Wings
Moving Pictures Lyrics


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I heard that Angels all had wings
You must have checked yours at the door
What time does heaven shut its gates
Do you have to be home by twelve

The band started playing we danced real close
Nobody guessed ‘cause the lights were low
The singer sang of a forbidden love
He could've been singing just for us

Both our parents well they said no way
We're not the same religion anyway
Yours say I'm not good enough for you
Mine say you're not good enough for me
And both the priests heard they would
Not agree
So I guess it's up to you and to me
(Tonight … yeah, tonight)

I've got my car parked right outside
The motor's warmed up if you're ready to ride
Nobody will know if we slip away
They wouldn't understand it anyway

We'll be alright once we're interstate
Nobody will know us won't it be great
I'll get a job and make a home
Maybe then our families will leave us alone





I heard that Angels all had wings

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Moving Pictures’ song “Wings” seem to be about a forbidden love story. The singer is questioning whether the person they are with is an angel or not, implying that they are pure and heavenly. However, they also say that the person in question must have left their wings at the door, perhaps indicating that they may have fallen from grace. The second stanza then reveals that the two people are from different religions and their parents disapprove of their relationship. The third stanza depicts the two people planning to elope, indicating that they are willing to take the risk to be together. The song ends on a hopeful note with the suggestion that once they move away, they can build a new home and their families will leave them alone.


“Wings” is a poignant song that tackles the theme of forbidden love, one that is not socially acceptable due to cultural or religious differences. The singer seems to be aware of the obstacles ahead of them, but still, they are willing to take the risk and pursue their dreams of being together. The song also deals with themes of self-discovery and acceptance as the two people must learn to accept themselves and each other in spite of their differences.


Line by Line Meaning

I heard that Angels all had wings
I have been told that angels have wings


You must have checked yours at the door
You seem to have lost yours, leaving them outside


What time does heaven shut its gates
At what hour does heaven close its doors?


Do you have to be home by twelve
Is there a curfew in heaven that you must abide by?


The band started playing we danced real close
The band began performing and we danced in close proximity to one another


Nobody guessed ‘cause the lights were low
No one could discern our movements due to the dim lighting


The singer sang of a forbidden love
The vocalist sang about an illicit romance


He could've been singing just for us
The singer's melody may have been directed towards our relationship


Both our parents well they said no way
Our parents have voiced their opposition to us being together


We're not the same religion anyway
Furthermore, we practice different religions


Yours say I'm not good enough for you
Your parents believe that I am not an adequate match for you


Mine say you're not good enough for me
My parents assert that you are not a suitable partner for me


And both the priests heard they would not agree
Moreover, the clergymen from our respective religious institutions have also voiced their dissatisfaction with us being together


So I guess it's up to you and to me
The decision ultimately lies with the two of us


(Tonight … yeah, tonight)
(This evening... yes, tonight)


I've got my car parked right outside
My vehicle is situated outside


The motor's warmed up if you're ready to ride
The engine has been started and is ready for us to depart


Nobody will know if we slip away
We can leave unnoticed


They wouldn't understand it anyway
Even if they were made aware, they would not comprehend our situation


We'll be alright once we're interstate
We will be safe once we have crossed state lines


Nobody will know us won't it be great
No one will recognize us, which will be wonderful


I'll get a job and make a home
I will secure employment and establish a residence


Maybe then our families will leave us alone
Perhaps our families will cease their scrutiny of our relationship




Writer(s): Alexander Clark Smith

Contributed by Sarah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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