Learning To Fly

The song was primarily written by David Gilmour. It describes Gilmour's thoughts on flying, for which he has a passion (being a licensed pilot with multiple ratings), though it has also been interpreted as a metaphor for beginning something new, experiencing a radical change in life, or, more specifically, Gilmour's feelings about striking out as the new leader of Pink Floyd after the departure of Roger Waters. Gilmour confirmed the latter interpretation on the Pink Floyd 25th Anniversary Special in May 1992. Also an avid pilot, drummer Nick Mason's voice can be heard at around the middle of the song. "Learning to Fly" was included on Pink Floyd's greatest hits collection Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd.

[Verse 1] Into the distance, a ribbon of black Stretched to the point of no turning back A flight of fancy on a windswept field Standing alone my senses reel A fatal attraction is holding me fast How can I escape this irresistible grasp? [Chorus] Can’t keep my eyes from the circling sky Tongue-tied and twisted Just an earthbound misfit, I [Verse 2] Ice is forming on the tips of my wings Unheeded warnings, I thought I thought of everything No navigator to find my way home Unladen, empty and turned to stone [Pre-Chorus 1] A soul in tension that’s learning to fly Condition grounded but determined to try [Chorus] Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies Tongue-tied and twisted Just an earth-bound misfit, I [Verse 3] Above the planet on a wing and a prayer My grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air Across the clouds I see my shadow fly Out of the corner of my watering eye A dream unthreatened by the morning light Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night [Pre-Chorus 2] There’s no sensation to compare with this Suspended animation, a state of bliss [Chorus] Can’t keep my mind from the circling skies Tongue-tied and twisted Just an earth-bound misfit, I