About the song
“Time for Me to Fly,” a timeless anthem by American rock band REO Speedwagon, embodies the perseverance and creative evolution typical of classic rock legends. Released in 1978 as part of their album “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish,” the song initially charted modestly but later found renewed fame, reaching new audiences through unexpected avenues.
Written over a decade by lead singer Kevin Cronin, “Time for Me to Fly” holds a special place in the band’s history. Cronin’s inspiration struck in Boulder, Colorado, amidst the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, yet initial reactions to the song were lukewarm. John Stronach, their producer at the time, dismissed it as not fitting the REO Speedwagon mold due to its simplicity — just three chords and a slower tempo. Undeterred, Cronin believed in its potential and persisted, eventually convincing Gary Richrath to co-produce a revamped version for a subsequent album.
The song’s journey mirrors the band’s own evolution. Cronin’s determination to assert the band’s identity and sound led to a pivotal decision: to take control of their production and musical direction. This shift empowered REO Speedwagon to define their distinctive style, characterized by melodic singing, intricate acoustic guitar work, and an enveloping chorus that resonates deeply with listeners.
“Time for Me to Fly” transcends its initial reception, becoming a centerpiece of their live performances and a fan favorite. Its emotional depth and universal themes of liberation and self-discovery continue to strike a chord, decades after its release. The song’s enduring popularity was further amplified when it was featured in Netflix’s acclaimed series “Ozark,” propelling it back onto music charts and into contemporary culture.
In a touching tribute to their roots, Illinois, the band’s home state, adopted the song for a tourism campaign in 2021, renaming it “Time for Me to Drive.” This acknowledgment underscores the song’s enduring legacy and its association with the band’s heritage.
“Time for Me to Fly” stands as a testament to REO Speedwagon’s resilience and artistic vision. It serves as a reminder that true musical authenticity transcends trends and endures through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. As Cronin aptly put it, “The sound of a band has to come from the band itself,” a philosophy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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Lyrics
I’ve been around for you
Been up and down for you
But I just can’t get any relief
I’ve swallowed my pride for you
I’ve lived and lied for you
But you still make me feel like a thief
You got me stealing your love away
‘Cause you never give it
Peeling the years away
And we can’t relive it
Oh, I make you laugh
And you make me cry
I believe it’s time for me to fly
You said we’d work it out
You said that you had no doubt
That deep down we were really in love
Oh, but I’m tired of holding on
To a feeling I know is gone
I do believe that I’ve had enough
I’ve had enough of the falseness
Of a worn-out relation
Enough of the jealousy
And the intoleration
Oh, I make you laugh
And you make me cry
I believe it’s time for me to fly
Time for me to fly
Oh, I’ve got to set myself free
(Time for me to fly)
And that’s just how it’s got to be
I know it hurts to say goodbye
But it’s time for me to fly
Oh, don’t you know it’s time for me to fly
Oh, I’ve got to set myself free
(Time for me to fly)
Oh, babe, that’s just how it’s got to be
I know it hurts to say goodbye
But it’s time for me to fly
It’s time for me to fly
It’s time for me to fly
(It’s time for me to fly)
It’s time for me to fly
(It’s time for me to fly)
It’s time for me to fly
(It’s time for me to fly)
It’s time for me to fly