When Superman Retires

Originally released: April, 18 2014 under my previous performing name, Esther Elaine
Re-released: November 22, 2022
Lyrics: Esther Rhatigan
Music: Esther Rhatigan
Co-Produced by Jared Hancock at Surefire Creative Studios and Esther Rhatigan
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jared Hancock at Surefire Creative Studios, Lowell, MA
Artwork: Esther Rhatigan

I didn't grow up reading comic books. On very rare occasion, I caught Super Friends or Batman on a Saturday morning. Sometimes I got to watch Wonder Woman with Linda Carter at night. So, as much as I knew of superheroes, I don't have the encyclopedic knowledge of the DC and Marvel universes that many people do. It's ok. I know enough to get by and have Google for when I don't. Maybe someday I'll work on filling in the gaps.

While these fictional heroes inspire us, we sometimes miss the everyday heroes in our lives. There are more than a few people I can think of who have been heroes for me at various times. These folks go above and beyond without asking for anything in return and often at their own inconvenience. Their goal is to help others in whatever manner possible. You can find them at home, at school, at work, in stores, at the library, during your daily walk, getting your coffee. They are everywhere.

They are everywhere and do eventually become tired from their efforts. Often, they are expected to carry on as usual even though exhausted. Seeing that happen several times inspired 'When Superman Retires'. Rather than expecting heroes to be heroes everyday forever, what if we instead shared some of the load or just took it all for a bit and gave them a break? And how do we return their kindness when they need the help they have so long provided? Questions to ponder.

The artwork reflects the title. I tried to think of the opposite of superhero life, where there are no demands to be met, just time alone. From my understanding, fishing pretty well encompasses that idea. There are those that fish competitively or for food, but most of the folks I've met who fish enjoy sitting quietly on the shore or a boat, throwing out a line, and relaxing. They bring food and beverages for the time they plan to be out there. It's a needed escape. And in my mind, a superhero might have the funds to have a cabin by a lake in the mountains.

Lyrics:

V1:
When Superman retires
And Ironman starts to rust
And the hallowed Hall of Justice
Is crumbling into dust
Who will be there to stop the bullets
And fly to safety all who must?
Who will be there?
Who will be there?

Ch:
We all have our own heroes
Who help us every day
But are we ready for when the tables
Turn the other way
When Superman retires

V2:
When Storm’s front starts to fizzle
And Hulk’s softer side sets in
And at the gates of old X-Mansion
There’s a for sale sign in the wind
Who will be there to change the balance
So the good guys take the win?
Who will be there?
Who will be there?

Ch:
We all have our own heroes
Who help us every day
But are we ready for when the tables
Turn the other way
When Superman retires

Br:
Who’ll stop mean old Lex Luthor
We’ll have Magneto on the loose
Don’t make me think of Loki’s wrath
Or Boris catching that old moose

V3:
When Batman’s savings take a tumble
And Green Lantern’s lost his ring
And Avengers Tower sports a billboard
New office space within
Who will be there with nifty gadgets
To help tackle anything?
Who will be there?
Who will be there?

Ch:
We all have our own heroes
Who help us every day
But are we ready for when the tables
Turn the other way
When Superman retires

Outro:
When Superman retires
Folds up his cape
When Superman retires
Takes his escape
When Superman retires