Learning To Fly

Pink Floyd's 'Learning To Fly' is a song that captures the essence of aspiration and the struggle for freedom, both metaphorically and literally. The lyrics, penned by the band's then-lead guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour, along with Anthony Moore, Bob Ezrin, and Jon Carin, reflect a journey of self-discovery and the desire to transcend one's limitations. The song is from the album 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason' (1987), which marked a new era for Pink Floyd after the departure of founding member Roger Waters.

The opening lines paint a picture of a journey that has reached a point of no return, symbolized by 'a ribbon of black.' This could represent the unknown challenges one faces when venturing into new territories or experiences. The 'flight of fancy on a windswept field' suggests a leap of faith, a departure from the familiar into the realm of dreams and aspirations. The phrase 'tongue-tied and twisted, just an earthbound misfit, I' reveals a sense of not belonging or feeling out of place, a common theme in Pink Floyd's music, which often delves into feelings of alienation and existential angst.

The song's chorus, 'A soul in tension that's learning to fly, condition grounded but determined to try,' speaks to the resilience required to overcome obstacles. The imagery of ice forming on wings and the lack of a navigator evoke the difficulties and risks associated with pursuing one's dreams. Yet, there is a sense of hope and determination in the struggle to 'fly,' which can be interpreted as a metaphor for personal growth and liberation. The 'grubby halo' and 'vapor trail in the empty air' suggest a tarnished purity or innocence that comes with experience, while the 'dream unthreatened by the morning light' represents the enduring power of one's aspirations, untouched by the harsh realities of day-to-day life.