Meaning of "Up and Flying" by Reba McEntire

The lyrics of "Up and Flying" by Reba McEntire convey a deep sense of heartbreak, loneliness, and longing. The speaker's feelings of being left behind and unable to move forward are evident in the lines "I should be farther on by now / I just can't seem to catch a breeze somehow." The contrast between the speaker's struggles and the ease with which the person they love has moved on is emotionally poignant, highlighting the difficulty of letting go and finding one's own way. The metaphor of trying to fly symbolizes the speaker's desire to soar beyond their current circumstances and unhappiness, yet feeling unable to do so. The sense of rejection and unattainable love is captured in the line "The one I love loves someone new," adding a layer of heartache and unfulfilled longing. Overall, the lyrics evoke a powerful sense of yearning, loss, and the ongoing struggle to find happiness in the face of rejection and unmet expectations.