Fear of Flying

Song Meaning

Suzy Bogguss’s "Fear of Flying" isn't about aviation; it's a plea to the romantically wounded. The song meaning revolves around coaxing a hesitant lover past the scars of past heartbreak and into the possibility of a new, soaring connection. The initial verses paint a picture of someone grounded by a previous fall, shot "right out of the sky." Bogguss positions herself as the antidote to this fear, promising new heights and experiences, urging her beloved to "walk on air." The core message resides in the chorus: "The further you fall, the higher you'll go." This isn't just saccharine optimism; it's a recognition that vulnerability, even the risk of pain, is essential for profound emotional growth. The lyrics suggest that overcoming the "fear of flying" – the fear of loving again – requires a surrender of control. The repeated assurances of safety ("You'll be safe as you can be / I ain't lying") aim to create a secure space for this leap of faith. Bogguss employs classic romantic imagery – "cloud nine," "seventh heaven," "angel in your eyes" – to underscore the transformative potential of love. The lyrical outro, with its desperate repetition of "Drop your fear of flying / I won't leave you crying," reveals the depth of the singer's commitment. It’s a raw, almost pleading invitation to trust, to let go of the past, and to embrace the exhilarating, and terrifying, possibility of taking flight once more. The song, at its heart, is a tender encouragement to embrace vulnerability in the pursuit of profound connection.