The Meaning Behind The Song: Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
In 1985, Mr. Mister released their hit single, “Broken Wings”. The song quickly became a chart-topping hit around the world, and it has remained a popular song today. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Tupac and Christina Aguilera. But what is the meaning behind the song?
Background of Mr. Mister
Mr. Mister was an American pop rock band formed in the 1980s. The band consisted of lead vocalist and bassist Richard Page, keyboardist Steve George, guitarist Steve Farris, and drummer Pat Mastelotto. The band rose to fame in the mid-1980s, and they had numerous hit singles including “Broken Wings”, “Kyrie”, and “Is It Love”. They won two Grammy Awards for their album “Welcome to the Real World”.
The Lyrics of “Broken Wings”
The lyrics of “Broken Wings” are emotional and poetic. The song opens with the lines “Baby, don’t understand / Why we can’t just hold on to each other’s hands”. These lines describe a relationship that is falling apart. The next lines are “This time might be the last, I fear / Unless I make it all too clear / I need you so, oh, take these broken wings / And learn to fly again, learn to live so free”. These lines express a desperate plea for the other person to stay in the relationship. The metaphor of “broken wings” represents the feeling of being unable to fly and move forward without the other person.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most famous part and goes “Take these broken wings / And learn to fly again / And learn to live so free / And when we hear the voices sing / The book of love will open up / And let us in”. These lines are uplifting and hopeful. They suggest that even though the relationship may be broken now, it is possible to mend it again and start anew. The reference to the “book of love” opening up suggests a new beginning and a fresh start.
The Inspiration Behind “Broken Wings”
Richard Page, the lead singer of Mr. Mister, wrote the song with the help of his bandmates Steve George and John Lang. In an interview Page gave to Songfacts, he revealed that the inspiration for the song came from a conversation he had with his wife. She told him that she was feeling trapped in their marriage, and that she needed some time alone to figure things out. Page was devastated, but he realized that he needed to let her go and let her fly on her own. This experience inspired him to write the song.
The Impact of “Broken Wings”
“Broken Wings” was a huge hit for Mr. Mister. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the UK Singles Chart. The song also charted in numerous other countries. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tupac, Christina Aguilera, and Atomic Kitten. The song has also been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including the movie “Napoleon Dynamite” and the TV show “Breaking Bad”.
The Legacy of “Broken Wings”
“Broken Wings” remains a popular song today, 35 years after its initial release. Its message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity is timeless, and it resonates with listeners to this day. The song is often included on “best of the 80s” playlists and is considered one of the greatest songs of the decade. Richard Page has said that the song has taken on a life of its own and that its meaning has evolved over time. He has said that people have told him that the song has helped them through difficult times in their lives, and that it has given them hope when they needed it most.
In conclusion, “Broken Wings” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts and minds of millions of listeners around the world. Its message of hope and perseverance is a reminder that even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way forward. Its impact on pop culture is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
