Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
Willie Nelson Lyrics
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Then I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground
And I patched up your broken wing and hung around a while
Trying to keep your spirits up and your fever down
I knew someday that you would fly away
For love's the greatest healer to be found
Angel flying too close to the ground
Fly on, fly on past, the speed of sound
I'd rather see you up than see you down
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground.
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground.
Willie Nelson's song Angel Flying Too Close to The Ground is a song about a lover who struggles with the pain and inevitability of separation. The song opens with the singer lamenting about the causality of their love: if their lover had not fallen (in love), they would never have met them. The lover is described as an angel, but not the perfect kind, rather one that is too close to the ground or too human. The singer then goes on to explain how they cared for this angel when they were down and broken, hoping to help them recover physically and perhaps emotionally, too.
However, the song takes a bittersweet turn as the singer acknowledges that they always knew the angel would fly away eventually. Love, while being able to heal wounds, can also make a person restless, aching for more. The singer therefore accepts the inevitable and allows their lover to fly, even if it means they will be alone. The final lines of the song “So leave me if you need to, I will still remember, Angel flying too close to the ground” showcase the singer's acceptance of the situation, and how they will always remember their angel, no matter how far they go.
In summary, the song Angel Flying Too Close to The Ground, is a heartfelt and melancholic description of separation and the pain of watching someone you love leave you. The song's beauty is found in Willie Nelson's poetic lyrics that capture the bittersweet nature of love and the complexities of relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
If you had not have fallen
If you had not experienced setbacks in life
Then I would not have found you
We wouldn't have been together
Angel flying too close to the ground
Refers to the fragility of the person
And I patched up your broken wing and hung around a while
I helped heal your broken heart and stayed by your side for some time
Trying to keep your spirits up and your fever down
I tried to keep you emotionally stable and healthy
I knew someday that you would fly away
I knew that someday you would move on
For love's the greatest healer to be found
Love is the best thing to heal the wounded heart
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
If you need to leave, I won't hold you back, but I'll always cherish the memories
Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
Go ahead and pursue your dreams and aspirations at full speed
I'd rather see you up than see you down
I'd rather see you happy and successful instead of struggling and defeated
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Again, if you have to go, I won't be the one to stop you, but I'll always have you in my mind
Angel flying too close to the ground.
Reiterating on how the person is sensitive and vulnerable
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dell Oneyo
This song brings me to tears every time. I chose it randomly for my grandfather and played it as he was slowly passing, it was the first time I had heard it. My grandpa was a pilot so this song was perfect. I was right there with him when he took his final flight.
Today, I walked out of court to find my motorcycle helmet was stolen. I figured it would be safe parked next to the courthouse with police everywhere but nope. I felt totally defeated. My helmet was stolen, I was just ordered to pay a bunch of money on trivial non-moving violations, car broken down a few days ago, no more money in my bank account, and on top of all that, I'm sick with a fever and terrible headache. It seemed as if my luck was gone forever. Police came to file a report and the officer went on his way.
A man drove up in an old beat up Buick, he seemed to appear out of nowhere. He had a cutoff shirt and tattoos, looked to be about 65 or so. He asked where my helmet was, I told him someone just stole it. He said "well I hope you don't get a ticket for riding without a helmet!" He then opened his wallet and handed me 200 bucks for a new one! I offered to repay him when I had more money but the man refused.
My grandfather died one year ago as of yesterday. Once a year I would see him and he would always force me to accept 1 or 2 hundred bucks. I am sure my grandfather sent this old man to help me.
My aunt had a similar story days after my grandfathers passing. She was out eating with my grandma at a restaurant. When the waitress brought the bill she explained that an anonymous man paid the bill for them! My aunt told us the story with tears!!!
Thank you for this beautiful song Willie!!!!
Suzanne Thompson
Willie Nelson is like a handmade heirloom quilt that has been in your family for 5 generations! A priceless treasure.
Linda Davis
Well Said… <3
Plain Jayne
I dittto that...💕😎
christina Matteson
That is so true He's a national treasure
Barbara McChesney
OMG so true ♥️
CS
A legend, influencer, treasure! Thank God for Willie!!
Nancy Cabrera
Willie Nelson is a true American National Treasure.
Rachel Jones
Formydaddymymemory😂
Holly Keel
My dad passed away two weeks ago. This was the first song I ever danced with him too. Fly away dad you are my angel 💔🙏
Richard Killeen
He will be up there waiting for you Holly.