Given To Fly

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ForceofNature101
ForceofNature101 Posts: 1,295
edited October 2010 in Words and Music...Communication
This has probably been discussed a lot of different times, but I have been listening to this song a lot lately and feel like discussing it's meaning.

Many people say that the song has a religious meaning, telling the story of Jesus Christ and how even though he was struck down, he still stands - and the love that people give him is the token in order to be 'saved'

I am not religious, so I always interpreted it as a man who was in a very depressing moment in his life. But he had an epiphany that he was free and able to live life the way he wanted to (ie flying). That epiphany either came from visiting the ocean and being inspired by the water and free-spirit nature, or the beach was just a metaphor for his sudden realization. And now, even though he has been 'pushed down', he is able to rise above it all and "soar"

How do you interpret the song?
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Newch91
    Newch91 Posts: 17,560
    I see it as someone who once was high on life and then they were taken down by something that gave that person a big setback in their life. No one believes this person has the will to be back to the same person he once was before. He starts making his come back to be the person he once was by his guardian angel and his guardian angel helps him. And then the third verse:

    "He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share
    His key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere
    But first he was stripped and then he was stabbed
    By faceless men, well, fuckers
    He still stands"

    This man is happy to be back to the way he was and then it looks like another setback is going to bring him back down, but the man "still stands".

    That's what I think the song is about.

    Dammit Eddie, why are you so great with words? This is what makes you one of my favorite songwriters. Thank you for great lyrics over the years. I've loved "Given to Fly" since I first heard it. Thank you for this great song.
    Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
    "Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
  • ForceofNature101
    ForceofNature101 Posts: 1,295
    Thats a great interpretation as well


    Given to Fly is one of of those songs that makes you feel like you are on the top of the world and nothing can pull you down :)
  • Newch91
    Newch91 Posts: 17,560
    Thank you.
    Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
    "Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
  • aroundth3bend
    aroundth3bend Posts: 61
    edited October 2010
    eddie vedder said it's about rising above what anyone says or thinks about you and still giving your love anyway.
    Post edited by aroundth3bend on
    a wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw. delivered him wings, 'hey look at me now!'
  • thefixer9
    thefixer9 Posts: 9,376
    I love this song!!!
    Tres Mts- 3/16/2011
    Eddie Vedder- 7/16/11
    Brad- 4/21/12 (RSD Performance), 4/27/12, 8/10/12
    Flight To Mars- 5/23/12
    RNDM- 11/27/12

    PEARL JAM- 12/6/13 I have finally seen Pearl Jam live!
  • Given to McFly
    Given to McFly Posts: 6
    thefixer9 wrote:
    I love this song!!!

    Ditto!
    2006: Cleveland 5/23, Pittsburgh 6/23
    2010: Cleveland, 5/9
    2013: Pittsburgh 10/11
    2018: Seattle 8/10
    2024: NYC 9/3
    2025: Pittsburgh 5/16
  • DN53738
    DN53738 Posts: 18
    Have you ever read the book the Invisible Man? This song reminds me of that book.
  • thefixer9
    thefixer9 Posts: 9,376
    DN53738 wrote:
    Have you ever read the book the Invisible Man? This song reminds me of that book.

    The one by H.G Wells?
    Tres Mts- 3/16/2011
    Eddie Vedder- 7/16/11
    Brad- 4/21/12 (RSD Performance), 4/27/12, 8/10/12
    Flight To Mars- 5/23/12
    RNDM- 11/27/12

    PEARL JAM- 12/6/13 I have finally seen Pearl Jam live!
  • DN53738
    DN53738 Posts: 18
    thefixer9 wrote:
    DN53738 wrote:
    Have you ever read the book the Invisible Man? This song reminds me of that book.

    The one by H.G Wells?

    No, the one by Ralph Ellison. It is an amazing book.

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