Mr. Mister’s “Broken Wings” Lyrics Meaning

On the surface Mr. Mister’s “Broken Wings” has an universally-inspiring message, encouraging the addressee to “learn to live” and “love so free”. And accordingly people may choose to apply it in different ways (such as on the soundtrack of the airplane-based movie Top Gun). 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Mr. Mister's Broken Wings at Lyrics.org.

However, what the track is referring to in particular is a troubled romance the singer is going through. And the titular “broken wings” seems to actually reference something tantamount to the broken hearts and dreams of him and his partner, with this emotional discontent being caused via their romance to each other. Thus when the singer states that she should “take these broken wings and learn to fly again”, he is actually referring to the two of them mending their relationship and regaining a carefree, loving spirit. This is made more evident in a succeeding line, where he states the desired result is that “the book of love will open up and let (them) in”.

So all things considered, this is actually a love song more than an exercise in positivity thinker. The sentiment that comes across the clearest via its lyrics is that the singer is deeply in love and appreciates his lady. In his appreciation of her, he even goes as far as referring to her as “half of the flesh and blood that makes (him) whole”. But he is in fear that their relationship may be coming to an end. And as such, he is entreating – you may even say begging – her to work with him towards the resolution of their discord in expectation that their romance will rekindle.

Lyrics of "Broken Wings"

Writing of “Broken Wings”

“Broken Wings” was written by two members of Mr. Mister (Steve George and Richard Page) along with songwriter John Lang.

Lang seems to be the one who actually originated it, as the title is based on him being inspired to pen the song by the early-20th century novel “The Broken Wings” by Khalil Gibran.

Though in recounting the writing of “Broken Wings”, Richard Page stated that the three of them created it concurrently at his house within a time span of 20 minutes.

Release Date of “Broken Wings” 

“Broken Wings” was released as the lead single from Mr. Mister’s second album, “Welcome to the Real World“, on 25 September 1985. FYI, the aforenamed album was also supported by international hit “Kyrie“.

Since then, “Broken Wings” has been featured on a number of compilation albums. It also made it onto the 2016 Deluxe Edition of the soundtrack to the movie Top Gun (1986).

A truly successful song

This classic happens to be one of the most-recognizable songs of the 1980s. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and also scored Mr. Mister a record-peak position of number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

It also reached number-one in Canada and broke the top 10 in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

 Sampled in Tupac’s “Until the End of Time”

This song was heavily sampled on one of Tupac Shakur’s posthumous singles entitled “Until the End of Time” (2001). As such the writers of “Broken Wings” are also credited on that song.

13 Responses

  1. Greg Gibson says:

    awesome song … still jammin to it in 2021

  2. Saundra Madden says:

    I have liked this so much that the whole time being the person that I am I’m doing all this humming long after it’s finished. My favorite parts are keyboard at the middle of each chorus and also the repetitive Guitar riff

  3. Jeffrey Jones says:

    This song brings back so many memories from the 1980s. It really gets to you about relationships if you listen to the words. A decade when love really meant something and people really tried to work out their problems. Great decade and a lot of good memories!!

  4. Christopher Gagliardi says:

    I recently listened to the song once again. And it has taken on a spiritual meaning more than ever before. I believe this song has an emotional level of a prayer in a sense when we cry out for help to God. Yes it does have significance when it comes to a relationship. But if you listen to the words a little bit more oh, you will find a significant meaning 2 the performers wording. Take the first part, take these broken wings and Learn to Fly again, it is like a prayer to God saying- Lord Heal My wound of the pain and trials I’ve endured in my life. The next line and when we hear the voices sing the book of love will open up and let us in, that says to me that once our prayer is heard it is the assurance of the Angels Divine guidance to bring their love and grace to all who asked for healing. I do believe that is the case of the songs meaning on a different angle. If it is wrong I will understand. But if you think I’m not wrong, please say so.

    • Kat Rose says:

      I agree. To me it has also a spiritiual meaning. “The voices singing” I think it’s reffering to angels singing in heaven, It also mentions the book of love which reminds me of the Bible and the book of life which God records the names of every person who is destined for Heaven.

  5. Sublime says:

    me interprets are the fallen Angels when they saw the daughters of men and because they mingle with the daughters of men there are trapped in this world and they can’t I go back into their original origins

  6. Jeanette says:

    This song has been my earworm for about a week now. I have always loved it…was 30 when it was released. But, in 2020, I lost my husband of 46 years suddenly and I just fell apart, physically and emotionally. Then last August, I had 2 strokes. I have fought hard to regain my strength and health since then. I feel as if this song is telling me that I have to go on…I have to become a new ME…one who has lost their soul mate, the love of my life. I have to spread my wings and now become that different but better person.

    • Cyn says:

      Jeanette, so very sorry for your loss. I feel your pain – my long-time man and recent fiance’ just passed away last September . . . I had a heart attack because of the shock. Hang in there – you will get stronger, even tho life will always have a “hole” where he used to be

  7. RhoEpsXi says:

    Hang in there too Cyn!,
    There will come a time that you will be Heald, and have wings and fly again!!!

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