Flyin' High

Album: La Futura (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This track from ZZ Top's 15th studio album got its initial public airing high above the Earth. NASA astronaut and friend of the band, Michael Fossum, played it en route to the International Space Station abroad the Russian Soyuz craft. "We figured it'd be the perfect song to pass along to the astronauts," guitarist Billy Gibbons told Mojo magazine.
  • Gibbons and bass player Dusty Hill are renowned for their chest-length beards, and another famous bearded figure was involved in the production of this song along with the rest of the album: Rick Rubin. "The thing about Rick is he pushes the artists to spend time reaching down deeper than they normally would." Gibbons told Mojo.

Comments: 1

  • Rokfan from Outer SpaceCould be about using drugs as there are a ton of close references. High heel cowboy boots would maybe refer to a needle. Never being satisfied (dependence). Flyin' high. Bone dry and waiting to die ( needing the next fix) Jimi said Kiss the sky (a reference to Billy's friend and mentor who died of an overdose. So there's that . .

    I prefer to think of the more conventional approach of a guy who just has an extremely rocky love life . . Disappointment and heart break are the event dejur' and while he feels it might be worth "one more try". Maybe hooking up with a girl that like so many times before, is just too good to be true, and maybe too young for this old rascal.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.