This song is about growing through failure. Similar in spirit to what Adam Savage of MythBusters has said about “embracing failure.” In the fine tradition of these sorts of challenges, I didn’t really have an idea so I took an existing one (hopefully it’s obvious, “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and used that as the basis for something new. Similar to “Uncomfortably Numb” by American Football in terms of execution (but not in terms of sound).
I wanted to do something in a minor key and almost got there, settling on the Dorian mode because that little tiny extra lift in the raised sixth (as compared to natural minor / Aeolian) fit the mood of the song better. For this one I also wanted to do a bit of multi-tracking, but I probably took it too far as the recording process extended a few minutes past midnight. I don’t consider this a cheat because the song itself was written well before 12 a.m. came around. This one was recorded in my home studio, with acoustic guitar, electric bass, claves, tamborine, a shaker, a electric guitar solo, and some harmony vocals.
Lyrics
Stumbling, tripping, a new skinned knee
Bracing and tumbling, out of a tree
Every time, I plunge a little longer
Every time, I come out of it strongerI’m learning to fall
Right on top of my wings
Where getting back up
Is everythingThis is a lesson I’ve needed to learn
This is a a payout, I’m desperate to earn
Every time, I try to let it go
Every time, I glimpse what I didn’t knowI’m learning to fall
And endure the pain
‘Cause with every loss
There’s something to gainEvery time, the bones are mending thicker
Every time, the pain will fade quickerI’m learning to fall…