Released in September 1987 – with “Terminal Frost” on the B-side – as the lead single from the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, “Learning to Fly” marked a pivotal moment for Pink Floyd. It was the band’s first major single after the departure of founding member Roger Waters, and it symbolized a fresh chapter led by David Gilmour, who took creative control.
Musically, the track blends classic Floydian atmosphere with a more contemporary, polished rock production, incorporating layered synthesizers, steady drum machine rhythms, and Gilmour’s unmistakable guitar work. While it retains the dreamy, expansive feel of earlier Floyd, it also embraces a more direct, radio-friendly structure, reflecting the sound of the late ’80s.
“Learning to Fly” operates on both literal and metaphorical levels. Gilmour, a licensed pilot, drew inspiration from his experiences in the air—but the song also represents his journey of stepping into leadership within the band. The accompanying music video, directed by Storm Thorgerson, furthers the dreamlike tone, combining imagery of flight, nature, and surreal landscapes, capturing the sense of both escape and transcendence. The video, filmed in Alberta, Canada, won the band its only MTV Video Music Award for “Best Concept Video” in 1988.
“Learning to Fly” was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart in the United States, and became a staple of Pink Floyd’s live shows during the Momentary Lapse of Reason and Division Bell tours. Though it emerged in a time of internal change and controversy—especially over the legal battle with Waters over the use of the Pink Floyd name—the song ultimately helped re-establish the band’s identity for a new generation.
Today, “Learning to Fly” stands as a powerful metaphor for artistic rebirth. It’s a soaring, introspective track that captures Pink Floyd’s enduring ability to evolve while remaining emotionally and musically resonant.