Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” is more than just a classic rock song; it’s an anthem of resilience, hope, and the universal struggle to overcome challenges. While deeply personal to Petty, the song’s message resonated far beyond the music world, even reaching the ears of basketball legend Michael Jordan. This connection, though perhaps unexpected, highlights the song’s profound impact and enduring appeal, particularly its themes of perseverance and striving for greatness, which are qualities synonymous with Jordan’s iconic career.
The genesis of “Learning to Fly” is rooted in a simple yet profound observation. As Petty himself recounted, the inspiration struck during a television interview with a pilot. The pilot casually remarked that learning to fly wasn’t particularly difficult; the real challenge was “coming down.” This resonated deeply with Petty, sparking the core concept of the song. Co-written with Jeff Lynne, known for his work with Electric Light Orchestra and Petty’s own Traveling Wilburys, “Learning to Fly” emerged as a deceptively simple yet powerfully evocative track. Jeff Lynne also played a significant role in shaping the song’s melodic structure, crafting the chords that perfectly complemented Petty’s lyrical idea.
The brilliance of “Learning to Fly” lies in its lyrical simplicity and open-ended interpretation. The lyrics, beginning with “Well I started out down a dirty road / Started out all alone,” paint a picture of humble beginnings and solitary journeys. The chorus, with its iconic line, “I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings / Coming down is the hardest thing,” encapsulates the essence of striving for goals without all the necessary tools or experience, and acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining success or gracefully navigating setbacks. This resonated with listeners on multiple levels, making the song a powerful metaphor for personal growth, overcoming adversity, and navigating life’s uncertainties. Some interpretations even linked the lyrics to Petty’s personal experiences, such as overcoming the destruction of his home, further solidifying its theme of resilience in the face of hardship.
Michael Jordan’s interest in “Learning to Fly” adds another layer to the song’s legacy. While the specifics of the Chicago Bulls documentary Petty mentions are not detailed in the provided text, Jordan’s desire to use “Learning to Fly” for a documentary about the Chicago Bulls speaks volumes about the song’s thematic strength. Jordan, a figure synonymous with relentless pursuit of excellence and overcoming obstacles, likely saw a reflection of his own journey and the Bulls’ championship aspirations in the song’s message. The song’s themes of learning, struggle, and the challenging “descent” after reaching great heights likely resonated deeply with the competitive world of professional basketball and the pressures of championship runs.
Beyond its thematic depth, “Learning to Fly” is also musically compelling. Characterized by its clean acoustic guitar sound, memorable lead guitar solo, and understated drumming, the song’s production, also helmed by Jeff Lynne, emphasizes simplicity and clarity. Mike Campbell, Heartbreakers guitarist, highlighted the layered acoustic guitars as a key element and praised the song’s overall simplicity as its “miracle.” This stripped-down approach allows Petty’s vocals and the song’s message to take center stage, contributing to its widespread appeal and enduring presence on radio and in popular culture.
The music video for “Learning to Fly,” directed by Julien Temple, further enhances the song’s themes. Set in an airplane graveyard in Tucson, Arizona, the video features Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performing amidst the decaying aircraft, creating a surreal and symbolic backdrop. The video also incorporates a narrative of a young boy’s coming-of-age journey, learning and growing step-by-step, symbolized by him “earning his wings.” This visual representation reinforces the song’s core message of perseverance and the gradual process of achieving one’s goals.
“Learning to Fly” achieved significant commercial success, spending six weeks at number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reaching number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song in 1992, solidifying its critical acclaim. Even after decades, the song remains a staple in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ concerts and continues to be requested for movie soundtracks and various media. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timelessness of its message and its ability to connect with listeners across generations and life experiences. Artists like Bob Dylan have even paid tribute to Petty by performing “Learning to Fly” in concert, highlighting its status as a beloved and influential song within the music community.
In conclusion, “Learning to Fly” is far more than just a catchy tune. It’s a masterfully crafted song that taps into universal human experiences of aspiration, struggle, and the pursuit of dreams. Its unexpected connection to Michael Jordan and the world of professional sports underscores the song’s powerful message of resilience and determination. Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne created a timeless anthem that continues to inspire and resonate, reminding us that even without wings, we can all learn to fly and overcome life’s greatest challenges.
