Learn to Fly

by Foo Fighters

What is “Learn to Fly” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

Foo Fighters' 'Learn to Fly' is a heartfelt cry for help and a declaration of a desire to rise above current struggles towards something better and brighter.

So… what’s this song really about?

In 'Learn to Fly', Foo Fighters encapsulate a longing for transformation, driven by a profound wish to escape the grievances of current life. The song's protagonist appears to be searching not just for relief, but for a radical change — likening the process to learning how to fly. This transformation is seen as a means to return 'home', a metaphor for peace or perhaps rediscovery of self which has been lost or burdened by worldly complications and the wearying nature of life's relentless challenges. The recurring mentions of the sky saving him, looking for signs of life, and yearning to 'burn out bright' suggest an intense internal battle with feeling stuck or uninspired. This song resonates with those feeling confined by their regular patterns and who harbor a longing to break free, embracing a more luminous and liberated version of themselves. It's about the struggle between staying grounded and the desire to escape, to reach heights (both psychological and emotional) that feel nearly impossible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What album is 'Learn to Fly' from?
It's from the Foo Fighters' third studio album, 'There Is Nothing Left to Lose', released in 1999.

Q: Has 'Learn to Fly' won any notable awards?
Yes, 'Learn to Fly' won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2001.

Lyrics to “Learn to Fly”

49 ContributorsLearn to Fly Lyrics
[Chorus]
I'm lookin' to the sky to save me, I'm lookin' for a sign of life
Lookin' for something to help me burn out bright
I'm lookin' for a complication, lookin' 'cause I'm tired of tryin'
Make my way back home when I learn to
Lookin' to the sky to save me, I'm lookin' for a sign of life
Lookin' for something to help me burn out bright
I'm lookin' for a complication, lookin' 'cause I'm tired of tryin'
Make my way back home when I learn to fly high
Make my way back home when I learn to fly
Make my way back home when I learn to…