Introduction
“Born to Fly” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Sara Evans. Released on June 26, 2000, it served as the lead single and title track from her third studio album, Born to Fly. The song became Evans’ second number one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in January 2001.
The inspiration for “Born to Fly” stemmed from Evans’ personal experiences growing up on a farm in Missouri. During a songwriting session with Marcus Hummon and Darrell Scott, Evans shared stories of her rural upbringing and aspirations beyond her small-town life. This conversation sparked the imagery found in the song, such as “telling my dreams to the scarecrow,” reflecting her desire to explore beyond familiar horizons.
Musically, “Born to Fly” is an uptempo country song, prominently featuring fiddles. The lyrics portray a narrator eager to expand their horizons, using analogies like a bird spreading its wings to symbolize the pursuit of dreams.
The accompanying music video, directed by Peter Zavadil, draws inspiration from The Wizard of Oz. In the video, Evans portrays Dorothy, encountering elements like a tornado, a wicked witch, and a little black dog. This creative approach earned the video the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year award in 2001.
“Born to Fly” has been covered by artists such as Lauren Alaina on American Idol and Danielle Bradbery on The Voice, highlighting its enduring appeal.
The song’s success solidified Sara Evans’ position in country music, resonating with audiences who identify with its message of pursuing one’s dreams and embracing the journey toward self-discovery.
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