Learning to Fly: Pink Floyd's Ascent Beyond Waters
Pink Floyd's "Learning to Fly" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful statement of resilience, rebirth, and the courage to move forward in the face of adversity. Released in 1987 on the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, the song carries layers of meaning, both literal and metaphorical, deeply intertwined with the band's tumultuous history and individual struggles.
The Context: Pink Floyd Without Waters
The late 1980s marked a pivotal point for Pink Floyd. After years of creative tension and personal conflict, Roger Waters, the band's primary lyricist and conceptual leader, departed in 1985. Waters believed that Pink Floyd couldn't exist without him and even attempted to legally prevent the remaining members from continuing under the Pink Floyd name.
David Gilmour, the band's guitarist and vocalist, decided to challenge this notion. In late 1986, he began working on material that he felt was worthy of the Pink Floyd banner, despite Waters' absence. This decision was met with skepticism from fans and critics alike, many of whom doubted that Pink Floyd could maintain its artistic integrity without Waters' contributions. "Learning to Fly," in this context, symbolizes the band finding its way forward, navigating uncharted territory without its former leader.
From Aviation to Inspiration: The Genesis of the Song
"Learning to Fly" began with a chord sequence from keyboardist Jon Carin. Gilmour then started to build out the music. Considering the fact that he hadn’t written lyrics for Floyd in over a decade, many wondered what he would do about the words without Waters. Around the time the album was coming together, Gilmour, who had previously suffered from a fear of flying, decided to tackle that apprehension by learning to fly planes himself.
Gilmour collaborated with Anthony Moore, a lyricist who also worked on the track "On The Turning Away," to craft the song's lyrics. Moore suggested incorporating aviation terminology and phrases that Gilmour would hear during his flying lessons. This infused the song with a literal layer, grounding it in the experience of learning to pilot an aircraft.
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Lyrical Layers: Literal and Metaphorical Flight
On the surface, "Learning to Fly" describes the experience of taking to the skies. The lyrics are peppered with aviation jargon, creating a vivid sense of the sights, sounds, and sensations of flight. Lines like "Friction lock, set. Mixture, rich / Propellers, fully forward / Flaps, set, ten degrees" immerse the listener in the cockpit, while phrases like "Ice is forming on the tips of my wings" evoke the challenges and potential dangers of flying.
However, the song's true power lies in its metaphorical interpretation. "Learning to Fly" can be seen as a reflection of Gilmour's personal journey to overcome his doubts and lead Pink Floyd into a new era. The lyrics speak to the exhilaration of breaking free from limitations and the courage to pursue new heights, even in the face of uncertainty.
The opening lines, "Into the distance, a ribbon of black / Stretched to the point of no turning back," suggest a leap of faith, a commitment to move forward regardless of the challenges ahead. The "fatal attraction" that's holding the singer fast could be interpreted as the weight of expectations, the fear of failure, or the lingering influence of the past.
The lyrics "Tongue-tied and twisted / Just an earthbound misfit, I" resonate with anyone who has felt out of place or unsure of their abilities. They capture the initial awkwardness and self-doubt that often accompany new endeavors. But the chorus offers a message of hope and empowerment: "There's no sensation to compare with this / Suspended animation, a state of bliss." This celebrates the joy and freedom that come with overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.
The Soundscape: A New Sonic Identity
Musically, "Learning to Fly" marked a departure from the soundscapes of previous Pink Floyd albums, particularly those heavily influenced by Waters. The song features a more upbeat tempo, a brighter sonic palette, and a greater emphasis on Gilmour's soaring guitar melodies. Jon Carin’s chord progression provided the foundation for the track, and his contribution was recognized with a songwriting credit. The song's production, helmed by Bob Ezrin, is polished and radio-friendly, making it accessible to a wider audience.
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The inclusion of Nick Mason's voice, dubbed over with pilot jargon, adds another layer of authenticity and texture to the song. Mason, who also held a pilot's license, provides a sense of realism and reinforces the aviation theme. It's a rare vocal appearance for the band's drummer, adding to the song's unique character.
The Music Video: A Visual Metaphor
The music video for "Learning to Fly," directed by Storm Thorgerson, further enhances the song's metaphorical meaning. The video depicts a young man working in a field who encounters a mystical figure and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. In a symbolic act, he attaches feathers to his arms and leaps off a cliff, transforming into a bird and soaring through the sky.
The video's imagery reinforces the themes of transformation, liberation, and the pursuit of dreams. While the video has been interpreted in various ways, its central message remains clear: "Learning to Fly" is about taking risks, embracing change, and discovering one's own potential. The video was a hit on MTV, earning a Video Music Award for Best Concept Video, the only VMA of their career.
A Commercial and Critical Success
"Learning to Fly" became a commercial success, reaching #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. It was one of the few Pink Floyd songs to land in the Hot 100, signaling to radio stations that it was a good selection to put on the air. The success of "Learning to Fly" helped to silence the doubters and establish that Pink Floyd could thrive without Roger Waters. A Momentary Lapse of Reason went on to sell over 4 million copies in the US, proving that the band still had a strong following and the ability to create compelling music.
While some critics dismissed A Momentary Lapse of Reason as lacking the depth and complexity of previous Pink Floyd albums, "Learning to Fly" was widely praised for its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and powerful message. The song resonated with listeners who were going through their own personal challenges and seeking inspiration to overcome them.
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Enduring Legacy: A Song for Generations
"Learning to Fly" has endured as one of Pink Floyd's most popular and recognizable songs. Its themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
The song's message is universal and timeless. Whether interpreted as a literal account of learning to fly an airplane or as a metaphor for overcoming personal obstacles, "Learning to Fly" inspires listeners to embrace change, take risks, and strive for their full potential.
Personal Resonance: Finding Flight in Adversity
The song's impact extends beyond its commercial success and critical acclaim. For many individuals, "Learning to Fly" holds a deeply personal significance, serving as a source of comfort, inspiration, and empowerment during challenging times.
One individual recounts how the lyrics of "Learning to Fly" resonated with their own struggles with self-esteem, bullying, and mental health. Lines like "Ice is forming on the tips of my wings, unheeded warnings I thought I thought of everything" and "Can't keep my mind on the circling sky, tongue tied and twisted just an earthbound mystic, I" spoke to their feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
The song's message of perseverance and the possibility of overcoming adversity provided a glimmer of hope during dark times. The image of the man jumping off a cliff in the music video, transforming into a bird and soaring through the sky, became a symbol of their own potential for transformation and liberation.
Years later, this individual experienced a "learning to fly" moment, a dissociative episode that allowed them to see their life from a new perspective. While the experience was unsettling, it ultimately led to a greater understanding of themselves and their ability to cope with challenges.
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