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” by Joey Scarbury is one of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time. Written by the legendary TV composer Mike Post with lyrics by Stephen Geyer, the song was the theme for the superhero comedy-drama The Greatest American Hero, which aired from 1981 to 1983. The song was an instant hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and resonating with audiences far beyond the show it was created for. Its uplifting melody, catchy chorus, and optimistic lyrics turned it into a pop culture phenomenon, transcending its role as a mere theme song.

At its heart, “Believe It or Not” is about the feelings of self-discovery, empowerment, and disbelief that come when someone finds themselves in a situation where they can achieve far more than they ever imagined. In the context of the show, the song perfectly encapsulates the lead character’s journey from an ordinary schoolteacher to a reluctant superhero grappling with newfound powers. More broadly, the song speaks to anyone who has ever doubted their abilities or found themselves stepping into unfamiliar, yet exciting, new roles in life. It’s a song about the surprise and wonder of realizing your potential, and its universal message of hope and empowerment continues to resonate with listeners today.

Lyrical Meaning: A Song of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

One of the central themes of “Believe It or Not” is the concept of self-discovery. The song’s lyrics capture the disbelief and excitement of someone who finds themselves achieving things they never thought possible. The opening lines, “Look at what’s happened to me / I can’t believe it myself,” immediately set the tone for the entire song. The narrator is overwhelmed by the transformation they’ve undergone, amazed at how their life has changed seemingly overnight.

This sense of disbelief transitions into a realization of newfound abilities and potential. The lyrics, “Suddenly I’m up on top of the world / Should’ve been somebody else,” reflect a classic imposter syndrome, where the person feels unworthy or unqualified for their new role. However, the song also conveys a sense of growing confidence and empowerment as the narrator comes to terms with their new reality. This theme of stepping into one’s potential and overcoming self-doubt is what makes the song so universally relatable.

In the context of The Greatest American Hero, these feelings of disbelief and empowerment are experienced by Ralph Hinkley, the show’s protagonist, who stumbles into the role of a superhero when he is given a suit that grants him extraordinary powers. Much like the lyrics of the song, Ralph initially feels overwhelmed and unsure of his abilities. However, as the series progresses, he begins to embrace his new role, mirroring the song’s message of personal growth and empowerment.

The Power of Belief

Another key theme in “Believe It or Not” is the transformative power of belief, both in oneself and in the possibilities that life can offer. The repeated refrain of “Believe it or not, I’m walking on air / I never thought I could feel so free” emphasizes the liberating feeling that comes from believing in your own abilities. The metaphor of walking on air suggests a lightness and freedom that comes from realizing your potential and embracing the opportunities in front of you.

This message is uplifting and inspirational, encouraging listeners to break free from the constraints of self-doubt and fear. It reminds us that sometimes the most incredible experiences come when we allow ourselves to believe that we are capable of more than we ever imagined. This universal theme resonates with people facing challenges, whether they are stepping into new roles, taking on greater responsibilities, or simply trying to overcome personal obstacles.

In a broader sense, “Believe It or Not” speaks to the idea that belief in oneself is often the key to unlocking potential. Whether you are a superhero learning to fly or an ordinary person facing everyday challenges, the song suggests that the ability to succeed starts with believing in your own strength and capacity for growth.

A Reflection of the Times

Released in the early 1980s, “Believe It or Not” reflects the optimism and cultural mood of the time. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a resurgence of interest in superheroes, both in comic books and on the big screen, with films like Superman capturing the imagination of audiences. The idea of an ordinary person stepping into a superhero role fit neatly into this cultural landscape, and the upbeat, hopeful tone of the song mirrored the general sense of possibility that characterized the era.

Beyond its superhero context, the song also resonated with the growing sense of individual empowerment that was prevalent in society. The lyrics of “Believe It or Not” spoke to a generation that was increasingly focused on self-improvement and personal growth, themes that were echoed in everything from motivational speaking to the rise of self-help literature. The song’s message of unlocking hidden potential and embracing new possibilities struck a chord with audiences who were eager to explore new roles in their personal and professional lives.

Enduring Popularity and Cultural Legacy

Over the years, “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” has enjoyed enduring popularity, thanks to its universal message and catchy melody. The song’s uplifting tone has made it a favorite at sporting events, celebrations, and motivational gatherings. Its message of empowerment and self-discovery has also ensured its place in popular culture, with the song frequently referenced in TV shows, films, and even parodies.

The song’s cultural impact was cemented by its association with The Greatest American Hero, but it has managed to transcend its original context. Even people who have never seen the show recognize the song, and its infectious optimism continues to inspire new generations of listeners. From its chart-topping success to its lasting presence in pop culture, “Believe It or Not” has become a timeless anthem for those facing new challenges and discovering their potential.

Conclusion: Why “Believe It or Not” Matters

At its heart, “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” by Joey Scarbury is a song about empowerment, belief, and self-discovery. Its lyrics reflect the journey of realizing one’s potential and stepping into new roles with a sense of wonder and disbelief. Whether tied to the superhero context of the show or understood as a broader metaphor for personal growth, the song speaks to the joy and excitement that come with breaking free from self-doubt and embracing new possibilities.

The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, no matter how daunting the challenges they face. Its upbeat, optimistic message is a reminder that, with belief and perseverance, we can all achieve things we never thought possible. “Believe It or Not” continues to resonate with audiences because it taps into the universal desire to grow, improve, and realize our own potential, making it much more than just a TV theme song—it’s an anthem for personal empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of “Theme from ‘Greatest American Hero’ (Believe It or Not)” by Joey Scarbury?

The main theme of the song is self-discovery and empowerment, capturing the feeling of disbelief and excitement when someone realizes their potential. It’s about stepping into new roles and achieving more than you ever thought possible.

What inspired the lyrics of “Believe It or Not”?

The lyrics were written to reflect the journey of Ralph Hinkley, the protagonist of *The Greatest American Hero*, as he becomes a superhero. They highlight the mix of awe and uncertainty that comes with suddenly gaining incredible abilities.

What does “walking on air” symbolize in the song?

“Walking on air” symbolizes the freedom and exhilaration that comes with realizing one’s potential and breaking free from doubt. It reflects the feeling of being liberated and confident in new abilities.

How does “Believe It or Not” relate to personal growth?

The song reflects personal growth by showing how someone can rise above self-doubt and embrace new opportunities. It encourages listeners to believe in their own potential, even when they’re surprised by their capabilities.

Why is “Believe It or Not” so uplifting?

The song is uplifting because it celebrates the journey of overcoming self-doubt and stepping into greatness. Its optimistic tone and empowering lyrics make it a source of motivation for anyone facing new challenges.

What emotions does “Believe It or Not” evoke?

The song evokes feelings of excitement, disbelief, and hope. It reflects both the joy of newfound empowerment and the initial uncertainty that comes with stepping into unfamiliar roles.

How does “Believe It or Not” fit into the context of *The Greatest American Hero*?

The song mirrors the journey of Ralph Hinkley, who suddenly finds himself with superhero powers and must learn to navigate his new responsibilities. It captures his sense of disbelief and gradual acceptance of his role as a hero.

What makes the message of “Believe It or Not” universal?

The message is universal because it speaks to the experience of discovering hidden potential and achieving unexpected success. It resonates with anyone who has ever doubted themselves and then found strength they didn’t know they had.

Why has “Believe It or Not” remained popular over the years?

The song’s positive message, catchy melody, and relatable theme of self-empowerment have made it a timeless hit. It continues to inspire people who are facing new challenges or seeking confidence in themselves.

How does “Believe It or Not” encourage self-belief?

The song encourages self-belief by showing that amazing things can happen when you embrace your potential. Its lyrics remind listeners that they are capable of far more than they realize, as long as they believe in themselves.