Dave Grohl Reveals Foo Fighters 'Learn To Fly' Lyrics Aren't As Deep As You Think

Dave Grohl breaks down some of Foo Fighters' biggest songs, and bursts Kelly's bubble when he reveals he wrote "Learn to Fly" because he wanted to become a pilot. Dave and Kelly talk about how song lyrics mean something different to everyone, and sometimes lyrics really just aren't as deep as you think they are.
#KellyClarksonShow #DaveGrohl
Subscribe to The Kelly Clarkson Show: bit.ly/2OtOpf8
FOLLOW US
Instagram: / kellyclarksonshow
Twitter: / kellyclarksontv
Facebook: / kellyclarksonshow
For even more fun stuff, visit www.kellyclark...
The Kelly Clarkson Show is the uplifting daytime destination for humor and connection featuring Emmy-winning talk show, Grammy-winning artist and America’s original idol, Kelly Clarkson.

[@colourbursts3760]

dave grohl: " I was in love" Howard Stern: " with Kurt Cobain, I knew it was about Kurt."

[@beanzburriton4263]

wrong video

[@DemonKingNemo]

@@beanzburriton4263 doesn't make it less accurate

[@Triattt]

Howard Stern: "Did you know Big Me is about Kurt Cobain and his addiction to mentos?" Dave Grohl: TIL

[@bartallen6849]

@@Triattt "Did you know White Limo is about Kurt? Did you realize that when you were writing that song? I'm 100% sure that Lemmy was a reference to Kurt Cobain, the guy from Nirvana." "What"

[@RockymountainRobert]

I always thought it was about Dave and Kurt. When they sang along in the unplugged album

[@joshajcip]

Dave: I wanted to become a pilot Howard Stern: And you wanted Kurt to be your co-pilot, I knew Learn to Fly was about Kurt all along

[@LetsTalkAboutFeelings]

Hahaha you killed me

[@Strumstar]

Yeah I always think about this dumbass question from Stern whenever people say they like him. Dave is national treasure and it was such a stupid comment to make to him.

[@MaccTonight]

Fucking weak 😂😂😂

[@parisroyale5746]

Frl. Howard thinks that all his song are about Kurt. Dave doesnt really like talking about it and Howard tries forcing it out.

[@NamitComedy]

This is the best joke I’ve seen this week 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Adj4ni]

songwritters interviewing songwritters is not something i feel i see enough of. This was awesome.

[@samvakarian]

That's why I really love the variety series "actors on actors"

[@jennxed1974]

He's a storyteller. He's a real human. He's a survivor of demons that have killed others. He's just a man and that is what makes him amazing.

[@spamwagon]

He is a storyteller. Buy his book. The Storyteller. It's a fantastic read.

[@alexeilindes7507]

Super kind too.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Just a man. Till he identifies as a woman...

[@staceyroberts3468]

I recently watched the documentary he made w his mom and it was SOOOOO GOOD! He’s a really cool guy 👌

[@topnug7626]

He probably has a seat at the creepy table

[@largeboi626]

Good thing Howard Stern wasn't interviewing him. "iT mUst bE aBoUt KURT COBAIN!"

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

I SWEAR

[@JankoFrancisty]

Ahahahahahha 🤣

[@thomasw1865]

So true ;)

[@xDudeHimSelfx]

Yeah Howard is such a pain in the ass

[@hoyjuloy]

Most people think everything Dave does has to be about Kurt Cobain. Smh. Everything about Kurt Cobain is something that should be outgrown when you're 27 and over.

[@christinellanes3373]

I love him so much..he's so down to earth and I feel he would be like that in person..go Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl..

[@batman1169]

Living legend. Soak up his time here and enjoy it.

[@maxinedavieds8102]

Agree!

[@walterjose1104]

How can love someone you never met🤣 capina idolatry 101 dont do it 😭🤷‍♂️

[@walterjose1104]

Stop lying 🤥🤣🤣🤣🤣 you ain't flying 😂 on a Microsoft 🤣 a boot 🥾 flying from the balcony in 3.. 2.. 1🤣

[@TesserId]

He's a bright soul. The light just shines out from him, bringing warmth and connection to all those around him.

[@dameonsharp6694]

I love how he looks at her as she gives her interpretation of the lyrics to learn to "Learn to Fly" and quickly says in so many words nope it's not that deep!😂😂😂😂

[@patdelaune7759]

Yep

[@BradB93]

That’s one of the best things about music! It’s about how each person CAN interpret it in a different way that means something to them, even if that’s not the way someone “intended” it to sound. Music is the ultimate form of magic and it’s meant for EVERYONE to ENJOY in some way or another! Dave Grohl has always carried the torch in the “Hope music” category. Love this man!!! ❤️

[@TesserId]

That Rockin' 1000 version of Learn to Fly is so amazing, and the dialog it created with Dave was so enriching. So beautiful.

[@miamanning7871]

Just finished reading his book, really remarkable man

[@ep2560]

Can´t wait to get it . Here in germany it will be release at Nov 1 st .

[@animal1439]

@@ep2560 such a good read! I have 50 pages left and I don't want it to end

[@bryanlanda]

@@animal1439 I’m literally here cause I’m procrastinating the ending of the book, I don’t want to end

[@nv8679]

And the irony of his book is that he didn't mean to sound that profound either. Like his songs.

[@beanzburriton4263]

i don't need to read a book to know that

[@tke2414]

Dave Grohl may be my all time favorite rock star. If only they were all such regular people who truly understand how fortunate they've been. That's a guy I would love to have a beer with.

[@denvyzhang4006]

I like when the host and the guest are musicians. They understand each other and the conversation is like talking to their peers.

[@tacuazinful]

Dave is a musician, kelly is just an airhead cheerleader

[@Sarah-lj1fy]

@@tacuazinful someone’s jealous 😂

[@tacuazinful]

@@Sarah-lj1fy jelous of what??? Kelly is a cheerleader, she only cheers, or does empty questions to her guests. Dave is a trully musician. He plays the guitar and drums, sings and is a composer, this interview is nothing but empty, shallow and plastic, he is too valuable to be on dumb interviews

[@TabethaAurochs]

💯 I noticed this first when Kelly had MGK/Colson Baker on - their dynamic was so great, totally different and unexpected I. the best possible way.

[@seanwebb605]

The woman is a complete flake.

[@kainenable]

I love it. The lack of pretense is great. It drives me nuts when artits refuse to go into the meaning behind their work. I think many are insecure, dave is just like fuck it, this lyric was about me wanting to learn to fly. Knowing the truth does not subtract from the meaning from others. I wish more artists would take note.

[@justicedemocrat9357]

Kelly: Your lyrics are so deep... Dave: I just wanted to be a pilot.

[@andycochrane4131]

Dave came to Australia, the first gig after the pandemic. He opened with “times like these”. Lots of tears in the crowd. Thanks Dave.

[@katluk3788]

I was there. Was the best.. and rain.. what rain...? Thank you Foo Fighters and thank you Dave.. you were just what we needed.

[@loridoolan822]

He is so smart. What a connected human being he is!

[@stonepumpkinsable]

Dave should have his own talk show

[@andersdo2925]

that’s next… I will be shocked if it doesn’t happen

[@the_key_x]

Dave could be friends with anyone, he’s so relatable and genuine.

[@caitlinmorris5064]

The story behind Everlong is so beautiful

[@t5dagreat]

This was DOPE!! I love watching Dave Grohl interviews, he's just such a real, chill dude. Hands down one of my favorite musicians all time.

[@Bdhacker101]

Kelly on the other hand sounds like a high school valley girl who just came back from a frat party

[@SpadedSuz]

For real!!! I often talk too much but I could listen to Dave Grohl all day ❤️❤️ & sometimes do! 😆🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@cherienewlove6209]

I lost my 29yr old son who was a pilot 4 yrs ago in a plane crash. He was a MASSIVE FF fan and this song was one of his funeral songs and is on his headstone. To him, Dave Grohl was his idol. I wish he could be here with me to go to the FF concert in 2024 in NZ.

[@Will_M600]

Sorry for your loss, beautiful headstone choice

[@Bdhacker101]

At 1:30 Grohl's face is priceless! LOL It's like he's saying to himself: "WTH is this frat chick going on about?"

[@stratdx]

I just listened to Dave’s audiobook. Incredible.

[@cwb1400]

It was amaaaazing!

[@grilledspaghetti]

My favorite Dave lyric by far is "Hook me up a new revolution, 'cause this one is a lie. We sat around laughing and watched the last one die..." The visual of him, Taylor and Nate sitting on a couch is so there in my mind and isn't that how so many revolutionary ideas go out of fashion?

[@aurabae6545]

Fun fact: The girl who he was in love with when he wrote Everlong was Louise Post from the band Veruca Salt

[@edosaragih2277]

Wow just know that. Thanks.

[@victorm.8122]

True !!

[@randymarthins3473]

I always forget and plug in Mary Lou Lord or Kathleen Hannah, but then I remember they were Team Kurt (but whose voice is on the phone message part?)

[@mrkrinkle5791]

Yup, then Wynonna

[@BoxOfShockolates]

@@randymarthins3473Louise post, veruca salt.

[@theresamealer4201]

Total BLISS seeing you & Dave bounce thoughts...energy...laughter&unity-all thru music....the language of the Gods! Thanks for sharing&having him as a guest!!🤩😍

[@thombendtsen399]

Kelly needs to learn to let her guest speak.

[@ked7426]

This was so fun, I get you my husband a singer, and song writer, just not known. You heal yourself and others music really makes a difference, love you and Dave's, music abilities 🤗❤

[@tob4b1]

The way he elaborates stuff, you’re so drawn to it…. ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiefulton1001]

I love Dave, and Foo Fighters! I saw them live. They are my second best live shows ever. Second only to Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody tour. I have very, very few celebrities who I would like to meet/ hang out with. Dave, and Kelly happen to be on that short list. Snoop Dog, is one of the others.

[@MelissaMayhem99]

That impersonation he did of her was just perfection

[@aprilkurtz1589]

All I know is that Louise Post(from Chicago band Veruca Salt) is singing the backup on Everlong. I've heard that vocal in isolation. No mistaking her voice.

[@ConnyWeirdWorld]

3:30 This reminds me of "What the author meant vs What your English teacher thinks the author meant": For instance: “The curtains were blue.” What your teacher thinks: “The curtains represent his immense depression and his lack of will to carry on.” What the author meant: “The curtains were fucking blue!”

[@crazydiamond4565]

His acting in Learn to Fly was amazing!

[@yaputcha]

I think this is my FAVORITE interview! I just had a cocktail napkin... Explains so much and is relatable

[@badposture4968]

I LOVE YOU DAVE

[@lanoel4585]

Music is all about how fleet is time - and singing together with someone in harmony is just about the most beautiful shared experience in life.

[@codacreator6162]

Dave Grohl is a blessing to this world - this generation’s Beatles all in one. Thank you, God, for giving us such an incredible talent!

[@Medyo]

Dave has great way with words when expressing his thoughts.

[@natanaelsantosdelgado9086]

We need more talk shows interviews for this man. Also, Kelly is becoming one of my favorite talk show hosts

[@dionanderson8185]

Dave Grohl was the reason as a kid I got into drumming back in 91 pushing 40 now still grateful I get to do it today

[@ndiaz0028]

Hes one of my favorites!

[@Sarasapien]

The day he leaves this world will be a terribly sad day for many of us....in my case, me 🖤 thanks for all the good music Dave 🦋🎶

[@Ariel_thenotsolittlemermaid]

I could see on his face, he felt so bad for her when she started talking about how deep the lyrics are😂😂😂

[@EvelineUK]

I was never a Nirvana fan, not that much into the Foo Fighters either, but wow, Dave is such a genuinely nice guy, I will be getting his book on Audible when my next credit rolls in. Been really enjoying the interviews KZbin keeps spitting out at me, and seeing the very young and extremely talented Nandi Bushell join them on stage made me cry such happy tears. Hmmm... maybe he's slowly converting me to his music. ;)

[@SpadedSuz]

Yesss! Come to the FOO SIDE!! 😁😆🤘🏼🤟🏼🔥🔥

[@Dfturcott]

Rip HAWKINS, May your flight to the next life be as smooth as the melodies you helped craft.

[@lillinsey100]

absolutely ❤️ Dave Grohl!!! he is such a genuine, kind soul.

[@tob4b1]

Ok, if they can come up with a collaboration, it’ll be so epic

[@kellymcphaul2793]

Omg please yes.

[@TeeNakii]

Right ✊✊

[@pranavpawar880]

No

[@jofosho2]

Breakaway rock version ft foo fighters

[@bittnerbs]

I love Dave. He’s one of the very very best. Seeing the Foo Fighters live was one of the best times of my life. They played for almost 3 hours and freaking crushed it.

[@TheRealSweetcherryo]

I saw them 3 weeks ago and it was amazing. One of the best shows I have ever been to, and I have been going to live shows for 45 years😓 When Stevie Nicks cancelled her festival spot, and they announced FF would be filling in I immediately bought a ticket. It was hard to stand there for hours to be up front for FF (I am not the same girl I was at 15...) but I channeled my inner 'general admission always in the front of the pit self'.....

[@jrwheeler81]

I can't wait for this summer. They are playing down at the waterfront not even 5 minutes from my house in July and I'm going!

[@oksalbright]

I just saw him on Car Karaoke and it is amazing how he still put 100% into singing as if he were singing at a concert. And then him introducing us to Nandi just made me love him even more. 😍

[@patricenz]

Me too. After the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, The Foo Fighters came over and did charity shows with all money going to Christchurch. Amazing concert. Amazing guy.

[@nokaoi6414]

@@jrwheeler81 I'm reading this comment in April of 2022 and feeling so heartbroken that your concert will never happen in July. The world is just GUTTED at we are grieving the death of Taylor. 😢 How does the band move on from something like this? I hope they will but totally understand if it's just too painful! #RIPTAYLOR

[@gaggita9922]

"wait there's math involved??" story of my life lol I think I just felt a spark for Dave Grohl. I also gotta say that if I were a well known musician that had fans approach and ask what the lyrics mean i would genuinely ask them what they mean to them. that will be the answer.

[@boomer3243]

Two of my favs getting along so well :D

[@CloudslnMyCoffee]

Two of the most wholesome people in US music havin a chat

[@DavidBrash]

Grohl: (Everlong) I was in love Howard Stern: of the idea to play with Kurt Cobain one more time right? Grohl: (Learn to fly) I just wanted to be a pilot Howard Stern: to see if you could find Cobain in the sky?

[@julichio6241]

2:18 yes, that's the meaning of music, like a painting and every artworks, is giving you emotions but you interpret it as you want! Is all about the music first, love you Dave!! rip Kurt! Long live music

[@merkinidgit]

I always thought “make my way back home when I learn to fly” was about learning to understand yourself (your “home” that you’re going back to once you learn how to know yourself). Nope. It’s just about a fear of trigonometry. 😂

[@beatmasterbossy]

I love that learning to fly was literal I love this so much

[@robs850]

I’m praying for Dave to get back to this happy time. AGAIN.

[@sarabeescutflowersmore795]

"Learn to Fly" is my all time favorite. For me, it means finding yourself & taking the leap of doing what I truly love in life for a living. You gotta sometimes go back home to where you started & start again. Just breaking free from the slave driving corporations to going off on my own as a floral designer & cutflower urban gardener. 🌼💥🌼

[@davidcoleman2868]

'Breathe out so I can breathe you in, hold you in.'

[@anneahlefeld1989]

My favorite line

[@selfelements8037]

1:49 Perhaps this is the secret to art, right? That imprecision and vagueness that lets the light of personal projection in.

[@okirrama3587]

Fun fact: everlong is about that chick from Veruca Salt

[@maxlvledc]

I've never seen Dave seem so uncomfortable (or annoyed)...not sure what was going on here.

[@cuauhtemocfoo]

Yeah, he does not look as confortable as in other interviews

[@livinginstereo]

Everlong was written about louise post of veruca salt. She also sings some backing vocals on the track.

[@wakandaforever616]

Great nugget I never knew that

[@boofert.washington2499]

Louise is the Seether.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

And her backing vocals were done over a phone call, not in to a professional studio mic, or in a studio at all. You can’t hear them too well in the song, but if you listen the “vocals only” of Everlong, you can hear voice clearer and the quality is shit because it was sang in to a phone lol

[@omgnetwork5231]

Dave is such a LEGEND

[@haircutexperience]

Just imagine working in a mundane napkin factory thinking that in some small way you helped create a great song. Mind blowing!

[@verse5981]

dave used to work in a napkin factory?

[@joshuaraposa755]

Napkin factories are some of the wildest places on earth!!! I have never heard one be described as "mundane".

[@haircutexperience]

@@verse5981 🤣🤣

[@haircutexperience]

@@joshuaraposa755 Friend "I work in in one of the wildest places on Earth!" Other friend "Where's that?" Friend " Napkin factory 😁" Other friend 🤣🤣🤣👀

[@random_monkey2134]

Seeing the foo fighters was the best i ever felt.

[@ShoujoJ]

The best Kelly interviews are the ones she's REALLY interested in the guest

[@Coldwater-sw6me]

„I don’t wanna burst your bubble…“ more like „I’m not gonna be talking about this with you!“ The song is about coming out of a bad period in live. To fight through and to learn to live on the way. To not just swimming on the surface, but rather learn to surfing the waves of live. He can downplay as he wants to. Some songs just doesn’t work anymore if u nail it down to one interpretation. And I’m pretty sure that’s why he avoided a deeper answer. I think it’s possible that actually learning to fly was his inspiration for the song, but it turned out otherwise. If you don’t know it, I recommend „mantra“ from sound city. The theme is very similar. He wants to provide help. He likes to do that. As he said here „music is for healing“. I wouldn’t agree fully with that, but his work is welcome in my regards. Love foos music and Dave’s attitude.

[@PengoLu]

Dave is the coolest person in the world and the more I watch videos of him the cooler he gets

[@tiredofit4761]

I love you Dave!!! Your book Storyteller is very cool. Always a fan!

[@Chris_Restall]

Foo Fighter’s 2008 Wembley Stadium 🏟 Best of You! ✌️

[@garethwarren7025]

Thank you ﹰI needed this.

[@thaga17]

I think this is how Dave looks like when he has a bad mood or smth. But above that he is still so polite and this is why I admire him so much!

[@dustina.6732]

This guy is fuckin awesome!! He’s so genuine and humble. He’s definitely got a kingdom waiting on him….

[@gidgetdarcy]

I really hope Dave remembers to find hope and healing in his music in light of the passing of his best friend.

[@judyhano8277]

Never heard of Dave till just a few weeks ago. Stumbled across him in a utube about singers coming to the rescue of their fans. Thought he was cute and cool. Started checking out their music on utube. What a great guy. Good utube.

[@rony182]

Thanks for the subtitles, it really means a lot for those who cannot understand english so well only by hearing.

[@tbell1698]

Love, love, love this man! He's an excellent human. And so is Kelly. Great combo. :-)

[@genageeraert8039]

I just got his book amazing.

[@wraithgirl2156]

100% on everyone singing along..but we all feel the lyrics differently..that is why i love music. And..I love Dave ❤️😁..and miss Kelly I adore you...I'm throwing it out.."thanks to you, now I get what I want..." kind of my guilty pleasure girls rock mantra..oi!!! 🌈😳😘

[@lukedelbianco3720]

I hate how some people, mostly famous people try to dig in too deep on certain things. Kind of takes away the imagination of what you think they mean. Just chill and admire it.

[@lamper2]

The idea that listening to Blues or sad songs when you're sad leaves you happier is an old concept often written about.

[@allentrice1703]

That '90s Show, Kelly! And that's Foo Fighters' Dave Groul! Play loudly and nobody is gonna turn it down! Right? Right! 🎸🎵🎵🎶🎶

[@bradleymaravalli2851]

Definitely sounds like more than just learning to become a pilot… “I'm lookin' to the sky to save me Lookin' for a sign of life Lookin' for somethin' to help me burn out bright”

[@KylieIsOverIt]

Yeah, I'm calling bullshit on that answer, too. That's a Kurt Cobain move, he pulled. "It doesn't mean anything. It's not that deep, man. I write it just before I go in to record most of the time because I'm lazy." When the truth is that Kurt had piles of notebooks of writing and poetry and is recorded on tape, admitting that he kind of blows off those questions because he hates journalists and doesn't think everyone deserves to demand his private thoughts. Grohl does the same thing. We have him in documentaries doing last minute lyrics and we also have him super grim and upset after singing "I Should Have Known." He uses his party guy persona to deflect a lot.

[@kazmungovan117]

@@KylieIsOverIt absolutely angry through grief…. If anything that scene would be the closest we will ever see how much effect suicide of a friend had on him… so underated that song…

[@m1chacha]

Realistically it's probably both. Most likely Dave first got the idea of writing the song about wanting to be a pilot, but then did the poetry thing and imbued some of the lines with deeper meanings, but ultimately it's mainly about flying a plane.

[@bradleymaravalli2851]

@@kazmungovan117 Which scene would that be?

[@kazmungovan117]

@@bradleymaravalli2851 the scene is from the Foos documentary “ Back and Forth”…. Dave is filmed recording the very last scream in “ I should have Known”

[@SurfergirlKH]

Dave is such a gem 🥰

[@tads3840]

Kelly Clarkson Dont Let Anyone Change Your Views. You are spot on the money

[@JL-zn7me]

Dave Grohl never fails to amaze me! He’s an incredible man and incredible rocker!!!!!

[@hamishgibson9084]

I think she’s overwhelmed

[@shannongreer6194]

Agreed. Maybe she should have at the least googled him to prepare. Geez..

[@Bikewithlove]

Dave often plays down the meaning in his lyrics to keep the moment light. In other more intimate, less circus-like interviews he talks about his lyrics and will say what they’re about. Foo Fighters songs cover the subjects of breakups, the passing away of friends, revelations about abusive relationships, and transformative journeys. I doubt that any of their songs are about Kurt, but there’s no doubt Kurt’s suicide and the end of Nirvana contributed to the overall emphasis on loss and anger in Dave’s lyrics, and occasionally Dave will say it himself.

[@pumpkin1982]

This is so good.

[@juliekostas7322]

He's always been my ultimate rock (n) roll crush --- I have my instructor's cert-- I'll help him start his lessons! :)

[@JediStargazer]

He doesn't mention her by name but when he wrote everlong, he was dating Louise Post from the (amazing) band Veruca Salt. During the recording They had Loise call into the studio phone and they recorded her singing backing vocals on the chorus and put those in the actual track. They are just super hard to notice. If you have a hard time picking them out, search "Everlong isolated vocals" you can listen to the song with just the vocals and you'll easily notice after that. Just a little fun fact that adds some more context to "One of the things I loved most about this person is when we would sing together"

[@AkidaToritama]

So learn to fly is dedicated to her too???

[@aurabae6545]

@@AkidaToritama learn to fly was not about Louise

[@roxanneschmidt8192]

Brilliant musician & songwriter

[@ABFinlayson]

"music is meant to heal" god, I hope so

[@loyola1389]

Sad they didn’t talk about “All my life”

[@RockhoundBlack]

Lol. I was looking for this comment. If you know, you know! :)

[@kazmungovan117]

Ummm…. Dave “ that’s a dirty song, use your imagination!!”

[@TesserId]

OMG, it'd be so funny if Kelly was the one to get Dave to learn to fly.

[@StrongmanTaylor]

Dave is a national treasure.

[@Leilasweet6]

Omg I didn't know the pilot thing haha

[@RuberDuckTz]

50k people singing the same lyrics and it means 50k different things to different people. That’s why he’s a great artist. So deep and so true.

[@franksilva5802]

Dave Grohl, is so Awesome!! He is a real person. I Love this guy. Foo fan Forever.