About the song
Released in 1984, “On Silent Wings” is a standout track from Tina Turner’s highly acclaimed album Private Dancer. The album itself marked a major milestone in Turner’s career, propelling her into the stratosphere of international superstardom after years of personal and professional turmoil. “On Silent Wings” stands as a testament to her ability to blend powerful emotion with a deeply personal reflection of life’s struggles, making it an unforgettable track in her catalog.
The song is a beautiful, haunting ballad, one that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced loss, longing, or emotional pain. In “On Silent Wings,” Turner’s voice soars, capturing the vulnerability and resilience that became a hallmark of her artistry. Her soulful delivery, combined with the minimalistic yet atmospheric musical arrangement, creates an intimate feeling, almost as though she is whispering her innermost thoughts directly into the listener’s ear. This song highlights her signature ability to convey deep emotion through her raw and rich vocals.
Lyrically, “On Silent Wings” reflects themes of yearning, grief, and the hope of finding solace after hardship. The lyrics convey the longing for a connection that transcends physical presence, symbolized through the metaphor of “silent wings.” It touches on the idea of someone watching over the singer, offering comfort and guidance in a quiet, almost imperceptible way. This ethereal quality of the song contrasts with Turner’s usual powerhouse anthems, showcasing her versatility as an artist who can deliver both strength and vulnerability with equal conviction.
“On Silent Wings” is not only an emotional journey but also an artistic one. Its release came at a time when Tina Turner had already endured much in her personal life, particularly her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband Ike Turner, which had made her a symbol of resilience and empowerment. By this time, Turner had redefined herself as a solo artist, and this song, with its quiet intensity, reflects her growth and maturity as both a person and a performer.
In terms of societal impact, this track captures the era’s fascination with introspection and emotional depth, which were prominent themes in the mid-1980s music scene. While the broader music industry was becoming more focused on high-energy, synth-driven pop, “On Silent Wings” offers a contrast—relying on more organic instrumentation and a powerful emotional core. It is also an example of how Turner’s music transcends the boundaries of genre, blending elements of pop, soul, and rock into a sound that is entirely her own.
Overall, “On Silent Wings” is a testament to Tina Turner’s unique ability to create art that resonates on a deeply personal level while still connecting to broader themes of human experience. It reminds listeners of her immense vocal talent, her capacity for emotional honesty, and her undeniable resilience—traits that helped her rise from adversity to become one of the most enduring and influential figures in the music industry.
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Lyrics
There was a time when I would have followed youTo the end of the earthI was willing to share it all with youThe love, the hurtI’ve seen you when your dreams were falling in the dustBut I never stopped believing in youI always thought our love was strong enoughOne you could hold on to, ohYou never see it coming, you just let it flyOn silent wings, silent wingsYou can’t hide what you feel insideAnd the fire has left your eyes on silent wingsI see us in our dreams and we’re dancingI can almost hear the songBut the prayers, they go unansweredAnd we both know we’re just hanging onUhh, I feel my chain but I’ll never know the reason whyLove has pulled some jelly from under my feetI only know that something good has diedBetween you and me, oh it’s just a memoryYou never see it coming, you just go separate waysOn silent wings, silent wingsThere’s no more promises to breakOh, our love has slipped away, on silent wingsYou never see it coming but you know it has to endOn silent wings, silent wingsBut I will never be the same again, I feel the whisper of the windOn silent wingsSilent wing (oh-oh)(Silent wings)There’s no more promises to break (silent wings)Oh, our love has slipped away (oh-oh), on silent wings (uhh)Silent wings, uhhAnd I will never be the same againI feel the whisper of the windOn silent wings, uhhAnd I won’t be the same againSilent wings, silent wings