Introduction
Learning to Fly is a song by the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. It was released in 1987 as part of their album called A Momentary Lapse of Reason. The song was written by David Gilmour, the lead guitarist of the band. It quickly became one of their most popular songs, and still remains a fan favorite today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of this iconic song.
Verse 1
Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction holding me fast
How can I escape this irresistible grasp?
Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted Just an earth-bound misfit, I
These lyrics describe the feeling of being pulled towards something unknown, something that is both exciting and scary. The imagery of the “ribbon of black” and the “circling skies” adds to the sense of disorientation and confusion. The narrator is clearly struggling to find his place in the world, and feels like an outsider, an “earth-bound misfit”.
Chorus
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer
My grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There’s no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
The chorus is a reflection on the experience of flying, and the sense of freedom and detachment that comes with it. The narrator is no longer tied down to the earth, but instead is “suspended” in the air, experiencing a “state of bliss”. The “grubby halo” and “vapor trail” serve as reminders that this experience is fleeting, and that the narrator will soon have to return to reality.
Verse 2
The earthly pleasures of dive-bombing ducks
And little houses up on the hills
And the suits up aloft will be firing the flak
And shouting “Ain’t we all going to meet our divine maker?”
This verse adds a touch of humor to the song, with the image of the narrator enjoying the simple pleasure of “dive-bombing ducks”. However, the reference to the “suits up aloft” firing flak and talking about meeting their “divine maker” serves as a reminder that flying can also be dangerous and unpredictable.
Chorus
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer
My grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There’s no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Bridge
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin’
And the hubcaps all gleam
When I’m holding your wheel
All I hear is your gear
With my hand on your grease gun
Mmm it’s like a disease son
The bridge is a departure from the previous verses and chorus, and instead focuses on the physical sensations of flying. The narrator describes the airplane as a “clean machine” with “pistons a pumpin'” and “gleaming hubcaps”. The reference to the “grease gun” adds a touch of sensuality to the song, and reinforces the idea that flying is an exhilarating and intense experience.
Chorus
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer
My grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There’s no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Conclusion
Learning to Fly is a powerful and evocative song that captures the thrill and danger of flying. The lyrics are filled with rich imagery and emotion, and the soaring guitar solo at the end of the song perfectly encapsulates the sense of freedom and liberation that comes with taking to the air. Whether you are a Pink Floyd fan or not, Learning to Fly is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
