🎵 Mr. Mister - Broken Wings REACTION

[@DavidLender]

I always took it as metaphorical. 'Broken wings' are his bad emotional and relationship experiences. He's asking the other person to take all that and help him love again. 'Half of the flesh and blood that make me whole' sounds to me like he's saying that they are his other half and without them he won't feel whole.

[@kevinsattler6603]

Nailed it 👌

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

Yes.

[@brenthowell6148]

True Dat!♥️👍

[@CaptWalker]

Well i'm thinking this whole flesh and blood or "better half" kind of ideology is probably not around that much anymore, if at all? And am almost certain most millennials are pretty clueless as to just what it is referring to, as an analogy for a deep relationship. Which to me is very strange since the first time i heard this was at age 15, and i almost instantly got the meaning of it...so what's the big mental block here??

[@lillianmaybriggs5358]

Metaphorical yes, but in my opinion he is asking HER to mend and learn to live and love again because he loves her.

[@johndalley1288]

This is such an ironic 80's hit. I have always love it. His vocals are out of this world.

[@fryke]

It's ironic that you meant to write iconic.

[@johndalley1288]

Lol don't you just love, thanks to spell. Oh well

[@kimberlinibambini1988]

Same! 💯

[@andreadeamon6419]

He wrote a lot of the sitcoms themes in the 80s. Richard page.

[@sjoekiloeki]

I think it's, in my opinion, one of the best songs ever made, for sure as far as concerned in the 80's!

[@BillGraper]

One of the greatest & most unique songs of the 80's. It hit #1, and was well deserved. 🙂

[@IntoTheWhite04]

Slight exaggeration but it's good.

[@EmpressAsuka6]

I love u Bill 💓

[@brenodiaz89]

@@IntoTheWhite04 man... the arragments are magical...

[@michaelakkerman407]

Please, please, please don't take every song literally. The best songwriters know how to input, install, shoot a needle into the vein of a song using METAPHORS. Sometimes try to understand the metaphor...p.s. you two are still the best reactors on you tube.

[@marcillioficino4663]

Exactly... most art is based on metaphor and symbol.

[@s.mcpherson6354]

These guys are much better than most. But when it comes to deciphering lyrics, I've never understood why any reactors feel the impulse to do something so often impossible. As you note, songs are written allegorically, symbolically, deeply personally etc. etc. The rare exception is when one is simple enough to understand at face value. Despite that reality, so many reactors invade their listening by trying to 'figure out' what the lyrics mean. That's brainpower that's invested in guessing, that could be invested in listening. That lyric game also turns reactions into a game show, where we're not watching them by present throughout, but instead we're waiting to see if they get an 'answer' right at the end, (when in a lot of cases there is no definitive answer to that question even from the songwriter). It's their reactions to the sounds and production elements that are original and true reactions. Those are theirs and immediate and the exist in contrast to what they are familiar with from their own era. But the guesses about meaning are guesses anyone of any era could make. And even if they guessed right, it tells me nothing about what they thought about the sounds or styles. What's interesting about reactors is seeing them meaningfully rub up against a different reality. But if they keep trying to filter that older sonic reality, through some modern filter that over-values lyrics, then I do believe brain science suggests that to focus on that, they must be missing out on some 'listenables' that I would likely have liked to hear their thoughts on.

[@Johnny_Socko]

My favorite reaction to anything ever was MR. VIDEO's reaction to this song. When Richard Page hit that first chorus, Leo got all emotional and shouted, "That [n-word] can SING!"

[@KevinSchmitt77]

@@s.mcpherson6354 "She's his baby momma" Brad, that is a very modern interpretation of what the song said. There is no reference to a baby in there. Stop trying so hard.

[@DavidMichaelCommer]

Also, between 1980 and 1990, Kate Bush was the only songwriter who thought about meaning beyond just ambiance. 😝

[@friendtostfrancis]

This classic pop song was inspired by a book the lyricist John Lang read called The Broken Wings, which was written by the Lebanese poet-philosopher Kahlil Gibran. The book, which was written in 1912, is a story of a love that is doomed by social convention. Its theme is echoed in this song: picking up the pieces of your life and moving on. There is a note of heartbreak, however, as the singer is asking the girl to spread her wings and fly away, hoping that love will bring her back.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*A book that every other college girl wanted me to read if I wanted to get into her "good graces."*

[@OronOfMontreal]

I did not know this. Thank you for mentioning it!

[@victorvisser403]

Broken Wings is probably one of the most heartbreaking books that I have ever read. Beautiful, but I definitely cried at the end. I crying now thinking about it. Today is August 27 2022. Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Today is her funeral. Cherish the ones you love and who love you while you can.

[@pauljansen1137]

Here we go...yet another great 80's song...can't have enough of those....suggestion: more Depeche Mode please!!!

[@Ralph-ny1ey]

Yes. "Policy of truth", "I'm taking a ride", "enjoy the silence."

[@pauljansen1137]

@@Ralph-ny1ey taking a ride as in "never let me down again"?

[@Ralph-ny1ey]

@@pauljansen1137 Yes. Whoops. Thanks for clarifying.

[@pauljansen1137]

@@Ralph-ny1ey 👍that's ok Ralph....after all....that's the catchy phrase starting this song, right?

[@Ralph-ny1ey]

@@pauljansen1137Their music could work today just as it did back then. Timeless and unique.

[@goldenruletv7301]

Just an incredible song...fantastic arrangement and killer vocals.

[@SRGots]

I miss 1985. What a fun year musically.

[@drew65sep]

Lol...the Bo n Hope, "Days of Our Lives" 80's soap opera song...It was the first show of three that we all used to watch in the dorm at college. Back in the days of black n white TV, rabbit ears, and only three channel reception (couldn't get cable TV in the dorm then). Our afternoon consisted of "Days of Our Lives," then "General Hospital," and "Santa Barbara." Lol....

[@Veyron1967]

That 40 seconds from 3:50 is 80s perfection. Such a well constructed song.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you’ll love their "Kyrie"!! (note: Kýrie, eléison means "Lord, have mercy" in Greek)

[@christikirk7265]

Thanks for the info...I did not know that about KYRIE...love to know the history behind the songs ! I know a lot of them but I fold...you are the master of music trivia! Keep posting your knowledge!

[@bminturn]

It's much cooler if you imagine that they're saying "Carry a laser".

[@oreally8605]

@@bminturn Not really

[@trishferris7355]

I knew it was something religious but your info was really cool. Thanks.

[@surlechapeau]

@@trishferris7355 you're welcome

[@krisa990]

No, guys,there is no vampires or bloodletting here ;) Its symbolism,about that he feels that his girl is part of his body and soul... Broken wings is also symbolism,to get back on ones feet and get back to feel love and be together again..

[@debbiedebster5806]

Oooh! Bloodletting by Concrete Blonde is a great idea!😉🎶✌

[@joebalusikiii5811]

@@debbiedebster5806 now THAT'S a vampire song! "Tomorrow, Wendy" would completely melt Brad's brain.

[@debbiedebster5806]

@@joebalusikiii5811 so much yes!!🦇

[@TracyfromNC]

That line, "Take These broken wings", has been used in many commercials. There was an ETrade commercial with a baby singing it. No vampire connections.

[@christopherayers4416]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp3UiIV3editmJI

[@karenglenn6707]

This is my generations music. I LOVE this song still, after so many years. There is a brilliant live version at the Ritz 1985 I think, sounds even better than the record!! Richards voice is just amazing!!

[@JP_IN_TX]

Absolutely.

[@dinholondres]

I love this song. I remember when the radios played it over and over again. Still sound great. No one can beat a good rock ballad from the 80’s…

[@musicaddict5076]

The mostly instrumental part starting at about 3:51 is my favorite part of the whole song. Such a nostalgic tune.

[@lena-mariaglouis-charles7036]

"Kyrie Eleison" (Greek for "Lord have mercy"...) by this band is a must watch & listen (VEVO video...), as well! The instrumental intro to "Kyrie Eleison" is also very unique and beautiful.

[@eviljeep]

For me, this song is the definition of the 80's 👌

[@dvdknight1]

Great classic from 1985! One of my all time favorites from the 80’s! Love you guys!

[@tonys2473]

One of my favorite songs of all time! Thanks for reacting to it!

[@lorimrasek7611]

Mr. Mister awe the memories, another band Mr. Big, To be with you, the vocals are outstanding.

[@kalkals1]

Pure emotion , pure 80's

[@randytorres8211]

Per Songfacts The line, "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" appears in The Beatles song "Blackbird." Paul McCartney and John Lennon both drew from the work of Kahlil Gibran, as the first two lines of The Beatles "Julia" came from Gibran's 1926 poem Sand And Foam: "Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you, Julia."

[@ianrobinson4200]

One of my guilty pleasures, just can't get enough of that menacing bassline in the verses

[@wauzers]

This song has been given me the chills since the 80s.

[@tee3135]

2Pac sampled the hell out of this song on "Until The End Of Time" with RL from the group Next. It was absolute 🔥

[@tubiviral9093]

Tupac himself never sampled it since he's not a producer and more importantly was long dead.

[@cdemp4795]

This song will forever remind me of taking my high school senior pictures. They were playing this song in the background 😊

[@Ralph-ny1ey]

Saw them in concert when I was 11 yrs old. The bangles opened for them. As far as 80's, I need more police...."king of pain", "so lonely", "canary in a coal mine", etc.

[@bustos1959]

The problem a lot of songs get block, its frustrating for reactioners.

[@bencool8239]

I like Motels...night ranger....lover boy....as far as 80s....

[@MrRezRising]

I just wrote the same thing. Saw the Bangles open for them in NYC, on the piers, west side. I was 15. The Bangles encore was Walk Like an Egyptian, with a pre-recorded drum track so Debbie could get out from behind her kit and dance with the others. Lotta spandex, that night. EDIT: It was Aug 4th, 1986, Pier 84. I was 16.

[@stormy7722]

Yes!! My fave band all time. Went to all of the Police picnics in Toronto when i was a kid.

[@jad4680]

the previous reactor hit the nail right on the head!!! lived with this song since i was 15 and am now 50 years old that is exactly what it is about!!!. ; )

[@shannanmuire]

Brad mentioned sirens! Yes! I used to get that too... A few light ones here and there throughout the song, then at the very end I get a fool-blown ambulance! I loved a lot of Mr. Mister's music as a kid. Great band!

[@BlackieNuff]

Broken wings = metaphor for a broken heart, maybe even a broken mind that comes from heartbreak or being hurt all the time. I always took this song to be about a guy who falls for a woman who has been hurt emotionally (maybe even physically) so many times that she cannot trust or love anymore, and he pleads with her to learn to love (fly) again. Maybe my take is not 100% accurate, but I am pretty sure it is NOT about vampires or bloodletting or anything crazy, lol. The 80s had some crazy things, but nothing like that... yet. While the 80s was more about vice and indulgence, all that vampire stuff wasn't really a cult(ural) thing til the 90s with all the vampire movies like Blade, Queen Of The Damned, Interview With A Vampire (perhaps the one that started it all?), TV's Forever Knight, etc.

[@andyscott5277]

Agree with most of what you’re saying, but the 80’s had a ton of vampire movies, Lost Boys, Once Bitten, Fright Night, the Hunger…definitely part of the (counter)cultural zeitgeist.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

Great 80s tune. Glad we finally got this one through the polling process. Edit: Lex, with the vampire stuff again. Think this one is about relearning how to love after a bad relationship.

[@cocoemrick1903]

This, like many other songs, will have a different meaning to the listener. Music takes us places, typically back to another place in time, and speaks to our heart, mind and soul. No need to try and understand it literally. Simply feel it!

[@darcieturner5423]

I always loved this song ever since I was a kid xo

[@tyronethot]

this song reminds me a lot of my father I listened to it a lot when I was a child, the 80s will always be a unique time for music and humanity grettings from Chile 🇨🇱 excellent reaction!

[@cgmat7804]

Vocals on this are off the charts!! Reminds me of John Farnham You're the voice...

[@yeahboiii6640]

So damn good. This is for sure one of my all time any genre songs! I have heard it thousands of times by now and it still gives me a feeling I can't explain with words.

[@iainweller452]

I think I still have this on vinyl, classic 80s

[@steveyoung2317]

They were outstanding. Thier debut album is perfect. Something real is my fav off second album. Mechanical sounding different. The song video was crazy.

[@DaP84]

Did you ever play GTA: Vice City, Brad and Lex. This song was on it's radio stations soundtrack! But I'm sure it's been in million other things too, so damn magical!

[@JBD0909]

I was 6 back in 2007 when I played GTA VC. I think that and San Andreas paved my taste in older music.

[@mjm5081]

The production is immaculate.

[@alexmarin4245]

One of the best 80's songs! I LOVE IT! GREAT REACTION, GUYS!

[@georgegiwrgakis6359]

GUYS U RELAX ME SO MUCH AFTER WORK....IM 41 SO ALL THE MUSICS YOU PUT THERE WAS KIND MY CHILDHOOD YEARS SO MANY MEMORIES...VINYL DISCS THAT TIMES...I LOVE YOU BOTH..HI FROM GREECE

[@MisterLumpkin]

Here's some relevant trivia. Pat Mastellato, drummer for Mr. Mister, went on to spend that last 25 years playing with King Crimson through various incarnations of that band. But before that he did a lot of outstanding session work like the theme for the TV show Friends and XTC's 1989 album 𝙊𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨 and the hit from that album; 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙧 𝙊𝙛 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙣, which you should definitely listen to.

[@Robert44444444]

This song was HUGE in 1986… like the overwhelming majority of music from the 70s and 80s, it's not 'FROM' anything… not a movie, not a video game, it wasn't made famous because of the music video for the song… it's just a great song from a unique-sounding band heard on the radio, and for some heard/seen on MTV… people bought the album, or they didn't. The band really only had two big hits… both from the same album… this song, and "Kyrie"… which I think is an even better song.

[@haroldrobinson9631]

The song came out in the year 1985.

[@Robert44444444]

@@haroldrobinson9631 - June '85 to be more exact… I didn't say the song was released in in 1986… I said it was HUGE in 1986. While it reached a peak position of #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in '85-'86, the year end chart performance for 1986 was #5 (for the year)… and anecdotally I remember it being 'strong' through out '86 while remembering it from the fall of '85. For a song released in June of one year to come in at #5 for the entire following year is unusual. source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Wings_(Mr._Mister_song)

[@NOV17MAY16]

This song has so many sonic layers, really great production!

[@countzero1972]

Classic from a group of talented musicians..

[@NomyJackson]

Always loved this song!

[@kaltwies]

Great sound to go with great writing. Classic! Timeless!

[@HansMcGruber]

Broken wings, metaphor for broken love. Fly again

[@danbev9313]

A last cry out to his spouse that their union can be saved after much hurt and pain. Often this is sadly all in vain

[@VictoryNotVengeance]

If there was one song that summed up the 80s ballads genre…. THIS is it. Goosebumps every time I hear this. So powerful

[@christym1974]

I used to play this on the jukebox at Pizza Hut!

[@cherylbrown3366]

And I heard playing all the time at Pizza Hut lol literally

[@ericsmith6615]

Wife here...Loved Loved Loved this song as a preteen..(not really understanding the in depth meaning)..Beautiful No 1 hit of the eighties!..Love your channel!

[@isaackovitz4791]

You guys just reviewed one of the greatest songs of the 80's. The great Richard Page - lead singer and bass player of Mister Mister. Check out their other mega hit - Kyrie.

[@MayfaireOquinn1210]

The band Mr. Mister was basically a Christian rock band. So, I have always assumed that the 'flesh' line you're asking about came from the bible, a passage like: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24 The "book of love" line probably means the bible itself.

[@ShaunHensley]

Bingo. I think there is a passage in the Bible talking about whether or not your name is written in the Book that grants you access into the presence of God

[@dggydddy59]

I've never heard anything about this band being a Christian rock band before, and my lead guitar player and I knew Steve and Pat in 1985, the guitarist and the drummer, when Mr. Mister was rehearsing in the room next to ours. Except they got signed and we didn't. Anyway, I've never heard anything about them being a Christian rock band before, not that I'm some expert, but I would've thought that in almost 40 years I might have heard something about it.

[@andreadeamon6419]

@@dggydddy59 a lot of their music has a Christian theme. They just didn't come out and say it

[@dggydddy59]

@@andreadeamon6419 Yeah, I mean Kyrie Eleison or however it's spelled, sure, but they're not a Christian rock band is all I'm saying. Writers use all kinds of things for inspiration on what to write about.

[@MayfaireOquinn1210]

@@dggydddy59 When I wrote that I think I was probably not as clear as I should have been. They weren't officially labeled as such like others - like Stryper or Amy Grant, for example. But I remember reading articles about them at the time with them saying it was an influence on their music. Thanks for helping me to clarify. :)

[@donrobbie1461]

This song featured in the lavish decadent but brilliant tv series “Miami Vice” starring Don Johnson a must watch for exotic car, boat and aircraft action, love, sadness and eventually some justice in the murky world of vice in Downtown Miami.

[@harveybojangle475]

This is about a couple going through a rough time in their relationship. That's what the "broken wings" are. He's basically saying, "We can work this out and our relationship will fly again." She's the half of him that makes him feel whole. We don't know which of them is the cause of the problem. But, no one cheated and there are no babies...yet!

[@stefanzellner5140]

Timeless.. still a volume up in the car song

[@michaelwiggan7437]

2 Pac sampled this for his Big Hit "Broken Wings" ..this was my song growing up in the 80's and Music Video was so cool for it's time - when the song reaches the Instrumental at the end (Classic)

[@nunosantos00]

This sound is magnificient You will never forget it for sure. I can imagine people in USA listenning to this in a radio while driving,so beautiful.✌️✌️✌️

[@jiggity76]

One of the most iconic and beautiful songs ever made! I just recently found out that Richard Page was born and grew up in Keokuk, IA. Not to far from my hometown!

[@Frank-bn6mb]

Just one of my all time favourites. Singing loud in my car.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Wonderful reaction yall. My college roommate watched those daytime drama shows, I heard this song on whatever show she was watching and bought the record. Love this song, still have that record in a stack.

[@leetroy3129]

Beautiful song! I have loved it since the first time I heard it!

[@juicesghost8501]

I remember hearing this song on the radio in 1985 and it used to make me sad. I was 7. No idea why i thought it was sad lol.

[@rossdownes4240]

Love this song it was ranked 250 on the list of the biggest selling songs of all time.

[@kevindowd31021]

The song is about a broken relationship. He realizes to late that its falling apart and he knows it over unless he steps up and tells her how much he truly loves her and cant do anything without her. Now he is tryin to convince her to take him back and to make a new start.

[@marcdewey1242]

Music like this reminds me of just how much I miss the eighties

[@FrankCastlesConscience]

Lex is referring to this song (like many 80s iconic hits) being sampled for a rap song many years later. The 80s was the best!

[@donnakubiski5572]

Love this band. Richard Page has a terrific voice in my humble opinion. I'm going to go rogue and suggest a song for you to check out from their first album called "Hunters Of The Night" which is my favorite song of theirs.

[@kellybarthel8060]

He also sang and played on a ton of other groups during this time. Believe he was even back ground vocal on motley crue song.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

Classic mood song from the 80s. Always loved the song - never really cared what it meant. I still love hearing it thanks.

[@kimberlinibambini1988]

Yessss! Finally! Love this song/ always have and always will!

[@blackenreed1425]

In case you are planning something similar, "Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly..." (The Beatles) was sung by Chloe (and her sister Susan) while giving birth to her daughter on the TV series ER [Season 1 but don't ask which episode - I just remember that, with the contractions and all, it wasn't very musical]. 🙂

[@Johnny_Socko]

If I'm not mistaken, that episode was directed by Quentin Tarantino!

[@qhl5579]

Great song, great album

[@fern]

You guys probably heard it sampled on Tupac's "Until The End of Time". Amazing 80's song, Tupac sure loved classic tracks like Joe Cocker's Woman To Woman that he sampled for "California Love" and another 80's classic Bruce Hornsby's The Way It Is that he sampled for "Changes".

[@bubgum0079]

Its theme is echoed in this song: picking up the pieces of your life and moving on. There is a note of heartbreak, however, as the singer is asking the girl to spread her wings and fly away, hoping that love will bring her back.

[@tiffanytosh1569]

Train had a song called Hey, Soul Sister, and there’s a line in the chorus referencing this band. Chorus: ‘hey, soul sister. Ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo. The way you move ain’t fair’.

[@sixslinger9951]

this dude had such an awesome voice and range.

[@christianhansen3292]

love this song like the sound track in my mind!

[@georgegiwrgakis6359]

HE MEANS HE WAS FLYING BEFORE SHE LEFT HIM AND SHE BROKE HIS WINS AND HE GIVE IT TO HER...IS ROMANTIC POETRY COME ON BRAD

[@danroth3514]

I enjoy seeing Brad giving his interpretation of the meaning of the lyrics. I have no idea what the artist intended by “take these broken wings”, but I feel Brad was probably spot on in the final segment. I love watching Lex react to good music but Brad definitely stepped up his game this song reaction. Kudos to both of them.

[@SilentBob731]

Not waiting for this one to come up chronologically either, absolutely love this song. You Guys Rule! 💣👍 Again, in defence of 80's Pop/Rock, I guess you had to be there. 😉

[@oldrth]

Ahh time for Echo & The Bunnymen and Talk Talk.

[@christopherhuot2826]

This song was featured in the 80's movie "Band of the hand"

[@joanndowers5080]

I always thought the words meant to fix him. Take his broken wings and fix him. I love Mr. Mister. He has a great voice.

[@JoeMama410]

The hook from this song was lifted for the Tupac song Until the End of Time.

[@williamespinosa7491]

hands down my favorite song

[@nodaysback1]

*'80s!* "In the '80s, everything was like, you do what you do and I do what I do and everything's cool..." - Lex .. lolll

[@johnnewell7878]

"Take these broken wings and learn to fly" appears in The Beatles song "Blackbird." Paul McCartney and John Lennon both drew from the work of Kahlil Gibran.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

The Stabilizers "One Simple Thing"...Nuff Said.

[@BuddyBoy68]

Hi Brad and Lex. I see others here have beat me to it. I was about to say, that line is similar to Blackbird by The Beatles. Wikipedia states the following... 'Although the 1968 Beatles song, "Blackbird" contains an identical lyric, "Take these broken wings and learn to fly", Richard Page has described this as "a mindless unintentional reference" attributable to both compositions being influenced by the Gibran novel.'

[@deadlyredly1]

You guys are just perfect together, at least for music reactions lol

[@RedLP5000S]

Such a beautiful song.

[@cabel000]

They didn't call themselves a Christian band but a lot of their songs had Christian themes. The lead singer also sang backup on a few Amy Grant and Michael W Smith records.

[@michaelblaydes2259]

The song you're thinking of ("take these broken wings and learn to fly...") is from The Beatles (McCartney) song "Blackbird", which itself was about Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed only days before he wrote it

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

Somebody needs to take these brown wings and learn to fly again, learn to live and love so free! This is a great love song! I love it! They are a part of one another, nothing vampire about it! You guys take everything a little to literally! A lot of eighties music was more abstract! We were deep back then! 😂😂❤️❤️

[@mavfin8720]

One of the great two-hit wonders of the 80s...

[@strangleholdoutdoors]

Mr. Mister wrote a lot of songs with biblical background

[@pauligrossinoz]

I took this as a damaged/broken/hurting person and using love to heal.