Clark Kent, also known as Superman, is a fictional superhero created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. He first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938 and has since become one of the most iconic and beloved characters in popular culture.

The character of Clark Kent was inspired by the lives of Siegel and Shuster themselves, both of whom were Jewish-American boys growing up in Cleveland during the Great Depression. Siegel and Shuster created Clark Kent as a way to explore their own feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy, and to escape the harsh realities of their everyday lives.

Superman quickly gained popularity, and in 1939 he received his own radio show, which was followed by a series of successful movies, TV shows, and comic books. In the 1980s and 1990s, Superman's popularity soared once again, with the release of several successful films and a popular TV show, "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

During this time, Superman also became a popular subject for alternative rock songs. Some of the most memorable examples of this trend include Stone Temple Pilots' "Silvergun Superman," Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead," and Skee-Lo's "Superman."

One reason for the popularity of Superman in alternative rock songs may have been his enduring appeal as a cultural touchstone. Many people grew up with the character and were familiar with his themes of truth, justice, and the American way. These themes resonated with audiences and may have made him a natural fit for songwriters exploring broader issues of morality and justice in their music.

Another reason for the popularity of Superman in alternative rock songs may have been his connection to the concept of the Übermensch. The Übermensch, as put forth by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, represents the ultimate human potential and the ability to overcome the limitations and constraints of conventional morality. In many ways, the character of Superman embodies this ideal, with his extraordinary powers and abilities allowing him to stand above and beyond ordinary humans. This may have made him an attractive subject for songwriters looking to explore existential themes and ideas associated with the Übermensch in their music.

Superman has undergone numerous iterations and interpretations over the years, which may have allowed songwriters to approach the character from a wide variety of angles and perspectives. The Flaming Lips' "Waiting For A Superman" from The Soft Bulletin, Powerman 5000's "Even Superman Shot Himself" from Mega!! Kung Fu Radio, and Love Spit Love's "Superman" from their self-titled album, all explore the theme of the superhero in different ways. The Flaming Lips' song takes a more hopeful and longing approach, seeking guidance and salvation from a superhero. Powerman 5000's song, on the other hand, brings a heavier, industrial sound to the theme, with brooding lyrics about the struggles of being a hero. Love Spit Love's "Superman" is a moody, atmospheric take on the theme, with ethereal vocals and swirling guitar melodies. Each of these songs offer a unique perspective on the character of Superman and the themes associated with him.

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Some of our favorite 90s songs featuring the Man of Steel

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Our Lady Peace: Superman’s Dead (from Clumsy, 1997)

Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead" from their 1997 album Clumsy, takes a darker approach, with lyrics suggesting that the superhero has met his demise.

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The Flaming Lips: Waiting For A Superman (from The Soft Bulletin, 1999)

The Flaming Lips' "Waiting For A Superman" from The Soft Bulletin, explores the idea of seeking guidance and salvation from a superhero.

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Stone Temple Pilots: Silvergun Superman (from Purple, 1994)

Stone Temple Pilots' "Silvergun Superman" from Purple, brings a raw, grunge-influenced sound to the superhero theme, with wailing guitars and emotive vocals.

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Skee-Lo: Superman (from I Wish, 1995)

Skee-Lo's "Superman" from I Wish, is a upbeat, rap-inflected ode to the hero, with catchy hooks and playful lyrics.

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Powerman 5000: Even Superman Shot Himself (from Mega!! Kung Fu Radio, 1997)

Powerman 5000's "Even Superman Shot Himself" from Mega!! Kung Fu Radio, brings a heavier, industrial sound to the superhero theme, with brooding lyrics about the struggles of being a hero.

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Love Spit Love: Superman (from Love Spit Love, 1994)

Love Spit Love's "Superman" from their self-titled album, is a moody, atmospheric take on the superhero theme, with ethereal vocals and swirling guitar melodies.

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Type O Negative: Der Untermensch (from Slow, Deep and Hard, 1991)

Type O Negative's "Der Untermensch" from Slow, Deep and Hard, brings a dark, gothic twist to the superhero theme, with brooding vocals and heavy, distorted guitars.

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Wool: Superman Is Dead (from Box Set, 1994)

Wool's "Superman Is Dead" from Box Set, is a raw, grunge-influenced take on the superhero theme, with emotive vocals and driving guitar riffs.

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Swervedriver: I Am Superman (from Ejector Seat Reservation, 1995)

Swervedriver's "I Am Superman" from Ejector Seat Reservation, is a upbeat, energetic tribute to the hero, with catchy guitar riffs and emotive vocals.

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The Spin Doctors: Jimmy Olsen’s Blues (from Pocket Full of Kryptonite, 1991)

The Spin Doctors' "Jimmy Olsen's Blues" from Pocket Full of Kryptonite, takes a more lighthearted approach, with lyrics referencing various characters and elements from the Superman universe.

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Crash Test Dummies: Superman’s Song (from The Ghosts That Haunt Me, 1991)

Crash Test Dummies' "Superman's Song" from The Ghosts That Haunt Me, reflects on the weight of responsibility that comes with being a hero.

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‍Goldfinger: Superman (from Hang Ups, 1998)

Goldfinger's "Superman" from Hang Ups, is an upbeat tribute to the hero, with catchy guitar riffs and energetic vocals.

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Big Head Todd and The Monsters: Resignation Superman (from Beautiful World, 1997)

Big Head Todd and The Monsters' "Resignation Superman" from Beautiful World, takes a more introspective approach, examining the feelings of inadequacy and the desire to be a hero.

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Sister Hazel: Superman (from ….Somewhere More Familiar, 1997)

Sister Hazel's "Superman" from ….Somewhere More Familiar, is a acoustic-driven ballad, with heartfelt lyrics about looking up to and admiring the hero.

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Unwritten Law: Superman (from Oz Factor, 1996)

Unwritten Law's "Superman" from Oz Factor, is a energetic punk rock anthem, with driving drums and powerful vocals.

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Jucifer: Superman (from Calling All Cars On The Vegas Strip, 1998)

Jucifer's "Superman" from Calling All Cars On The Vegas Strip, brings a raw, aggressive edge to the superhero theme, with heavy guitar riffs and intense vocals.

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Gaunt: Kryptonite (from Kryptonite, 1996)

Gaunt's "Kryptonite" from their 1996 album of the same name, is a punk rock anthem with raw, powerful vocals and driving guitar riffs.

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Glitterbox: Superman (from Tied & Tangled, 1997)

Glitterbox's "Superman" from Tied & Tangled, is a upbeat, pop-influenced ode to the hero, with catchy hooks and energetic vocals.

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Wesley Wills: I Whipped Superman’s Ass (Mr. Magoo Goes To Jail Vol. 1, 1996)

Wesley Wills' "I Whipped Superman's Ass" from Mr. Magoo Goes To Jail Vol. 1, is a tongue-in-cheek take on the superhero theme, with playful lyrics and a upbeat, pop-inflected sound.

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The character of Superman, a beloved and influential cultural icon, being a popular subject for alternative rock songs in the 1990s is just one example of the creativity and diversity that defined rock music in that decade. The 1990s saw a wide range of genres and sub-genres within rock music, from grunge and alternative to punk and indie rock, each with its own distinct sound and cultural influences. This diversity allowed for a wide range of themes and ideas to be explored through music, as evidenced by the various interpretations of Superman in alternative rock songs.

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