Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly: Exploring the Meaning Behind Mr. Mister's Anthem
Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings," released in 1985, remains a resonant anthem, its message of resilience and hope transcending its 80s pop-rock origins. The song, with its blend of synthesizers, digitally delayed guitars, and evocative lyrics, captured the hearts of listeners and continues to find new audiences through its presence in movies, TV shows, and video games.
The Genesis of a Hit
Mr. Mister was the brainchild of Richard Page and Steve George, who had previously collaborated in a project called Pages in the late 70s. After a period as session musicians, they formed Mr. Mister, joined by lyricist John Lang. "Broken Wings" was the lead single from their second album, Welcome to the Real World.
Musical Landscape
Musically, "Broken Wings" is a pop-rock piece with new wave elements. The song is electronic-based, featuring synthesizers, digitally delayed guitars, and electronic drums. The production is lush and layered, creating an atmosphere of both longing and inspiration.
Lyrical Depth
The lyrics of "Broken Wings" speak of overcoming adversity and finding the strength to move forward. The chorus, with its iconic line "Take these broken wings and learn to fly," is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to rise above their challenges and embrace new possibilities. The song delves into themes of longing, lost love, and the search for better times, adding depth to its uplifting message. The lyrics are grandiloquent enough to be self-parody, but Page delivers them all perfectly straight-faced. He means every bit of it. In Page's mouth, the word "take" becomes a desperate animal yelp.
Inspiration and Unintentional Echoes
Lyricist John Lang drew inspiration from Kahlil Gibran's 1912 novel Broken Wings, a story of love hindered by societal constraints. The novel's theme of picking up the pieces and moving on is reflected in the song's message. Interestingly, the line "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" also appears in The Beatles' song "Blackbird." While not intended as an homage, the similarity highlights the shared theme of overcoming adversity and finding freedom. Paul McCartney cites the moment Little Rock, Arkansas, schools decided to desegregate as a driving force behind the song. Sitting in his kitchen in Scotland, McCartney picked up his acoustic guitar and began to flesh out the simple tune. “I was sitting around with my acoustic guitar and I’d heard about the civil rights troubles that were happening in the ’60s in Alabama, Mississippi, Little Rock in particular,” he told GQ. “I just thought it would be really good if I could write something that if it ever reached any of the people going through those problems, it might give them a little bit of hope.
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Chart-Topping Success and Lasting Impact
"Broken Wings" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1985, holding the number one position for two weeks. It was the first of two consecutive number ones for Mr. Mister, followed by "Kyrie." The song's success solidified Mr. Mister's place in the pop music landscape of the 80s. Despite the band's relatively short time in the spotlight, "Broken Wings" has endured as a classic, its message of hope continuing to resonate with listeners across generations.
The Music Video: A Visual Metaphor
The music video for "Broken Wings," directed by Oley Sassone, is a visually striking black-and-white piece that enhances the song's themes. It features Richard Page driving through the desert in a classic Ford Thunderbird, a visual allusion to birds and freedom. A Harris's Hawk appears in a church scene, symbolizing guidance and a new path. The tango dancers represent the hero's own soul, his own voice deep inside telling him to carry on - to lead him to a new path, a new beginning. The driving scenes were shot at the oil fields near Los Angeles International Airport, and also along the Pacific Coast Highway in Palos Verdes. The church is the San Fernando Mission, a historic building in the Mission Hills district of Los Angeles.
Interpretations and Cultural Significance
"Broken Wings" has been interpreted in various ways, but its core message of resilience remains constant. The song speaks to the human capacity to overcome challenges, to heal from heartbreak, and to find the strength to move forward. Its continued presence in popular culture underscores its enduring appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
Covers and Samples
"Broken Wings" has been covered by several artists, including Clay Aiken, who added an original poem to his version. In 2001, the song was sampled in Tupac Shakur's posthumous song "Until the End of Time," further demonstrating its versatility and enduring appeal.
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