“Broken Wings” is a powerful and introspective song by American rock band Mr. Mister, released in June 1985 with “Uniform of Youth” on the B-side as the lead single from their second album, Welcome to the Real World. Known for its atmospheric sound, haunting lyrics, and captivating melody, “Broken Wings” became a signature hit for the band and one of the most memorable tracks of the 1980s.
Mr. Mister was formed in 1982 and was composed of Richard Page (vocals and bass), Steve George (keyboards), Steve Farris (guitar), and Pat Mastelotto (drums). The band leaned towards a sophisticated pop-rock sound that incorporated elements of new wave and progressive rock, and their second album, Welcome to the Real World, marked their breakthrough. “Broken Wings” became their most recognizable song and helped push the album to platinum status.
“Broken Wings” was co-written by Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang, a longtime collaborator with the band. It was inspired, in part, by Kahlil Gibran’s poem collection, The Broken Wings, which speaks about love, loss, and healing.
“Broken Wings” deals with themes of love, redemption, and emotional recovery. The lyrics are metaphorical, with Page singing about mending broken wings to fly again. This theme of healing from heartbreak or personal struggles resonated strongly with listeners and helped the song’s popularity soar. The song’s production is both polished and atmospheric, with its synthesizer layers, haunting guitar riffs, and steady drum machine rhythm creating a dream-like quality. Steve Farris’s guitar solo gives the track a unique edge, blending well with Steve George’s synthesizers to build an ambient, reflective soundscape. The song’s bridge also stands out, as it builds toward a cathartic release in the chorus, reinforcing the theme of overcoming emotional burdens.
“Broken Wings” became a massive hit for Mr. Mister, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and on Canada Top Singles chart. It received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and sophisticated production, with many fans and critics praising it as one of the defining power ballads of the 1980s.
Today, “Broken Wings” continues to be celebrated as an enduring anthem of resilience and introspection, and it remains a testament to Mr. Mister’s ability to create music that connects deeply with listeners on an emotional level.