Learning to Fly (Live 2006)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to soar with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Learning to Fly (Live 2006)" by Tom Petty from the Acoustic album! This track, originally from 1991’s Into the Great Wide Open, was penned by Petty and his Traveling Wilburys bandmate Jeff Lynne. Inspired by a pilot’s comment that “coming down is the hardest part,” Petty crafted a song that’s less about aviation and more about life’s journey, resilience, and navigating challenges. In a 2005 interview with Paul Zollo, Petty shared that the song’s hopeful vibe resonated deeply, with fans sending letters about how it inspired them through personal struggles. He noted its simplicity—just four chords (F, C, A minor, G)—gives it a universal, sing-along quality, especially live, where audiences often took over the chorus.

The song’s creation was also shaped by the Gulf War’s imagery in 1991, with Petty recalling oil wells ablaze and melting stone, evoking lyrics like “the sea may burn” and “the rocks may melt.” A fan on Songfacts pointed out Petty’s knack for double meanings, blending political undertones with personal redemption. The music video, directed by Julien Temple, captures this spirit, following a boy’s coming-of-age moments, symbolizing growth and earning one’s “wings.” After Petty’s passing in 2017, Bob Dylan paid tribute by covering it live in Colorado, a performance critic Jack Whatley called one of the best Petty covers ever.

Tom Petty, born October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida, kicked off his musical journey as a kid obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll. A pivotal moment came at age 10 when he met Elvis Presley on the set of Follow That Dream in 1961, an encounter that left him awestruck by Elvis’s larger-than-life presence. By his teens, the Beatles sparked his dream of a self-contained band, leading him to pick up a guitar and form Mudcrutch while still in high school. Skipping his graduation to play a gig, Petty’s dedication was clear. Mudcrutch moved to Los Angeles in 1974, signing with Shelter Records, but their single “Depot Street” flopped, and the band split.

Undeterred, Petty regrouped with Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench to form Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976. Their self-titled debut, with hits like “American Girl” and “Breakdown,” initially gained traction in the UK before breaking through in the US. Petty’s raw, rootsy sound—blending rock, country, and blues—set him apart, and his refusal to ditch his band for a solo deal showed his loyalty. Over four decades, he sold over 80 million records, earning a 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year honor for his philanthropy.

Connect with Tom Petty’s legacy at his official website, where you’ll find music, news, and merch. Follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Petty Rewind for detailed bios and stories or join the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group to share memories with fellow Zoo Freaks. Keep flying high with the Zoo Crew!