Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
The Lady Who Said She Could Fly
The Idle Race Lyrics
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She broke off her wings when she fell from the sky
The effort was brave and she gave a sigh
Now I'll sail through the sky on my own, my oh my
I can fly through the air
I can fly anywhere
I can fly through the sky
When she was a girl she would jump rather high
Then she fell in love with the air and the sky
She discovered her wings and she gave a loud cry
Now I'll sail through the sky on my own, my oh my
I can fly through the air
I can fly anywhere
I can fly through the sky
And just see if I care
Back to the story
Now she's been repaired and her wings are as new
She's laughing and dancing way up in the blue
But look she has gone, where could she go to?
Her wings were so silver, her halo so new
I can fly through the air
I can fly anywhere
I can fly through the sky
And just see if I care
(repeat)
The Idle Race's "The Lady Who Said She Could Fly" is a whimsical and dreamy song about a lady who claims she can fly. It starts by asking if the listener has met this lady and goes on to talk about how she once had wings but broke them when she fell from the sky. Despite this setback, the lady remains determined to fly and declares that she can do so anywhere and anytime she wants. The chorus repeats this sentiment and adds a touch of apathy and indifference as if to say that the lady will fly just for the sake of it and without concern for anyone else's opinions or beliefs.
The song then delves into the lady's past, as a young girl who loved to jump and eventually fell in love with the sky. The discovery of her wings was a joyous occasion and she cried out with excitement. However, the story takes a turn when the lady disappears, leaving behind only her newly repaired wings and a shiny halo. It is unclear where she went or why she flew away, but the impression is that the lady's love for flying was too strong for her to stay grounded for long.
Overall, the song seems to express a sense of wonder and unrestrained imagination that is often associated with childhood. The lady's determination to fly, despite the risks and setbacks, is admirable and inspiring. At the same time, the lyrics suggest that there may be a price to pay for chasing one's dreams and that not everyone may understand or support such endeavors.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you meet the lady who said she could fly
Have you encountered the woman who claimed she could soar through the sky?
She broke off her wings when she fell from the sky
She lost her wings when she tumbled from the heavens
The effort was brave and she gave a sigh
Her attempt was courageous, though accompanied by a sigh
Now I'll sail through the sky on my own, my oh my
Now I will independently glide through the sky, my goodness
When she was a girl she would jump rather high
In her youth, she would leap quite high
Then she fell in love with the air and the sky
Then she grew enamored with the breeze and the expanse of air overhead
She discovered her wings and she gave a loud cry
Upon finding her wings, she emitted a boisterous shout
Now I'll sail through the sky on my own, my oh my
Now I will independently glide through the sky, my goodness
Now she's been repaired and her wings are as new
She has now been mended and her wings restored to their original state
She's laughing and dancing way up in the blue
She's joyfully frolicking amidst the blue skies
But look she has gone, where could she go to?
But lo and behold, she has disappeared - where could she have gone?
Her wings were so silver, her halo so new
Her wings were a gleaming silver and her halo was pristine and new
And just see if I care
And I could not be bothered, even if I tried
(repeat)
This line is a repetition of the previous one and holds the same meaning
Contributed by Claire A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.