This was one of my Dad's favorite songs. I can't count how many memories I have of him doing his "dad" dance around the house listening to this song on full blast. So many amazing memories. Now that he's gone this song as well as every other Pink Floyd song holds so much emotion for me. I truly miss you Dad.
@@charliejonas4609 You're welcome and you are correct, sharing good music is something that I now get to do with my son. All the lost or hidden gems that my Dad showed me I can now pass on to my son. Songs like "Sky Pilot" by Eric Burdon and the Animals, "Monster" by Steppenwolf, "Knights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues, "Let's Live For Today" by the Grass Roots and many many many more.
@@tabb5818 I was undeniably blessed to have had him as my Dad. He was a truly exceptional person, the kind of person that whenever anyone would meet him he made a lasting impression that everyone would agree was an uplifting experience.
From Wikipedia: "The lyrics describe [David] 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."
Yes. Wanted to say this, but you beat me to it. Personally I think it's about spreading your wings, and being apprehensive about the future... The flying stuff is just a metaphor to deliver the true message...
When I was 14 my parents split up and I got moved halfway across the country. I flew back to see my dad every summer. Every time the plane was taking off, I played this song while I looked out the airplane window, it was incredible.
Love Echoes. Hope Brad and Lex listen to it. But Live at Pompeii splits Echoes up into 2 separate parts and you miss the last third of the song. Better to listen to the studio version off of Meddle for a first listen.
I'm sure Live in Pompeii was around 1971 and Shine on You Crazy Diamond came out in 1975 on the Wish You Were Here album. Some other good songs at Live at Pompeii are Careful With That Axe Eugene & One Of These Days.
I love the astral projection take on the song, but as many others have pointed out, it’s about new beginnings and even actually learning to fly. The radio chatter you hear mid song is literally a recording from drummer Nick Mason’s flight instructions. If you want to react to a very trippy and sonically beautiful song about astral projection, Dream Weaver from Gary Wright would be an excellent reaction choice.
A Momentary Lapse of Reason is the Best post R. Waters Pink Floyd. Also the A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour was better as well than Pulse as it was the First Pink Floyd tour in 7 years and had included the Best backup singers EVER, Rachel Fury, Durga Mcbroom and Margaret Taylor.
Used to listen to this song pretty much every morning my freshmen year in college when I’d walk (or long board) to class from my dorm, cool breeze and euphoria! An underrated tune from them compared to their other work. It does exactly what it means to! Cheers guys. 😁🔥 - Andy
This song always makes me emotional because I picture a bird learning to fly. Scared and taking the leap and then soaring higher and higher and it means he’s ready to leave the nest.
Love this song. We grew up listening to this music. Before my sister unexpectedly passed away she sent this to me and my sisters. So every time I hear it play it just has so much more meaning and feeling behind it. Thank y’all for covering it ❤️🥰❤️
I still remember the first time I heard this song. I was driving home from work when it came on the radio. The radio DJ didn't announce the song or who was singing it, but i knew instantly that it was a new Pink Floyd song, and I hadn't heard anything about them releasing a new album yet. Of course back then I very rarely ever went into a record shop, I didn't have cable, and I never saw or read Rolling Stone magazine.
Lex accurately explaining Pink Floyd: "Being Pink Floyd I just know it's going to be about being trapped in a box by the system." LOL. She's not wrong.
@@scottlaughlin9897 yes I know. Lex didn’t. And because she didn’t, her description of “…being trapped in a box by the system”, a topic that Roger frequently wrote about, is a legitimate description of Pink Floyd’s subject matter. It’s why I added “at any rate”. I have another post in this thread explaining that Roger wasn’t in the band at the time.
@@scottlaughlin9897 The whole band contributes to this theme in the music. Heck, even people not in the band contribute to this theme in their music. Even this song is loosely about that very thing. We've all felt it, they just make music about it. I find it soothing to hear them because it's like someone is saying "There, there, we know how it is. WE KNOW.".
Literally my FAVORITE Pink Floyd song!! I'm having this one and Comfortably Numb played at my funeral, along with Freebird Live!! Its gonna be the longest funeral in the history of funerals but everyone will be rockin out and sending me off in the way that I want. I love you guys soooo much!!
‘One Slip’ off the same album (Momentary Lapse of Reason) is also awesome, and really hit me hard when I thought for a minute that I was going to be a teenage dad! I think Brad the lyric-man might just love it.
Bought this on cassette when it came out, left it on the car seat in summer and it melted (Australia) so bought another one and it melted too because I am an idiot and should know better. Now have it on CD in the car and don’t leave it in the sun now. Love this album.
It's literally about learning to fly a plane. After 20 years of aviation experience as an aviator, there is no mistake that this is flying a plane. You can hear the checklist being followed in between verses. "Flaps: -Set" challenge and reply can be heard. The black ribbon in the first verse is the runway. Stretched to the point of "No turning back" refers to the "Decision Speed" where there isn't enough runway to stop the plane. You have to go airborne. If there is a problem with the plane, you have to make the abort decision prior to that speed, otherwise you have to take off and bring the plane around for an emergency landing if there is a problem. Second verse is about ice forming on the wings which will cause a loss of lift with little or no warning. This can be very dangerous if the deicing system is not working. Our plane used hot air from inside the engine that was channeled through ducts that went along the inside of the leading edge of the wings to prevent ice from forming. Learning to fly is about learning to fly and all the excitement and anxiety that goes along with it.
Usually, there are metaphors and symbolic meanings in their music. Nothing is 100% literal in the lyrics of Pink Floyd. See the video for this song for reference.
Loving how you guys are really getting deeper into the music between pause and discussion. Feels like it's helping you understand the music and lyrics better.
This is my favorite song from them and that's hard to say considering many of their other greats. The feeling it gives me is just bliss. I get social anxiety, and being a loner individual, this song hits hard and makes me feel like I'm not the only human who forgets to live and feel. It makes me feel like it's about someone who finally lets go and discovers their true self. Learning more about how to let your soul feel free. That's all that matters.
I absolutely love Pink Floyd and this song has my favorite Pink Floyd lyrics, “there’s no sensation to compare with this, suspended animation state of bliss”. Beautiful!
My favorite part of this song is where he says "Across the clouds I see my shadow fly, Out of the corner of my watering eye". I have about 70 skydives under my belt and on one of them I was rapidly approaching some clouds and the sun was behind me at such a perfect angle that my shadow was projected onto the cloud as I flew through it! I think of that jump every time I hear this song!
This cassette was always in my Sony Walkman and listened when riding my sport bike. Surprisingly this came out when I was actually learning to fly in the Army. .... "Tongue tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit (am) I " ... I've quoted this thousands of times!!!
"There is nothing that compares with this! Suspended animation, a state of bliss!" For me personally, I always interpreted this song as about a spiritual journey, about a state of prayer. The song's greatness lies in its ability to be understood in whatever way the listener needs to hear it. Great reaction to a great song!
I think it's literally about that beautiful feeling of flying and how it would feel if we could do it naturally. Also, I believe there are many moments in our lives when we felt so free like we were flying. Roller Skating, driving your car, bicycle, motorbike, a boat, you name it. It's that sensation of no constraints. It's just you and the elements.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the rich sound of synthesizers and shovels scoop the couple right up and conjure up the mystery that lies in this newer 80,s sound of Pink Floyd. Astroprojection comes to mind for Brad as he does a very low key "side to side sway" while Lex is open to the idea exhibiting a mild "sway ponder bop".
Like most Pink Floyd songs it is about whatever it means to you at the time. For me it is about taking on some new experience in life that you are unsure of where it may go. When you talked about it being music from a long time ago, I thought, this isn't that old, it doesn't seem that it was that long ago that it came out, after checking I realized that it is already 35 years old.
The lyrics describe 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,
The song famously reflects two aspects: the love for flying of David Gilmour (singer and guitarist) that was taking flying lessons at that time, and, at a metaphorical level, the particular moment in which he was called to assume the leadership of the band after the departure of the bassist and songwriter Roger Waters, two years earlier. In both senses, he was "learning to fly". Anyway, the subtle growl you can hear right at the end of the song is the connection with the subsequent song, called "The Dogs of War".
Pink Floydis all atmosphere and should be heard from beginning to end on their albums, learning to fly, to be able to think on your own to be the misfit...I
I was in 6th grade when this came out, living in my grandmother’s basement. This was the first Pink Floyd album without Roger Waters (bass player and handled the majority of the vocals up through “The Wall”).
this song is about 2 things at once, ONE literally learning to fly a plane the lead singer was a pilot. TWO, this was the 1st CD with Pink Floyd as the singer after Roger Waters left the band. It is he learning how to navigate going from just a singer to a singer in a giant band like Pink Floyd, it is like learning to walk all over again after you thought you knew how to do it
David Gilmour had been in Pink Floyd for 20 years when this album came out. I think what you were alluding to is Gilmour was now in control of the band instead of Roger Waters who had departed. I definitely agree the song is literally about learning to fly and learning how to steer this bohemoth of a band, Pink Floyd.
This song came out in my senior year of highschool. At that time, I was taking flying lessons and eventually got my pilot's license when I turned 19. This song has very special meaning to me for that. On the surface, it's about loving to fly - the lead singer is a pilot himself and loves to fly. Metaphorically I always took the song as beyond physical flight - transcended astral projection or out of body experience. I think Brad hit it on the head
Great song and great reaction, as always - my favorite song from this album is "One Slip", especially the awesome line "was it love, or was it the idea of being in love"
It's literally about learning to fly an airplane. "Into the distance a ribbon of black" That's a runway. You guys are trying to go too deep here. It's just about learning to fly, a glorious experience in itself.
People read the lyrics and listen to the song with the front part of their heads. But very few just let themselves go and submerge into the piece. If you feel the song, you'd understand that he wanted to describe the feeling of flying. I think it's sad people get so obsessed with understanding lyrics that they endup missing the whole point of a masterpiece. This is a song that, without lyrics, would give you the same meaning. The lyrics are just an excuse. It's the sound that matters.
I can still remember seeing Pink Floyd for this tour and while they were playing this song I looked over to my right and my friend was sitting in his chair sound asleep. They were playing the new stuff the first half so we let him sleep, woke him up for the hits. Tongue tied and twisted just a sad sleeping misfit, learning to snooze. Oh well, and that's the way it was.
Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason took flying lessons hence Learning to Fly the background sounds are actually Nick on talking/communicating over his headset. Nick Mason Nick Mason has been an airplane pilot for 30 years at this point. He flew fixed wing planes for 12 years before moving on to flying helicopters. He and his band mate, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd front man), both share their devotion to aircrafts. Gilmour actually had his own aviation company, Intrepid Aviation.
At the end of this tune, you could hear the snarling and growling of 'The Dogs of War', which is the song to follow this one on the album and SHOULD warrant your listening to. 😉 You won't be disappointed, I promise.
It's pretty much just about learning to fly as in piloting airplanes. David Gilmour and Nick Mason became licensed pilots when A Momentary Lapse of Reason came out.
The caught in the box and trapped in a system song writer was no longer in the band by this point. The existentialism and wish I was still a kid writer was still in the band. David Gilmour says it’s literally a song about learning to fly his airplane.
IMHO the most underrated Floyd song. It's so good but most people don't really know it. The music video for it is one of the top 10 of all time as well.
Also always remembered their age; they were born during/after The Blitz and grew up with WWII veterans. The song is just full of of actual terminilogy to support the metaphor ("unladen, empty", "wing and a prayer").
In the live version of the song it shows on the screen shows David Gilmore with his plane. He was actually learning to fly when the song was written. The drummer, Nick Mason, is also a pilot. His voice is the voice you hear in the middle of the song.
I was Marine stationed on an aircraft carrier when this came out. I had music mag subscriptions and read about the new album. Had my wife mail me the CD as soon as it came out. Made the long weary days more bearable.
1st Pink Floyd concert I ever went to, my mom drove me, and my best friend to the LA Coliseum, we thought there would be an opening act first, then we heard the intro to Shine on you Crazy Diamond, got out of the car, and ran the rest of the way, April 1988
Literally about the awe and wonder he felt when piloting an aircraft in the sky....the title tells you what it's about: Learning to fly. Artist tap into their sensory emotions when relating real life experiences....
You knew the band was good when they were a 60's/70's band and not only adapted well to the overproduction of the 80's and very early 90's but put put out some of their best, most innovative stuff in that era.
Pink Floyd is one of those transcendent bands. Floyd of the 70's is very different from Floyd of the late 80's. And yes, he's talking about micro-dosing. :)
Not sure where you got that from. Outside of Syd early on, the band had little to do with drugs, and virtually none of their material is about drug use.
@@hihoktf Syd Barrett never touched the stuff, right? Pretty sure they called him the 'King of Acid'. And I'm sure they never did any coke in the 70's and 80's. I didn't claim they were a band of Keith Richards, so take it easy.
@@jacoblaughbon3323 My comment was that Syd was into drugs. And I didn't say other band members were completely free of drugs. What I did say was that Pink Floyd generally didn't write about drugs. And this song was not about micro-dosing as your original comment claimed.
The song is about being young and learning all of these new things suddenly when you’re coming of age and reaching into adulthood. Going on your own with no clue. Then it reaches to being to the time where you’re free and stable. Able to look back and enjoy the hard times behind and the stability ahead
A good tune about learning to fly an aircraft. Listen to chatter mid song. He’s going through a standard pre-flight check list eg: “strobes on” (the strobe lights you see flashing in the night sky : )
"A dream unthreatened by the morning light" = Make your dream strong, don't give it up. "Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night." = Shatter your limitations.
Love your reviews Brad and Lex. Here are some suggestions "She Blinded Me With Science" Thomas Dolby (1982), "Down Under" Men At Work (1982), "You Better Run" Pink Floyd (1979), "Pop Muzik" M (1979), "Dream Police" Cheap Trick (1979) - Keep up the good work and fun content!
My favorite Pink Flyod album. This song came out near the same time that Gregory (Pappy) Boyington commander of the Black Sheep squadron off WW2 dyed. Always associate this song with his passing. You need to hear , On the turning away and Yet another move. Two more great songs on this album.
It could absolutely be about the uprootedness fear and wonder about asking a girl (or boy) you like for a dance. Or about any situation we're suddenly feeling untethered about. Or about actually flying. That's poetry for you. All three for some, none for others.
I like your interpretation better than the reality and this is an all-time favorite. Lex: they were doing astral projection type things in ancient Egypt. I was into it as a teen in the 90's (and now) but there's a loooooong history of psychic exploration.
This was one of my Dad's favorite songs. I can't count how many memories I have of him doing his "dad" dance around the house listening to this song on full blast. So many amazing memories. Now that he's gone this song as well as every other Pink Floyd song holds so much emotion for me. I truly miss you Dad.
Thanks for sharing. I’m one of those dads that knew music is something passed on to the next generation. Thanks!
@@charliejonas4609 You're welcome and you are correct, sharing good music is something that I now get to do with my son. All the lost or hidden gems that my Dad showed me I can now pass on to my son. Songs like "Sky Pilot" by Eric Burdon and the Animals, "Monster" by Steppenwolf, "Knights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues, "Let's Live For Today" by the Grass Roots and many many many more.
Lucky to have had him by the sounds of it ❤️
@@tabb5818 I was undeniably blessed to have had him as my Dad. He was a truly exceptional person, the kind of person that whenever anyone would meet him he made a lasting impression that everyone would agree was an uplifting experience.
Same here my bad has Pink Floyd records to this day. He even has a Pink Floyd tattoo and was a Roadie in the 80s
From Wikipedia:
"The lyrics describe [David] 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."
Right On ! i wish i saw this B4 my post
Yes. Wanted to say this, but you beat me to it. Personally I think it's about spreading your wings, and being apprehensive about the future... The flying stuff is just a metaphor to deliver the true message...
The background noise & talk are of a pilot doing pre-flight checks before taking off.
Yeah, I never thought it had a hidden message or anything. It sounded pretty straightforward.
@@bigsistahtips Everything is subjective therefore it is what you want you to believe, like all great art.
When I was 14 my parents split up and I got moved halfway across the country. I flew back to see my dad every summer. Every time the plane was taking off, I played this song while I looked out the airplane window, it was incredible.
On a literal level, it's about learning to fly an airplane.
On a metaphorical level: About learning / experiencing new things.
"Shine on you Crazy Diamond" & "Echoes" live in Pompeii are absolutely mandatory listening! Happy New Year! 🎤🎸🎉
Agreed.
Love Echoes. Hope Brad and Lex listen to it. But Live at Pompeii splits Echoes up into 2 separate parts and you miss the last third of the song. Better to listen to the studio version off of Meddle for a first listen.
Studio Echoes is way better
Echoes - live in Gdansk.
I'm sure Live in Pompeii was around 1971 and Shine on You Crazy Diamond came out in 1975 on the Wish You Were Here album.
Some other good songs at Live at Pompeii are Careful With That Axe Eugene & One Of These Days.
It warms my heart to see Lex get a small grin on her face every time David let's his guitar do the singing.
Yes! You know it was significant too because it was one of the only times she smiled while listening. ♥️
Right!
David Gilmore, the singer and guitarist on this song, does have his pilot license.
On the Turning Away is another good song off this album
@@CoolCoyote No idea.
@@CoolCoyote There might be some Canadians that spell it Gilmore because there was a famous hockey player in the 90s named Doug Gilmore.
I love the astral projection take on the song, but as many others have pointed out, it’s about new beginnings and even actually learning to fly. The radio chatter you hear mid song is literally a recording from drummer Nick Mason’s flight instructions. If you want to react to a very trippy and sonically beautiful song about astral projection, Dream Weaver from Gary Wright would be an excellent reaction choice.
According to Gary Wright, the Dream Weaver is God...
One of their best from their first album without Roger. It's about David and Nick taking flying lessons.
A Momentary Lapse of Reason is the Best
post R. Waters Pink Floyd.
Also the A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour was better as well than Pulse as it was the First Pink Floyd tour in 7 years and had included the Best backup singers EVER, Rachel Fury, Durga Mcbroom and Margaret Taylor.
@@James_Loveless I agree. 100
Used to listen to this song pretty much every morning my freshmen year in college when I’d walk (or long board) to class from my dorm, cool breeze and euphoria! An underrated tune from them compared to their other work. It does exactly what it means to! Cheers guys. 😁🔥
- Andy
One of their best, easily.
Oh hey! I'm subscribed to you!
It's about "learning to fly". Literally. Gilmore is a pilot. The lyrics can apply to beginning any new situation.
This is what I’ve always thought too. Some things don’t have to be a metaphor, although with Pink Floyd their songs are mostly metaphoric.
This song always makes me emotional because I picture a bird learning to fly. Scared and taking the leap and then soaring higher and higher and it means he’s ready to leave the nest.
You guys should react to…
Pink Floyd - Echoes (Live at Pompeii, 1972)
🎸🤘
Love this song. We grew up listening to this music. Before my sister unexpectedly passed away she sent this to me and my sisters. So every time I hear it play it just has so much more meaning and feeling behind it. Thank y’all for covering it ❤️🥰❤️
I still remember the first time I heard this song. I was driving home from work when it came on the radio. The radio DJ didn't announce the song or who was singing it, but i knew instantly that it was a new Pink Floyd song, and I hadn't heard anything about them releasing a new album yet. Of course back then I very rarely ever went into a record shop, I didn't have cable, and I never saw or read Rolling Stone magazine.
Lex accurately explaining Pink Floyd: "Being Pink Floyd I just know it's going to be about being trapped in a box by the system." LOL. She's not wrong.
Yep. Describes Roger’s thinking at any rate
@@grelch huh? Roger has already left the band when this was released. He had nothing to do with this album!
That's Rogers Floyd Gilmour Floyd much more inspirational
@@scottlaughlin9897 yes I know. Lex didn’t. And because she didn’t, her description of “…being trapped in a box by the system”, a topic that Roger frequently wrote about, is a legitimate description of Pink Floyd’s subject matter. It’s why I added “at any rate”. I have another post in this thread explaining that Roger wasn’t in the band at the time.
@@scottlaughlin9897 The whole band contributes to this theme in the music. Heck, even people not in the band contribute to this theme in their music. Even this song is loosely about that very thing. We've all felt it, they just make music about it. I find it soothing to hear them because it's like someone is saying "There, there, we know how it is. WE KNOW.".
Literally my FAVORITE Pink Floyd song!! I'm having this one and Comfortably Numb played at my funeral, along with Freebird Live!! Its gonna be the longest funeral in the history of funerals but everyone will be rockin out and sending me off in the way that I want. I love you guys soooo much!!
‘One Slip’ off the same album (Momentary Lapse of Reason) is also awesome, and really hit me hard when I thought for a minute that I was going to be a teenage dad!
I think Brad the lyric-man might just love it.
Bought this on cassette when it came out, left it on the car seat in summer and it melted (Australia) so bought another one and it melted too because I am an idiot and should know better. Now have it on CD in the car and don’t leave it in the sun now. Love this album.
It's literally about learning to fly a plane. After 20 years of aviation experience as an aviator, there is no mistake that this is flying a plane. You can hear the checklist being followed in between verses. "Flaps: -Set" challenge and reply can be heard.
The black ribbon in the first verse is the runway. Stretched to the point of "No turning back" refers to the "Decision Speed" where there isn't enough runway to stop the plane. You have to go airborne. If there is a problem with the plane, you have to make the abort decision prior to that speed, otherwise you have to take off and bring the plane around for an emergency landing if there is a problem.
Second verse is about ice forming on the wings which will cause a loss of lift with little or no warning. This can be very dangerous if the deicing system is not working. Our plane used hot air from inside the engine that was channeled through ducts that went along the inside of the leading edge of the wings to prevent ice from forming.
Learning to fly is about learning to fly and all the excitement and anxiety that goes along with it.
Usually, there are metaphors and symbolic meanings in their music. Nothing is 100% literal in the lyrics of Pink Floyd. See the video for this song for reference.
That second verse is one of my favorite sets of lyrics ever. The imagery is really neat.
This is one of my favorite Floyd songs; up there with "Wish You Were Here" and "Welcome to the Machine".
Loving how you guys are really getting deeper into the music between pause and discussion. Feels like it's helping you understand the music and lyrics better.
That album is quite underrated and they were awesome when they toured for it.Try Sorrow next and continue to be amazed by the legendary Pink Floyd! 🎵
Sorrow and Yet Another Movie...
I saw them on this tour and you're right, it was awesome.
This is my favorite song from them and that's hard to say considering many of their other greats. The feeling it gives me is just bliss. I get social anxiety, and being a loner individual, this song hits hard and makes me feel like I'm not the only human who forgets to live and feel. It makes me feel like it's about someone who finally lets go and discovers their true self. Learning more about how to let your soul feel free. That's all that matters.
Welcome to the David Gilmour side of PINK FLOYD. Oh by the way, just in case you didn’t know, PINK FLOYD IS THEE GREATEST BAND EVER !!!!!
Nah. Great tho
@@evanboardman08 yes
I absolutely love Pink Floyd and this song has my favorite Pink Floyd lyrics, “there’s no sensation to compare with this, suspended animation state of bliss”. Beautiful!
I love the official video together with the atmosphere of the song. Widens my heart.
My favorite part of this song is where he says "Across the clouds I see my shadow fly, Out of the corner of my watering eye". I have about 70 skydives under my belt and on one of them I was rapidly approaching some clouds and the sun was behind me at such a perfect angle that my shadow was projected onto the cloud as I flew through it! I think of that jump every time I hear this song!
This cassette was always in my Sony Walkman and listened when riding my sport bike.
Surprisingly this came out when I was actually learning to fly in the Army.
....
"Tongue tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit (am) I " ... I've quoted this thousands of times!!!
"There is nothing that compares with this! Suspended animation, a state of bliss!" For me personally, I always interpreted this song as about a spiritual journey, about a state of prayer. The song's greatness lies in its ability to be understood in whatever way the listener needs to hear it. Great reaction to a great song!
I thought it was about him learning to be a pilot
@@mem1701movies it is but this person interprets the lyrics the way described.
@@mem1701movies There is that! :-)
I think it's literally about that beautiful feeling of flying and how it would feel if we could do it naturally. Also, I believe there are many moments in our lives when we felt so free like we were flying. Roller Skating, driving your car, bicycle, motorbike, a boat, you name it. It's that sensation of no constraints. It's just you and the elements.
Every Pink Floyd song is epic. Their music has a huge feel to it. Loved this band since the early 70's.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the rich sound of synthesizers and shovels scoop the couple right up and conjure up the mystery that lies in this newer 80,s sound of Pink Floyd. Astroprojection comes to mind for Brad as he does a very low key "side to side sway" while Lex is open to the idea exhibiting a mild "sway ponder bop".
Like most Pink Floyd songs it is about whatever it means to you at the time. For me it is about taking on some new experience in life that you are unsure of where it may go. When you talked about it being music from a long time ago, I thought, this isn't that old, it doesn't seem that it was that long ago that it came out, after checking I realized that it is already 35 years old.
crazy, no doubt. to me, this is one of the newer floyd songs. nuts that it's 35 yrs old already.
The lyrics describe 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,
I seen Pink Floyd on the Pulse tour and it's still my favorite concert. Rock on Brad & Lex
The song famously reflects two aspects: the love for flying of David Gilmour (singer and guitarist) that was taking flying lessons at that time, and, at a metaphorical level, the particular moment in which he was called to assume the leadership of the band after the departure of the bassist and songwriter Roger Waters, two years earlier. In both senses, he was "learning to fly".
Anyway, the subtle growl you can hear right at the end of the song is the connection with the subsequent song, called "The Dogs of War".
David Gilmour was actually learning to fly when he wrote this song. He turned out to be a pretty good pilot.
Pink Floydis all atmosphere and should be heard from beginning to end on their albums, learning to fly, to be able to think on your own to be the misfit...I
I was in 6th grade when this came out, living in my grandmother’s basement. This was the first Pink Floyd album without Roger Waters (bass player and handled the majority of the vocals up through “The Wall”).
This song really needs to be listened to with the official video.
Totally different vibe.
Factssss
this is the first Pink Floyd Song I ever heard and I was enchanted. I was In love.
this song is about 2 things at once, ONE literally learning to fly a plane the lead singer was a pilot. TWO, this was the 1st CD with Pink Floyd as the singer after Roger Waters left the band. It is he learning how to navigate going from just a singer to a singer in a giant band like Pink Floyd, it is like learning to walk all over again after you thought you knew how to do it
Are you renaming David Gilmore Pink Floyd? The band is Pink Floyd, not a member. David Gilmore is the singer.
David Gilmour had been in Pink Floyd for 20 years when this album came out. I think what you were alluding to is Gilmour was now in control of the band instead of Roger Waters who had departed. I definitely agree the song is literally about learning to fly and learning how to steer this bohemoth of a band, Pink Floyd.
Oh and by the way, which one is Pink?
Just a quibble..."the lead singer IS a pilot"...I haven't piloted a plane in over 30 years and I am, still, a pilot. Like a bicycle, so to speak.
This song came out in my senior year of highschool. At that time, I was taking flying lessons and eventually got my pilot's license when I turned 19. This song has very special meaning to me for that.
On the surface, it's about loving to fly - the lead singer is a pilot himself and loves to fly.
Metaphorically I always took the song as beyond physical flight - transcended astral projection or out of body experience.
I think Brad hit it on the head
Great song and great reaction, as always - my favorite song from this album is "One Slip", especially the awesome line "was it love, or was it the idea of being in love"
It's literally about learning to fly an airplane.
"Into the distance a ribbon of black" That's a runway.
You guys are trying to go too deep here.
It's just about learning to fly, a glorious experience in itself.
there are deeper themes and double meanings, id say its more about the general beauty, desire and fascination of flight and space exploration
To me it’s about death and experiencing the mythic images of what we perceive death to be.
Very true
People read the lyrics and listen to the song with the front part of their heads. But very few just let themselves go and submerge into the piece. If you feel the song, you'd understand that he wanted to describe the feeling of flying. I think it's sad people get so obsessed with understanding lyrics that they endup missing the whole point of a masterpiece. This is a song that, without lyrics, would give you the same meaning. The lyrics are just an excuse. It's the sound that matters.
I can still remember seeing Pink Floyd for this tour and while they were playing this song I looked over to my right and my friend was sitting in his chair sound asleep. They were playing the new stuff the first half so we let him sleep, woke him up for the hits. Tongue tied and twisted just a sad sleeping misfit, learning to snooze. Oh well, and that's the way it was.
Has always been one of my favorite Pink Floyd songs!
Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason took flying lessons hence Learning to Fly the background sounds are actually Nick on talking/communicating over his headset.
Nick Mason
Nick Mason has been an airplane pilot for 30 years at this point. He flew fixed wing planes for 12 years before moving on to flying helicopters. He and his band mate, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd front man), both share their devotion to aircrafts. Gilmour actually had his own aviation company, Intrepid Aviation.
"tongue-tied and twisted, just an earthbound misfit, I" one of my all time favorite lines,
You must listen to Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” the live at Pompeii version. You’ll love it especially when the funk kicks in halfway through!
At the end of this tune, you could hear the snarling and growling of 'The Dogs of War', which is the song to follow this one on the album and SHOULD warrant your listening to. 😉 You won't be disappointed, I promise.
I agree.
meh
Awesome song glad someone suggested it my favorite pink Floyd song just close your eyes and lay back and chill
Man, this takes me back to high school, late night drives with friends while this song blasting.
It's pretty much just about learning to fly as in piloting airplanes. David Gilmour and Nick Mason became licensed pilots when A Momentary Lapse of Reason came out.
It’s about flying and the joy it brings you the Pilot.
This song must be experienced live. I recommend the Delicate Sound of Thunder version, but Pink Floyd live doesn’t disappoint.
Lex it’s beautiful to watch you learned to trust David’s solos and just grove in them! He never fails us 🌻
Shine on a crazy diamond must watch. From Pink floyd one of the hits
The caught in the box and trapped in a system song writer was no longer in the band by this point. The existentialism and wish I was still a kid writer was still in the band. David Gilmour says it’s literally a song about learning to fly his airplane.
IMHO the most underrated Floyd song. It's so good but most people don't really know it. The music video for it is one of the top 10 of all time as well.
Another great Floyd tune to just sit back and absorb.
Great genuine reaction as usual.. been watchin' u for awhile now.. I really appreciate and enjoy u guys thanks :)
Now do "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty. Totally 100% different song, same title. Completely a classic, must-hear.
Learn to Fly by the Foo Fighters. So many rockers learned to fly lol
@@futurereflections4097 Nirvana and the Heartbreakers are all Sound City alumni, makes sense
Also always remembered their age; they were born during/after The Blitz and grew up with WWII veterans. The song is just full of of actual terminilogy to support the metaphor ("unladen, empty", "wing and a prayer").
It's a long track but consider doing the song 'Dogs'. It is Pink Floyd at their most magical.
Yes, and "Pigs"
Dogs...Good call my friend
I like Dogs, but I still prefer Sheep.
@@mickeygoh25 That intro...
In the live version of the song it shows on the screen shows David Gilmore with his plane. He was actually learning to fly when the song was written. The drummer, Nick Mason, is also a pilot. His voice is the voice you hear in the middle of the song.
"On the Turning Away" has to be my favorite Pink Floyd song. You should check it out. Very meaningful. ❤️
I seen them live for this tour. My ears rang for about 3 days after lol. Glad to be able to cross that off my bucket list.
This is my favorite Pink Floyd song of all times
I was Marine stationed on an aircraft carrier when this came out. I had music mag subscriptions and read about the new album. Had my wife mail me the CD as soon as it came out. Made the long weary days more bearable.
1st Pink Floyd concert I ever went to, my mom drove me, and my best friend to the LA Coliseum, we thought there would be an opening act first, then we heard the intro to Shine on you Crazy Diamond, got out of the car, and ran the rest of the way, April 1988
Literally about the awe and wonder he felt when piloting an aircraft in the sky....the title tells you what it's about: Learning to fly. Artist tap into their sensory emotions when relating real life experiences....
After all these years, David Gilmour's little chuk-a-chuk on the guitar at 5:09 still gives me chills.
this song is full of them...
You knew the band was good when they were a 60's/70's band and not only adapted well to the overproduction of the 80's and very early 90's but put put out some of their best, most innovative stuff in that era.
One of the best songs ever by FLOYD!!!! Try the live album “delicate sound of thunder” for the live version. SOOOO GOOOD!!!
Pink Floyd is one of those transcendent bands. Floyd of the 70's is very different from Floyd of the late 80's. And yes, he's talking about micro-dosing. :)
Acid?
@@edferd100 Acid or Shrooms. Seeing your 'shadow on the clouds' was something Albert Hofmann would mentioned about his experiences using LSD.
Not sure where you got that from. Outside of Syd early on, the band had little to do with drugs, and virtually none of their material is about drug use.
@@hihoktf Syd Barrett never touched the stuff, right? Pretty sure they called him the 'King of Acid'. And I'm sure they never did any coke in the 70's and 80's. I didn't claim they were a band of Keith Richards, so take it easy.
@@jacoblaughbon3323 My comment was that Syd was into drugs. And I didn't say other band members were completely free of drugs. What I did say was that Pink Floyd generally didn't write about drugs. And this song was not about micro-dosing as your original comment claimed.
also recommend listening to some of Pink Floyd’s earlier hits “Astronomy domine” “Arnold Layne” & “See Emily play” are all classics 🎸
This is the first song/album Pink Floyd made after Waters left. This song is about Gilmour “learning to fly” in the band by himself.
One of my favorite Pink Floyd songs :)
David's guitar work is masterful.
The song is about being young and learning all of these new things suddenly when you’re coming of age and reaching into adulthood. Going on your own with no clue. Then it reaches to being to the time where you’re free and stable. Able to look back and enjoy the hard times behind and the stability ahead
A good tune about learning to fly an aircraft. Listen to chatter mid song. He’s going through a standard pre-flight check list eg: “strobes on” (the strobe lights you see flashing in the night sky : )
Learning to fly. This song is exhilarating. Beautiful. The video is as beautiful as the song.
"One Slip" from this album is also great.
Pink Floyd never disappoints just one of the best bands of all time
love this song. actually the whole CD
"A dream unthreatened by the morning light" = Make your dream strong, don't give it up. "Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night." = Shatter your limitations.
Love your reviews Brad and Lex. Here are some suggestions "She Blinded Me With Science" Thomas Dolby (1982), "Down Under" Men At Work (1982), "You Better Run" Pink Floyd (1979), "Pop Muzik" M (1979), "Dream Police" Cheap Trick (1979) - Keep up the good work and fun content!
Love this song ty for reacting to it .
My favorite Pink Flyod album. This song came out near the same time that Gregory (Pappy) Boyington commander of the Black Sheep squadron off WW2 dyed. Always associate this song with his passing.
You need to hear , On the turning away and Yet another move. Two more great songs on this album.
Pink Floyd are the engineers of music!
It could absolutely be about the uprootedness fear and wonder about asking a girl (or boy) you like for a dance. Or about any situation we're suddenly feeling untethered about. Or about actually flying. That's poetry for you. All three for some, none for others.
David learned to fly. He loved it so much he would be out flying instead of being at the studio recording.
And I also like to say that Pink Floyd is the greatest thing to ever happen in music.
My great uncle Buford Jones who is a world famous sound engineer worked on this album plus a live album they did after this album came out
Just wanted to say I love 💕 your reactions. Your channel is one of my favorites 🙂
Gotta love the growling at the end where the track leads into Dogs of War.
I like your interpretation better than the reality and this is an all-time favorite. Lex: they were doing astral projection type things in ancient Egypt. I was into it as a teen in the 90's (and now) but there's a loooooong history of psychic exploration.