Tom Petty. American singer. ‘I’m Learning to Fly, but I Ain’t got Wings.’ Oh Yes.

I experienced a lovely reminder of experience without choice in December 2021. A song of the late Tom Petty (October 1950 – October 2017), an American singer and songwriter resonated deeply. I did not experience a choice for it to resonate deeply.

I had not even heard of Tom Petty. Initially, I took little notice of the lyrics.

I listened to Tom Petty sing Learning to Fly. Loved it. It is mid-February 2022. I still get a buzz listening to it. I don’t choose to have this buzz that sparks energy and movement.

As a regular to the Church of Gymism in Totnes for the past 12 years, I often listen to music or audio books while lifting the weights to Heaven and back down to Earth. I listen mostly to rock music offering enjoyment to the soul while breathing in and out to keep harmony with the weights.

Unexpectedly, the song touched a deep accord triggering a delight every time it comes on while listening on Spotify or the MP3 player.

I took notice of the lyrics

I have been flying to three or four continents every year since 1977 as a servant of the Dharma. In 2020, I decided to reduce the international travel and Zoom around the world instead, except for visits to Germany.

I wondered how I would respond to ending most of my travelling lifestyle since my teens and my overland trip to India in my early 20s.

No problem. Love extended times at home.

As Tom sings:

What goes up must down.

I am learning to fly without the wings

I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings

Coming down is the hardest thing

Tom Petty sings Learning to Fly (1991)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5BJXwNeKsQ

Learning to Fly

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)

We are learning to fly but we ain’t got wings.

A beautiful statement for humanity to remember

Thank you, Tom.

You might also have a song or piece of music that stays with you for quite a while. Then it changes. We move on.

We are learning to fly but we ain’t got wings.

Oh yes.

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