TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - LEARNING TO FLY

Released: June 17, 1991

Charted:  UK: #46  US: #28 

"Learning to Fly" is a standout track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "Into the Great Wide Open" released in 1991. Co-written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, the song soared to success, reaching the top of the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it debuted at number 65 on the Singles Chart, climbing to number 46 before exiting the top 75 after two weeks.

Many mistakenly interpret this song as being about drugs, but its origins lie in a TV interview with a pilot who spoke of the challenges of landing. Tom Petty drew inspiration from political events, like the Gulf War, and the dynamics within the band. "Learning to Fly" reflects a redemptive theme, subtly addressing personal and societal challenges.

Julien Temple, known for directing Petty's "Free Fallin'," helmed the video for "Learning to Fly." The visual narrative portrays a young boy navigating pivotal moments of adolescence, symbolically earning his wings along the journey.

The live rendition of the song features on Bose's playlist for tuning car audio systems. Bose's acoustical engineer, Mark Armitage, clarified to Car And Driver that the audience's collective singing, coupled with Petty's voice fading out, creates a profound sense of the venue's magnitude, enhancing the auditory experience when the system is finely calibrated.

On October 21, 2017, Bob Dylan paid tribute to Tom Petty by performing "Learning to Fly" at the First Bank Center. Dylan, expressing his grief to Rolling Stone, described Petty as a remarkable performer and a cherished friend, highlighting their collaboration in the Traveling Wilburys.