John Cale's song "Fighter Pilot" tells the story of a fighter pilot who is continuously losing in war and making mistakes. The lyrics suggest that the pilot's actions are setting a bad example and harming others. The song questions the pilot's choices and asks them to reflect on their life and the well-being of their children. The lyrics also hint at the pilot's struggle with their own actions, asking what they do with themselves at night and when they will ever learn from their mistakes. The summer of thunderstorms symbolizes the turbulent and dangerous environment in which the fighter pilot operates. The chorus mentions the presence of bandits and angels in the sky, indicating the constant threat and danger faced by the pilot. The line "you're going down, Fighter pilot you're never coming in to land" suggests that the pilot's fate may be sealed and they are unable to find a way out of their destructive path. Overall, the song portrays the fighter pilot as a flawed and troubled individual, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on themselves and others.
