Learning to Fly
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
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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
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
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers's song, "Learning to Fly," is a powerful and inspiring piece about personal growth and the challenges we face along the way. The opening stanza sets the scene of a journey, describing a weary traveler on a dirty road, crossing hills and leaving behind the familiar sights of home as the world grows quiet. This transformation shows that the singer is leaving behind old limitations and open to new experiences.
Throughout the song, the singer repeats the phrase "I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings" which represents the need to challenge oneself and the desire to explore uncharted territories without a guide or limitations. The line "coming down is the hardest thing" suggests that it is difficult to hold onto these new found experiences and knowledge, but the experience of learning to fly is still worthwhile despite the inherent difficulty of the task. The lyrics capture the seeming impossibility of growth and transformation, yet also the deep desire we all have to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and expedite our personal growth.
The lines "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" resonates with many fans of the song as it speaks to the uncertainty of the future and the perseverance one must have in order to fully experience life. These lyrics have become a source of inspiration for many as they encourage listeners to look for the potential in themselves and in life itself despite the obstacles they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I started out down a dirty road
I began my journey down an unfavorable path
Started out all alone
I embarked on this journey without any companionship.
And the sun went down as I crossed the hill
I experienced a setback right as I was getting over a hurdle.
And the town lit up, the world got still
The environment seemed to pause, and everything shone as I kept moving forward.
I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
I am trying new things, but I still have obstacles in place.
Coming down is the hardest thing
The hardest part is when everything comes to a stop.
Well the good ol' days may not return
The good past times may not come back.
And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn
Even impossible things might occur.
Well some say life will beat you down
Some individuals believe that life will decrease one's self-esteem.
Break your heart, steal your crown
Life events may have an emotional or personal impact on one's sense of well-being.
So I've started out for God knows where
I am going on a journey without a specific destination at the moment.
I guess I'll know when I get there
I will only understand when I arrive at my destination.
I'm learning to fly, around the clouds,
I am trying new things and adapting to challenges.
But what goes up must come down
However, all good things must come to an end.
I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Although I am trying, there are still obstacles in the way.
Coming down is the hardest thing
Stopping is the hardest part.
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
@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 unexpectedlyโฆwhen 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 ainโt got wings
These lyrics represent what Iโm going through trying to navigate my life without Annie.
Learning to fly around the clouds to find the โ๏ธagain.
@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. โค
@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645
33 yrs of a man and woman living platonically together.... c'mon something happened ๐
@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 ๐... Dont be a indignant peon
@John-gv1bp
What a touching story thx for sharing and being a caring person ๐
@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. ๐๐๐๐๐๐โค๏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