Learning to Fly
Tom Petty
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 (learning to fly) but I ain't got wings (learning to fly) Coming down (learning to fly) is the hardest thing (learning to fly) 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 (learning to fly) must come down I'm learning to fly (learning to fly), but I ain't got wings Coming down is the hardest thing I'm learning to fly (learning to fly), around the clouds But what goes up (learning to fly) must come down I'm learning to fly (learning to fly) (Learning to fly) learning to fly (Learning to fly) (Learning to fly) (Learning to fly) (Learning to fly)
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty
Lyrics © Gone Gator Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Release DateThe song "Learning to Fly" was released by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1991. It was one of their most popular hits during the 90s.
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SongwritingThe lyrics of the song were written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. The two started collaborating when they were part of the supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys.
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Album InformationThe track is featured on the band's album named "Into the Great Wide Open". This album reached double platinum status in the U.S, representing substantial sales and popularity.
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Music VideoThe music video of "Learning to Fly" won the 'Best Male Video' award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1992.
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Unique InspirationTom Petty once stated in an interview that the inspiration for this song came from a pilot book he noticed where the phrase "learning to fly" but then "coming down is the hardest thing" resonated with him.
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Chart Performance"Learning to Fly" topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and stayed there for 6 weeks. It also peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Cover VersionsIt has been covered by several artists including, Stevie Nicks, Mark Knopfler, and John Mayer, indicating the song's impact and resonance across various musicians.
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ThemesMany listeners and critics interpret the song as a reflection on the challenges and uncertainties of life, even though it was literally inspired by an aviation book.
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Live PerformancesThe song remained a popular choice in Tom Petty's live performances until his last tour in 2017.
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Artistic LegacyAfter Tom Petty's death in October 2017, numerous fans and musicians paid tribute to him by performing and sharing "Learning to Fly", underscoring the song's enduring emotional resonance.
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Song Structure"Learning to Fly" is primarily a four-chord song, with the chords G, F, C, and Am being repeated throughout. This kind of simple structure is characteristic of many of Petty's songs, contributing to their catchiness and wide appeal.
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Citation
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"Learning to Fly Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22823755/Tom+Petty/Learning+to+Fly>.
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