ROCK MOMENT – REO Speedwagon ‘Time For Me To Fly’
In the early 1970s, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon was still finding his footing as a songwriter. He had joined the Illinois-based band, left for a short while, and then returned, but during those turbulent years he carried with him a song idea that wouldn’t let go. It was called ‘Time for Me to Fly.‘ Inspired by a difficult breakup, the song began as fragments of lyrics and chords scribbled down in his notebook. Cronin knew there was something special there, but it would take him nearly a decade to bring the song to life.
By 1978, REO Speedwagon had earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s hardest-touring rock bands. Their shows were powerful, but the band was searching for a signature sound that would set them apart on record. When Cronin finally completed ‘Time for Me to Fly,‘ it felt like a turning point. With its blend of acoustic guitars, catchy hooks, and deeply personal lyrics, it offered a softer, more melodic side of the band that contrasted with their heavier roots.
Released on the album You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish, the song didn’t become a blockbuster hit right away—it peaked modestly at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100. Still, audiences connected with it. The chorus, about realizing when it’s time to walk away, struck a chord with fans who packed REO’s concerts. It quietly became one of those songs that fans requested over and over, even as bigger hits like ‘Keep on Loving You‘ and ‘Take It on the Run‘ would later dominate the charts.
The story didn’t end there. Decades later, ‘Time for Me to Fly‘ resurfaced in unexpected ways. In 2005, it was featured in the nostalgic roller-skating film Roll Bounce, reminding older fans of its charm. Then, more than forty years after it was written, the song reached an entirely new audience when it appeared in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series Ozark. Streaming numbers spiked as viewers discovered—or rediscovered—the bittersweet anthem.
What began as a slow-burning personal reflection in Cronin’s notebook ultimately became one of REO Speedwagon’s defining songs. ‘Time for Me to Fly‘ is not just a story about heartbreak—it’s about resilience, moving forward, and the timeless power of music to connect across generations.
