Posted on

My Gen X Playlist: Superman’s Song – Crash Test Dummies

Scroll down to see more content

Growing up I was always amazed that my dad had everything under control. If things took a difficult turn, we could always rely on him to steer the ship through the storm. I was in awe that he always knew exactly what to do. I wondered how he did that.

I’d forgotten about this thought over the decades. Out of nowhere, it came to mind and it dawned on me, he didn’t have all the answers at all. That’s impossible. Nobody does. What he did have was a sense of responsibility and a will to see things through. Thinking about it now, I’m sure he must have experienced moments of uncertainty and worry, just like I do now. How could he not? He was only human.

Even though I no longer imagine him in a Superman cape, I’m in even greater awe because I truly understand how difficult adulting really is. It’s no walk in the park. And I say this as someone without children. I can’t imagine the weight of responsibility of four young children relying 100% on you as you try to get your shit together. It makes me think Superman wasn’t such a big deal after all, leaning on super powers to get things done. I’d like to see him do that as a regular guy with four kids in tow. Only then will I really be truly impressed.

It’s interesting that I already have two Superman songs on the playlist (REM and Five for Fighting). What are the odds of adding a third?

The Crash Test Dummies released Superman’s Song in 1991. I always found the lead singer’s voice interesting. I’m not sure how much airplay this song got. I discovered this one after buying a Crash Test Dummies’ CD from a used CD bin. The first time I heard it, I thought, Who writes songs about Superman?

This song is written as a eulogy to Superman; it points out what many people don’t consider about the superhero: he had a full-time job as Clark Kent and never made any money as Superman. While it would have been easy for him to smash a bank and take whatever he needed, he toiled away just like the rest of us, making a rare sacrifice.

Songfacts

Well, that makes me feel like a jerk for calling Superman a bum. OK, I’ll cut him some slack. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. But he’ll never shine a light close to my dad. Not even close.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Tarzan wasn't a ladies man
He'd just come along and scoop 'em
Up under his arm like that
Quick as a cat, in the jungle
Clark Kent, now there was a real gent
He would not be caught sittin' around in no jungle scape
Dumb as an ape, doin' nothing

Superman never made any money
Savin' the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair
The world will never see another man like him

Hey Bob, Supe had a straight job
Even though he coulda smashed through
Any bank in the United States
He had the strength but he would not
Folks said his family were all dead
Planet crumbled, but Superman he forced himself
To carry on, forget Krypton, and keep goin'

Superman never made any money
Savin' the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair
The world will never see another man like him

Tarzan was king of the jungle
And lord over all the apes
But he could hardly string together
Four words, I Tarzan you Jane

Sometimes when Supe was stoppin' crimes
I'll bet that he was tempted to just quit
And turn his back on man
Join Tarzan in the forest
But he stayed in the city
Kept on changin' clothes
In dirty old phone booths 'til his work was through
Had nothin' to do but go on home

Superman never made any money
Savin' the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair
The world will never see another man like him

And sometimes I despair
The world will never see another man like him

14 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Superman’s Song – Crash Test Dummies”

  2. I think this is one of the most important lessons. We learn as we grow up that our parents didn’t really know what they were doing either.

    And it’s kind of ironic that the superhero we always associate with this idealized version of our parents as Superman, especially considering a big part of the message in 2025’s Superman was that he’s just as human as everybody else

    We’re definitely living on an era of unedifying people.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. I love Crash Test Dummies. My late husband and I binged on them back in the early aughts. Brad Roberts’ voice is so iconic and cool. When we first saw video footage of the band, we were struck by how “smallish” he was in relation to his voice. Not what we had pictured, at all. 😊

    My favorite CTD song is “God Shuffled His Feet.” Now I’m going to have to go listen to it.

    Your feelings about your father are similar to mine. To my sister and I, he was Superman for all that he did to provide a home and food on the table for us. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but my dad will always be my hero.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’d forgotten about God Shuffled His Feet! I just listened to it now. That brought back memories.

      I really get happy when I hear others who have a close relationship with their parents. I know not everyone does. As a kid, I didn’t realize how lucky I was. Yeah, we don’t always see eye to eye. But that’s a good thing.

      Thanks for re-introducing me to the song!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Really nice nod to your dad, cooler than Superman 😎❤️

    Maintaining that air of “everything is fine” when sometimes the ceiling was coming down is tricky. I guess it is for all parents. But when you have a one or two (or more) sets of big eyes staring at you during a family crisis, something comes over you and you do get superpowers of a sort…to smile, give reassurances and hugs before closing the door and falling to your knees. 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Man, I don’t know if I would have it in me. I would like to think I would pull my superpowers out of my back pocket… but I’m glad to hear that I’m within the norm. Nobody told me life was going to be a challenge!

      Like

      Reply

  7. A lovely tribute to your dad, and a superb song choice. Fun fact: Crash Test Dummies come from my hometown! You’re right, Brad Roberts’s voice is interesting. The song had a fair amount of airplay here in Canada, as did others of theirs, and the band has been widely respected over the years.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to MyGenXerLife Cancel reply