Hunter began working with John Jansen in 1987 but (Give Me Back My) Wings is a song that fell through the cracks; it was demoed and was the first song proposed for YUI Orta but it didn't make the cut; it was released as a live version from 1989. The theme is mysterious and as lofty as the existence of God as in the song God (Take 1). Here in order to have wings Hunter says:
First it was the Mothers
Then it was the wives
I think that God's a woman
I know she runs my life
And she can still
Oh and I wonder when
It is a reflective track and Hunter is considering how much he owes his family. The persona of Ian Hunter rock star results in drama at times but this is an acknowledgement of how much he owes others and a higher power.
Robbie Alter lived next to Ian in NYC and put an amazing sound down on guitar. Originally it was a ballad with Alter but David Letterman's drummer, Anton Figg came to Hunter's house in Katonah and rearranged the song. Producer Bernard Edwards nixed it for YUI Orta so it didn't fit. Live the song was done with Mick Ronson on his Telecaster and since Hunter rarely looks back the song was just dropped from a regular release but he likes it. Live the song was a showcase for the young Pat Kilbride who just kicks on this track.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
(Give Me Back My) Wings
(Ian Hunter)
Give me back my wings
You know I have to fly high
If the bird cannot sing
Then his spirit will die
I never said I was right
You can't explain some things
Just give me back my wings
You know I have to reach higher
If the bird cannot soar
Then he loses desire
I never said it was fair
You can't explain some things
Just give me back my wings
Give me back my wings
First it was the Mothers
Then it was the wives
I think that God's a woman
I know she runs my life
And she can still
Oh and I wonder when
Just give me back my wings
You know I have to go higher
If the bird cannot soar Then he loses desire
I never said I was right
You can't explain some things
Just give me back my wings
Give me back my wings
(Give Me Back My) Wings (live 15th February 1989) | 6:56 | Originally demoed for YUI Orta; this live version (recorded The Dominion, London England) was released on BBC Live in Concert |