O'Donoghue stated the song is for people like single mothers, teachers, and those in poverty who "keep their head held high" despite going through the hardest times.

The song was written by band members and Mark Sheehan along with James Barry. It focuses on the internal strength required to "turn the pain into power".

The lyrics describe how facing life's "kicks and blows" builds a "heart of steel," eventually allowing someone to "learn to fly".