Meaning of "Having Wings" by Ben Harper

The lyrics of "Having Wings" evoke powerful emotions of yearning, memories, and reflection. The street singer playing a song that resonates deeply with the singer symbolizes the ways in which music can transport us to moments in the past that hold profound significance. The references to going back to where one came from and finding their name there suggest a desire to reconnect with their roots and find a sense of belonging that may have been lost. The idea that "true happiness is having wings" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the freedom and lightness that come with being able to soar above life's challenges and find peace within oneself, even in the face of heartache and difficult memories. The final image of seeing a loved one smiling in memories encapsulates the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the way in which we hold onto the past while trying to move forward. Overall, "Having Wings" reflects a complex emotional landscape of longing, acceptance, and the search for true happiness within oneself.