Sarah McLachlan
Wind Beneath My Wings
Born from a Nashville legal pad, immortalized by the film Beaches—the secular hymn that celebrates the unsung hero
Quick Facts
- Composer
- Jeff Silbar & Larry Henley
- Written
- 1982 (1988 Bette Midler version)
- Artist
- Roger Whittaker (first recording), Bette Midler (definitive version)
- Genre
- PopPower BalladAdult Contemporary
- Duration
- 4:53
- Best For
- •Mothers and caregivers
- •Best friends
- •Supportive spouses
- •Photo slideshows
The Nashville Origin
The composition was the result of a partnership between Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley. Larry Henley had penned a poem bearing the title "Wind Beneath My Wings" for his ex-wife.
When the duo convened to write a song intended for Bob Seger, Silbar noticed the title on Henley's legal pad and was immediately struck by the imagery—partially due to his personal interest in learning to fly planes at the time.
Unlike their standard procedure, they wrote "Wind Beneath My Wings" linearly, from opening to finale, in a single day. This contributed to the song's narrative fluidity, which mirrors a psychological journey of realization.
The Beaches Phenomenon
The 1988 film Beaches chronicles the decades-spanning friendship between C.C. Bloom (Bette Midler) and Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey). When Midler sings the lyrics, she is narrating the central conflict of the film.
A common misconception: many believe C.C. sings the song at Hillary's funeral. Actually, it functions as non-diegetic score during the emotional climax—a montage depicting Hillary's death and immediate grief.
By placing the song in the background rather than having the character perform it on screen, the filmmakers allowed it to act as the internal monologue of the survivor. This is crucial for funeral adoption—it represents the inner voice of the bereaved.
Why This Song Heals
The song's central thesis is the inversion of the traditional hero narrative. Most tributes celebrate the victor, the leader, the star. "Wind Beneath My Wings" explicitly celebrates the supporter, the "quiet hero."
The opening couplet is an admission of guilt—acknowledging that the survivor's success consumed the attention. The declaration "Did you ever know that you're my hero?" cuts to the core of grief—the regret of unsaid words.
Unlike traditional funeral dirges which utilize minor keys, "Wind Beneath My Wings" is resolutely Major. It does not sound like death; it sounds like gratitude. This sonic profile helps shift the atmosphere from mourning a loss to celebrating a life.
Practical Considerations
Best placements:
- Photo slideshow: The song's length (4-5 minutes) is perfect for a visual montage. The lyrics sync powerfully with imagery of the deceased smiling in happy times
- After the eulogy: Playing it immediately after can serve as a musical summary, especially if the speaker struggles to finish
- Recessional: The "Fly, fly, fly away" coda serves as a literal directive for departure
Choosing a version:
- Bette Midler: The definitive choice for grand tributes or anyone who loved the film
- Gerald & Eddie Levert: Ideal for father/son funerals or services within the Black church tradition
- Instrumental: Ideal for the prelude when lyrics might be too distracting
Key Lyrics & Their Meaning
"It must have been cold there in my shadow, to never have sunlight on your face"
An admission of guilt from the survivor. It acknowledges that their own success consumed the attention, perhaps leaving the deceased in the background—validating sacrifices made by parents or quiet partners.
"You were content to let me shine... you always walked a step behind"
Reframes the deceased's lack of public recognition not as a failure, but as a deliberate, loving choice. It defines their character as selfless and secure.
"Did you ever know that you're my hero?"
The rhetorical question cuts to the core of grief—the regret of unsaid words. By playing it, the survivor attempts to communicate this message across the divide of death.
"I can fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings"
The deceased is not described as "gone" but as an elemental force—invisible yet essential. The survivor acknowledges they are powered by the spirit of the deceased.
Popular Versions
| Artist | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bette Midler | Pop power ballad, dramatic | The definitive choice—grand tributes, large services |
| Gerald & Eddie Levert | R&B/Gospel, dialogue-driven | Father/son funerals, Black church tradition |
| Israel Kamakawiwo'ole | Hawaiian/Acoustic, ethereal | Nature lovers, scattering ceremonies |
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.