He could've tuned in, tuned in
But he tuned out
A bad time nothing could save him
Alone in a corridor waiting locked out
He got up outta there ran for hundreds of miles
He made it to the ocean, had a smoke in a tree
The wind rose up set him down on his knee

A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw
Delivered him wings "hey look at me now"
Arms wide open with the sea as his floor
Oh power oh

He's flying
Whole, high wide, oh

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

And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved
And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
A human being that was given to fly

Flying
Oh, oh
High flying
Oh, oh
He's flying
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh


Lyrics submitted by Trent, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Given to Fly Lyrics as written by Mike Mccready Eddie Vedder

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Given to Fly song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

107 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +2
    General Comment

    All of these interpretations are great. The one that I have stems from a PJ concert in Tampa, FL. in 2008. Before Eddie sung this song he talked about growing up in Chicago and going to see the Cubs with his uncle. He said his uncle pointed out an outfielder who played for the Cubs at the time who was going blind. Ed was amazed and that hispanic player became his favorite player. Ironically the former player was in the crowd that night and Ed pointed him out. The place went crazy and then Ed said, this next song is for you! His name was Jose Cardinel (sp.?). The guitars came in hard for the beginning of Given to Fly, and before the 1st verse, Ed screams THIS IS FOR MY HERO. So regardless of who this song may be in reference to, Eddie, Jesus, etc., the song I think is supposed to be a positive song, with a message of hope....overcoming obstacles in life. Ed had so much admiration for Jose and related it to this song. Cubs suck by the way.........

    Corduroyboyon January 08, 2009   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
Magical
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.