What Does Learning To Fly Pink Floyd Lyrics Meaning?

Pink Floyd’s song “Learning to Fly” came out after Roger Waters left the band. Many fans doubted the group could keep making epic music. But this song’s uplifting rhythms showed David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright’s talent shines on. Though not cheesy, it teaches an inspiring lesson – we can all reach new heights if we spread our wings.

What do Learning To Fly Pink Floyd Lyrics mean?

“Learning to Fly” has two main interpretations: a celebration of flight and a metaphor for the departure of Roger Waters from Pink Floyd. The song expresses the excitement of taking to the skies through aviation imagery. At the same time, it reflects David Gilmour’s mindset as he took on the role of band leader after Waters left.

Moore and Gilmour use a lot of flying language in the song. This invites a literal reading about the thrill of being a pilot. But the lyrics also describe Gilmour’s efforts to lead Pink Floyd after Roger Waters left. When he sings “A fatal attraction is holding me fast, how can I escape its irresistible grasp?” he could be referring to the pull of the Floyd sound.

Beyond Gilmour’s specific situation, the lyrics speak to anyone taking a big risk to reach new heights. At first there may be confusion, like an “earthbound misfit” figuring things out. Or loneliness without a “navigator to find my way home.”

But with risk can come great reward – “suspended animation, a state of bliss.” Nothing compares, and the sky’s the limit, as “a dream unthreatened by the morning light could blow this soul right through the roof of the night.”

With punchy aviation terms and vivid imagery, “Learning to Fly” shows Pink Floyd could still soar with Gilmour as leader. The lyrics capture the nervous excitement of trying something daring and new. Most importantly, they speak to that human desire to break free from doubt and transcend whatever holds us back.

Now listen and feel that song

Taking Flight – The Single Drops

“Learning to Fly” marked a pivotal moment for Pink Floyd as it was the first single released without bassist Roger Waters on September 14, 1987. Waters had been the primary songwriter for the band in previous years. His departure left doubts that Pink Floyd could continue successfully.

However, “Learning to Fly” showed David Gilmour stepping confidently into the central creative role. His lyrics drew from his own passion for aviation to capture feelings of risk-taking and liberation. Meanwhile the music blended Pink Floyd’s spacious style with some modern 1980s textures.

The single arrived ahead of the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. It rocketed to #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This success was a relief for Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason as they piloted Pink Floyd’s next phase. The song’s theme of breaking free and soaring to new heights had literal and symbolic resonance. With “Learning to Fly,” Pink Floyd took off again.

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