Learning to Fly
Tom & Heartbreakers Petty Lyrics


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Well I started out down a dirty road
Started out all alone
And the sun went down as I crossed the hill
And the town lit up, the world got still

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Well the good ol' days may not return
And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I've started out for God knows where
I guess I'll know when I get there

I'm learning to fly, around the clouds,
But what goes up must come down





I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Overall Meaning

The first verse of this song sets the scene for the listener to understand the perspective of the singer. He started out on a tough, difficult life journey by himself. As he reached the top of a hill, he sees a town, and everything else just fades away. At this point, the singer is feeling isolated and disconnected from the world. In the second verse, he claims that he is learning to fly with no wings. He knows that coming down to earth is the hardest thing, but he remains hopeful that he can learn to soar, even though he is not equipped with wings.


As the singer continues to learn how to fly, he begins to understand that life has its challenges. He realizes that the good old days may never come, and the world may be forever changed. But he remains optimistic and continues to teach himself to fly. The final verse tells a story of survival. He knows that life can be rough, but he has started out on his journey with no clear destination, but he knows that he will eventually get there. The singer continues to learn to fly around the clouds, but he understands that what goes up must come down.


Overall, the song "Learning to Fly" is about resilience and perseverance. Despite facing challenges and difficulties on his journey, the singer remains optimistic and determined to succeed.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I started out down a dirty road
I began my journey on a rough and difficult path


Started out all alone
I had no one to accompany me on my journey


And the sun went down as I crossed the hill
As I made progress, I encountered obstacles and challenges


And the town lit up, the world got still
As I overcame my obstacles, I gained a new perspective on the world


I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
I am trying to achieve something great, but I don't have all the necessary tools or resources


Coming down is the hardest thing
The prospect of failure and disappointment is daunting


Well, the good ol' days may not return
Times were once easier, but things have changed and may not go back to the way they were


And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn
Anything can happen, even the seemingly impossible


Well, some say life will beat you down
Life can be difficult and challenging


Break your heart, steal your crown
Life can take away your happiness and success


So Iโ€™ve started out for God-knows-where
Despite the uncertainty, I am embarking on a journey without a clear destination


I guess Iโ€™ll know when I get there
I will figure out where I am going once I arrive


Iโ€™m learning to fly, around the clouds
I am striving for something greater, something beyond my current limits


But what goes up, must come down
There are consequences to reaching new heights


I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
I am taking risks and challenging myself, even though I am not fully equipped to do so


Coming down is the hardest thing
The prospect of losing what I have gained is scary and difficult


I'm learning to fly, around the clouds
I am pushing myself to new heights and striving for greatness


But what goes up, must come down
The risks of reaching new heights also include the potential for failure


I'm learning to fly
I am on a journey of growth and self-discovery


learning to fly
I am embracing the unknown and taking risks


learning to fly
I am becoming a better version of myself


learning to fly
I am determined to succeed, despite the challenges


learning to fly
I am not giving up on my goals and dreams


learning to fly
I am learning to soar above my doubts and fears




Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUM

This is not only my favorite Tom Petty song, it's one of the greatest songs I've ever heard.

It makes you feel so much, seemingly so dispersant and almost all at once.
Amazing song for times such as these.

The video is a masterstroke as well.
So many decades and events, referenced with a mere scene or frame.

The decrepit majesty, ancient crypt solemnity and mournful yet graceful repose of the aircraft graveyard looks like one of the best places to film, I could spend weeks there just listening to whispers of war stories and fish tales...
(I think I saw a Grumman Albatross, or what was left of her)


God Bless Everyone
with Health, Peace, Freedom and Love



@montecito98

My daughter passed in June unexpectedlyโ€ฆwhen I heard this amazing song, it helped me to put her life and mine in perspective together.

Learning to fly around the clouds
What goes up must come down
Coming down is the hardest thing
Learning to fly but I ainโ€™t got wings

These lyrics represent what Iโ€™m going through trying to navigate my life without Annie.

Learning to fly around the clouds to find the โ˜€๏ธagain.



All comments from YouTube:

@morganjanelle4282

My best friend of 33 years (who has lived with me (platonically) for 25+ years) passed away 2 days ago (blood cancer/'Multiple Myeloma'). For the week & a half before his death, he was being kept heavily sedated (for pain) in hospice & was unable to communicate. The day before he died, I held his hand and told him I love him, and asked him to please send me a sign when he gets to Heaven & gets his wings. ONE HOUR after his time of death, this song ('Learning To Fly') came on the radio...& the song that played after this one, was "Learn To Fly" by Foo Fighters. Even if it was just coincidence, these 2 songs being played back-to-back at the one-hour mark after his death, & my having asked him for a sign when he gets his wings, brought me comfort. โค

@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645

33 yrs of a man and woman living platonically together.... c'mon something happened ๐Ÿ˜œ

@intheattics

@@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645 or you could have some freaking respect and not be a perv. They just lost their BFF and you have to insinuate that?

@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645

@@intheattics How about shut up ๐Ÿ˜Ž... Dont be a indignant peon

@John-gv1bp

What a touching story thx for sharing and being a caring person ๐Ÿ™

@user-hl9hm9he5q

I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. I lost my only son to Cancer when he was 32. He loved that song Learning to fly when he was a kid him and his sister used to sing that song and also Free Falling. Every time I hear them it takes me back to when he was a kid. ๐Ÿ˜”๐Ÿ’”๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™โค๏ธ

@andrewskokna9760

I am 63. Grew up with Tom Petty's music. I love him and miss him dearly

@joelwelch5762

I bought his first album Bre ak down song on it. My brother in-law came over from the Nethland and this song was fused in his head.that was a life time ago. This is approved .

@MichelleR-tl2ub

Me too. Sad he left so soon.

@user-mw2hs5ie7e

pease door ball

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