“Field of Vision” is the fourth song on Flight b741. It has a classic rock feel with similarities to ZZ Top, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, late ‘60s to early ‘70s Rolling Stones, as well as glam rock bands like T.Rex and Queen (especially with the Brian May-esque harmonized guitar solo).
The lyrics detail life on the road as a touring band much like “Robot Stop” and “Oddlife.” The first verse (sung by Ambrose) paints a picture of pre-show activities before the band is told to head into the “ring” by Jess (referring to tour manager Jess Lewis). Ambrose sings that even after all these years and all of their struggles as a band, they’re still playing. The second verse (sung by Joey and Stu) keep things honest with a reflection on how “something’s gotta give” on these long tours, with the band comparing their conditions to a “horse on Ket” (Ketamine is sometimes used as a horse tranquilizer). The rest of the song is a description of an airplane ride where the band reflects on religion, music and their lives with a simple conclusion: “I’m being a silly billy.”
Outside of the band’s depiction of touring, “Field of Vision” has two connections to “Extinction.” The line “I can see the music” is similar to the chorus lyric “I can see everything, I can be in the music.” The extended version of “Extinction” features the phrase “metal horses on the flight,” which is referenced through the line “fly upon the metal horse.”
The song originated from a guitar riff by Joey, which was then jammed in the studio. However, the song was almost cut as Joey grew to dislike the piece. Stu explained this history as part of a press release. “I remember Joey sending me a voice memo of him playing that main riff on acoustic guitar. From his couch to mine. The arrangement was a bit more complicated originally, I think. Perhaps it was closer to the ‘I lied to god’ bridge that came together in the end. Anyway, I don’t think I really understood it or felt the groove, but once we were recording in the studio with the others, it grooved hard. The verse and chorus changes came together quickly and in real time, and we had a tune on our hands. Joey’s baby, this song. And Joey likes to do it right. Joey called me a couple of weeks after the sessions, saying we gotta cut the track ‘‘cos it’s shit’. What a bummer. And a surprise. Myself and Amby (who loved it) spent the next two days in the studio laying down our vocal parts and overdubs, trying to save it. We dubbed in the guitar-solo-type-section with parts chopped up from outtakes and added a blown out guitar solo. It was a $100 harmony acoustic guitar played through some outboard gear that it was definitely not designed to be used with ha ha. Studios are fun. I hoped he liked it. We printed the tape and sent it to him with a note saying, ‘pleeease man, this has gotta be on the record’. Joey obliged (but not until after he redid all of his parts). Groove restored.”
The song’s instrumental and outro was first heard at 3:38 of ”Oink Oink” Flight b741: The Making Of…, where it soundtracks footage of the band in the studio performing and getting ice cream. The instrumental reappears at 12:18 with more footage of the band playing.
The studio version was performed by Ambrose (harmonica/vocals), Cavs (drums/percussion/vocals) Cook (organ/vocals), Joey (guitar/vocals), Lucas (bass/vocals) and Stu (bass/guitar/vocals). The ASCAP ACE Repertory lists that the entire band received songwriting credits.
“Field of Vision” was released as the third single from Flight b741 on August 6th, 2024. The drop was unannounced and came only three days before the album’s release. The single also included the previously released songs “Hog Calling Contest” and “Le Risque.” “Field of Vision” saw a final release on August 9th, 2024.
“Field of Vision” was first quoted during “Cut Throat Boogie” on 2024-05-18, months before the release of Flight b741. It would make its live debut at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on 2024-08-16, serving as the show’s opener.