Learning to Fly: The Meaning Behind Pink Floyd's Resurgence
"Learning to Fly" is more than just a song; it's a narrative of overcoming obstacles, both personal and professional. Released in 1987 on the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, it signified Pink Floyd's ability to evolve after the departure of founding member Roger Waters.
Genesis of Flight: From Fear to Inspiration
David Gilmour, the primary creative force behind "Learning to Fly," was taking flying lessons during the album's production. This personal endeavor became a wellspring of inspiration for the song's lyrics. Anthony Moore, a lyricist who also contributed to "On The Turning Away," collaborated with Gilmour, incorporating phrases and experiences from Gilmour's flying lessons. The lyrics capture the feeling of breaking free and the mechanics of learning to fly an airplane. Gilmour's interest in flying extended beyond the song, as he developed a passion for vintage aircraft and even founded a company called Intrepid Aviation.
A Band Reborn: Pink Floyd Without Waters
A Momentary Lapse of Reason marked a new chapter for Pink Floyd, being their first album without Roger Waters. Waters had exerted considerable control over the band's previous albums, particularly The Wall, where he conceived the concept, wrote most of the songs, and arranged the stage show. The creative tension between Waters and Gilmour had been building for years, eventually leading to Waters' departure in 1983.
Waters believed he held the power to decide the band's future, but Gilmour reconvened Pink Floyd in 1986 without him. This decision was met with skepticism from fans and derogatory comments from Waters. "Learning to Fly" became a metaphor for the band's journey to move forward without their former leader. It represented their attempt to "learn to fly again" as Pink Floyd.
Sonic Landscape and Collaborative Effort
The song's creation involved multiple contributors, each adding their unique talents. Jon Carin, a keyboard player, developed a chord progression that became integral to the track, leading to his inclusion in the songwriting credits. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Pink Floyd on The Wall, contributed his production expertise.
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Lyrically, the song explores themes of overcoming fear and embracing new beginnings. Gilmour's initial trepidation about flying mirrored his uncertainty about leading Pink Floyd without Waters. The lyrics, "A soul in tension that's learning to fly, condition grounded but determined to try," encapsulate this struggle and determination.
The Music Video: A Visual Metaphor
Storm Thorgerson, Pink Floyd's longtime graphic artist, directed the music video for "Learning to Fly." The video depicts a young man working in a field who encounters an airplane and a shaman figure. In a symbolic act, he attaches feathers to his armband and leaps off a cliff, transforming into a Harris's Hawk. The video uses imagery of flight and transformation to represent the band's own journey of reinvention.
The video's success on MTV, earning a Video Music Award for Best Concept Video, helped introduce Pink Floyd to a new generation of fans. While the band's presence in the video was limited, it effectively conveyed the song's message of taking risks and embracing change.
Chart Success and Enduring Legacy
"Learning to Fly" achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of Pink Floyd's few songs to reach the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #70. It also topped the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. The song's success signaled the triumphant return of Pink Floyd and helped A Momentary Lapse of Reason sell over 4 million copies in the US.
The song's lyrics resonate with anyone embarking on a new and challenging journey. The lines "Can't keep my eyes from the circling sky, tongue-tied and twisted, just an earth-bound misfit, I" capture the human desire to transcend limitations. The feeling of "suspended animation, a state of bliss" encapsulates the exhilaration of achieving new heights.
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Technical Innovation and Remixing
"Learning to Fly" was recorded using cutting-edge digital technology for its time. Bob Ezrin introduced the band to new sounds and techniques, drawing inspiration from albums like Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms. The album incorporated MIDI parts programmed on a Mac, reflecting a shift towards modern production methods.
Years later, Gilmour revisited A Momentary Lapse of Reason, creating an "updated and remixed" version. This remix aimed to enhance the contributions of Nick Mason and Richard Wright while removing some of the dated elements of the original recording. The remix of "Learning to Fly" opens up the song, giving Gilmour's vocal a warmer tone and highlighting Wright's keyboards.
The Voice Within: Personal Interpretations
For some listeners, "Learning to Fly" became deeply personal. One individual recounts how the song resonated with their own struggles with bullying, self-esteem, and mental health. The lyrics provided a sense of hope and a metaphor for overcoming adversity. The image of the man jumping off a cliff in the music video mirrored their own experiences of pushing through difficult times. The song captured the feeling of disassociation, of watching oneself from a distance, as a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma.
Multiple Layers of Meaning
"Learning to Fly" operates on multiple levels. On one level, it is a literal song about learning to fly an airplane, drawing inspiration from David Gilmour's own experiences. On another level, it is a metaphor for overcoming personal fears and professional challenges, particularly the band's reinvention after Roger Waters' departure. The song's lyrics and imagery resonate with anyone who has faced adversity and sought to break free from limitations.
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