On Peregrine Wings

Album: Shockwave Supernova (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Joe Satriani had a distinct image in his mind when he composed this soaring instrumental. He explained: "This is a piece of music that will represent somebody who suddenly got wings. I wasn't sure where they got these wings, if they grew them or put them on, but I thought, 'What would it feel like that very first time you had these wings and you had to just jump off a cliff and start flying.'"
  • Satriani was going for a "wild, out of control sound" on this track, and ended up redoing he guitar part a few times because he kept thinking he could improve it. Talking about what makes the song work, he said: "The key was the unusual scale, the intense velocity of the drumbeat, and of course that solo section being a complete freak out. It all adds to that energy you would feel, that compelling exhilaration from flying for the very first time."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.